Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027: Nigerians Can Apply (Fully Virtual, Up to CAD 15,000 in Prizes)

If you are a Nigerian student or recent graduate with a business idea, this is one to look at. The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2027 is a free, fully virtual programme from Queen's University in Canada. It is open to African students and recent graduates, and yes, Nigerians are eligible.

Can Nigerians Apply?

Yes. The programme welcomes students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and any post-secondary institution in Africa. Nigeria is in Africa, so students and recent graduates of Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education can apply. You do not need to attend a Mastercard Foundation Scholars partner university to take part. 

What Is the Fellowship About?

The fellowship is run by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen's University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It gives African students and recent graduates training, resources, financial support and a mentor network to start building their own venture over 8 months. 

Benefits include:

-Business training from Queen's faculty and industry leaders, using the MIT-developed Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework

-Pitch coaching and live workshops on marketing, goal setting and recruiting

-Mentorship from entrepreneurs and access to Queen's global alumni network

-Free Queen's University micro-credentials (digital badges and certificates) for completing courses

-A stipend of CAD 500 for up to 60 Fellows selected for the final phase

-Pitch competition prizes of up to CAD 15,000. Past winners include a 2026 Ugandan poultry founder who won USD 7,000.

How the Programme Works

•It is online and self-paced, but you must meet assignment deadlines to move to the next phase.

•Explore (January–February): Over 1,000 candidates take curated online courses, interview potential customers and validate their problem.

•Ignite (March–April): About 180 finalists build a business model and prototype, then pitch for a place in the fellowship.

•Launch (May–August): Up to 60 Fellows join the summer incubation programme with coaches, mentors and seed funding opportunities.

•Graduate (August): Fellows complete the programme and get ongoing alumni support.

Who Should Apply?

You should apply if you are:

-An African student or recent graduate from any discipline and any post-secondary institution

-Ready to commit at least 10 hours a week

-Interested in building a business, whether you already have one or are just exploring an idea

-Language: Content, assignments and pitches are in English. Applicants who are not fluent in English can still apply by teaming up with someone who meets the English requirement or by getting language support.  

Application Deadline

December 1, 2026. Results are announced in late December, and the next cohort starts in January. Don't wait for the last day, because portals get busy.  

How to Apply

👉 Apply here https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2skpzGTY6MedJJk

Official programme page: queensu.ca/innovationcentre

Read the FAQ page before you start. For questions, email jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca.

Beware of Scams

No application fee is listed. Apply only through Queen's University's official pages. Queen's has also published a fraud alert targeting international students, so read it before sharing any personal information.  

Tips for a Strong Application

-Describe a real problem you have seen in your community, and who it affects.

-Show that you are committed. Mention steps you have already taken, such as talking to customers or testing an idea.

-Write clear, simple English and proofread before you submit.

-Apply early so you have time to fix any issues.

The fellowship is free, it is virtual, and it is open to Nigerians. For a student or young entrepreneur with an idea, that is a rare combination. Apply before December 1, 2026.

📌 Don't Miss the Next Opportunity

New grants, fellowships and scholarships open every week, and many close fast. Bookmark ganariousblog.com and check back every week for verified opportunities and entrepreneurship tips for Nigerians and Africans. Know someone with a business idea? Share this post on WhatsApp and tell them to apply. Drop a comment below if you apply, and tell us which opportunities you want covered next.