Hey future change-makers and innovators! 👋 Are you an aspiring entrepreneur from South Africa or anywhere else in Africa, dreaming of building your own successful venture? Then you absolutely need to hear about the incredible **Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Bursary 2026**!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s an 8-month intensive program designed to equip young African students and recent graduates with the entrepreneurial skills, resources, and connections you need to transform your ideas into impactful businesses. Offered virtually by Queen’s University, this fellowship will help you develop an exceptional mindset and skillset to drive both social and financial impact across the continent.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference. Here’s who can apply:
- You must be a student or a recent graduate from *any* academic discipline.
- You must be from *any* post-secondary institution in Africa (yes, that includes South Africa!).
- Whether you’re already working on a business idea or just eager to start something new, you’re welcome to apply.
- The program is delivered virtually, allowing you to complete it at your own pace, but a commitment of at least 10 hours per week is recommended for the best results.
- Assignments and pitches must be completed in English, as the program content is delivered in English.
- If English isn’t your strongest language, don’t worry! You’re still encouraged to apply and can team up with someone who can fulfill the English requirements. Your local university might also be able to offer support.
What Does It Cover?
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is packed with incredible benefits designed to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey:
Best-In-Class Training
- Access to a top-tier business bootcamp led by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders with decades of experience.
- Learn the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework – a proven, step-by-step guide for building scalable startups, developed at MIT.
- Master the art of pitching with expert coaching.
- Participate in live workshops covering essential topics like marketing, goal setting, and recruiting.
- Earn micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University upon successful completion of courses.
Mentorship and Networking
- Connect with mentors and speakers who are leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship in North America.
- Tap into a global network of Queen’s University entrepreneurial alumni.
- Join a vibrant community of thousands of like-minded students and recent graduates from across Africa.
- Get matched with industry leaders and experienced entrepreneurs in the final phase of the program.
- Receive invaluable feedback at crucial startup milestones.
Financial Support
- Up to 60 Fellows in the final phase will receive a stipend of **$500 CAD**.
- Compete for exciting prizes of up to **$15,000 CAD** in the program’s pitch competition.
- Potentially travel to the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre to build lasting connections and further your venture.
How to Apply?
Ready to kickstart your entrepreneurial dream? Here’s what you need to know:
- Applications for the 2026 Fellowship are open now!
- The **closing date for applications is 15 December 2025**, at 12:59 pm ET. Make sure you don’t miss this!
- Successful candidates will be notified by the end of December 2025.
- The program runs from January 2026 to August 2026, structured in three exciting phases: Explore, Ignite, and Launch.
- This application and program are offered completely **free of charge**.
- If you have any questions, you can reach out to: jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca
Ready to apply? Visit the official webpage for more information and to submit your application: Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Official Webpage
If this sounds like the right opportunity to turn your innovative ideas into a reality, don’t wait — apply now and explore even more life-changing bursaries and fellowships on Bursaries Room!