The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship in Entrepreneurship is an eight-month programme run by the Queen’s University Innovation Centre in Canada for African students and recent graduates. The programme page lists an application deadline of 1 December 2026 for the 2027 cohort. Fellows learn to build ventures through a bootcamp, coaching and mentorship, and the page lists pitch prizes of up to $15,000 CAD.
At a glance
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 (no time zone given on the programme page) |
| Who can apply | African students and recent graduates from any post-secondary institution in Africa, in any discipline |
| Benefit | Bootcamp, coaching, mentorship, Queen’s University micro-credentials, and pitch prizes of up to $15,000 CAD as listed |
| Format | Eight months, from January to August 2027, run by Queen’s University Innovation Centre |
| Cost to apply | No fee listed |
| Official page | queensu.ca |
Who can apply
The programme page sets these criteria for applicants:
- You are an African student or recent graduate of a post-secondary institution in Africa. Any academic discipline is welcome.
- You are committed to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and will use the programme resources and mentorship.
- You can give at least 10 hours per week.
- You can work in English. Content, assignments and pitches are in English. Applicants who are not fluent are encouraged to apply with an English-speaking teammate or with language support from their university.
The programme FAQ adds that applicants from any university across Africa are welcome, and that French-speaking Fellows are matched with a bilingual coach.
What you get
The programme page lists the following:
- A business bootcamp built on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, with pitch coaching and workshops.
- A chance to earn Queen’s University micro-credentials.
- Mentorship, a personal programme coach and access to a global alumni network.
- Financial support, including pitch prizes of up to $15,000 CAD and a stipend for Fellows who reach the Launch phase.
The stipend is described with different figures on different parts of the official site ($500 CAD in one place, USD 350 in another), and the pages do not state it for the 2027 cohort specifically. Check the amount with the organizer before you rely on it.
How to apply
- Read the programme page and the FAQ on the official Queen’s University site.
- Complete the official application form before 1 December 2026.
- Watch for the results. Successful applicants are announced in late December, ahead of a January start.
Programme timeline
- Explore: January to February
- Ignite: March to April
- Launch and Fellowship, including the summer incubation: May to August
- Graduation: August
Advice from the Africapreneurs team
- If you are a student founder or a recent graduate with an idea but no company yet, this programme is built for your stage. The criteria ask for an entrepreneurial mindset and time, not a registered business.
- Block out the 10 hours per week before you apply. It is a stated requirement, and the Launch phase runs through the summer.
- Francophone applicants should read the language note closely. Work is submitted in English, and a bilingual coach is available, so line up an English-speaking teammate or university support early.
- The page also mentions co-founders who are not in the programme, so a team can form around your idea.
- Submit before the deadline day. The page gives no time zone.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply?
No fee is listed. The FAQ says accepted applicants get free access to course content, coaching and micro-credentials.
Do I need to be a Mastercard Foundation Scholar?
No. The FAQ says being a Scholar or not does not affect participation, and applicants from any African university are welcome.
Which language is the programme taught in?
English. Assignments and pitches must be submitted in English, and French-speaking Fellows are matched with a bilingual coach.
When will I hear back?
Successful applicants are announced in late December, before the January start.
