About Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship 2026

The Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship 2026 on Entrepreneurship gives African students and recent graduates the opportunity to access training, resources, financial support and a network of mentors to develop their entrepreneurial skills and start building their own venture.

The 8-month program develops the exceptional entrepreneurial skillset and mindset of leaders to drive social and financial impact.

Summary of the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

• Type: Fellowship
• Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
• Duration: 8 months
• Eligible Countries: African Countries
• Benefits: Opportunities to pitch for prizes, Best in Class Training, Mentorship and Networking, Financial Support and Opportunities and lots more
• Deadline: December 15, 2025

Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship 2026

• We accept students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines, and from any African post-secondary institution. Whether you are already working on a business or you are looking to start something new, we can help you.
• We are looking for participants who are committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset and taking advantage of the resources provided to develop their own enterprise.
• The program is delivered virtually and can be completed at any pace, however the most committed participants will commit at least 10 hours per week. In order to progress through the program phases, participants will submit assignments online, adhering to strict deadlines.
• The program content is delivered in English. Mentorship may be offered in English and French.
• Assignments and pitches must be completed in English. Prospective fellows who are unable to speak or write English are still encouraged to apply and form teams with someone who can fulfill all the requirements of the program in English.
• Prospective fellows may also work with their local university to come up with a strategy to make sure they are able to access university resources that will help them navigate the challenge related to language ability.

Benefits of the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

The Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship 2026 provide participants who demonstrate a willingness to learn, take risks, and commit themselves fully with the best that the innovation centre has to offer.

• Best in Class Training
• Mentorship and Networking
• Financial Support and Opportunities
• Up to 60 Fellows will be selected in the final phase to receive a stipend of $500 CAD
• Opportunities to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the pitch competition at the end of the program
• Opportunities to travel to the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre to build lasting connections that will help your further your business venture.

Program Timelines for the 2026 Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

Phase 1: Explore (January-February)

• 1000+ exceptional candidates receive access to a curated list of online entrepreneurship courses and work through the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework workbook.
• Candidates have several months to demonstrate their commitment to the entrepreneurial process by completing the training and progressing on their ideas’ respective milestones.

Guiding Questions:

• Who is my customer?
• What can I do for them?

Milestones:

• Make observations through interviews or some other means
• Clearly define and validate the problem you are solving by speaking to end users
• Validate or invalidate key assumptions which are the basis of creating the solution you want to work on
• Ideate – generate solutions to the problem you are solving
• Create a journey map of your end users’ experience using your solution

Phase 2: Ignite (March-April)

• 180+ finalists with an outstanding commitment to the entrepreneurship process, who will have excelled at the milestones set out in phase one will be selected to join this phase.
• Under this phase, they will continue to go through an additional curated list of additional online entrepreneurship courses and work through the remaining steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework’s workbook.
• At the end of this phase, the participants will pitch their ideas, competing for the fellowship, and the most advanced and promising business ideas will become the finalists who receive the fellowship.

Guiding Questions:

• How does your end user acquire your solution? 
• How will this be funded or become financially sustainable?

Milestones:

• Develop channels to market and reach out to any necessary partners
• Create a business model or a plan for funding your solution
• Prototype your solution in the simplest way possible that still allows you to generate meaningful feedback from end users
• Validate all critical assumptions by creating experiments and test your solution using your prototype

Phase 3: Launch and Fellowship (May-August)

• Up to 60 Fellows will be selected to join DDQIC’s summer incubation program.
• During this phase, Fellows will get the opportunity to work on their ideas, access seed funding, and participate in weekly 3-2-1 pitch presentations about the work they are doing as they transform their ideas into scalable startups.
• In addition, Fellows will receive a $500 stipend and dedicated coaches and mentors from DDQIC’s Global Network of industry experts and entrepreneurs.
• Fellows will have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for more seed funding at the end of the program.

Guiding Questions:

• How do you execute your solution? 
• How can you scale it?

Milestones:

• Pilot your solution in a more real life scenario
• Generate expressions of interest, end users, or customers
• Create a plan to scale

Graduation (August)

• Startup entrepreneurs (Fellows) will complete their incubation program at the end of August.
• After graduation, Fellows will continue to receive post-incubation services, support, and pitch competition opportunities as part of DDQIC’s network.
• High-performing Fellows will be invited to participate as ambassadors and mentors for future Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowships as well.

Successful Jim Leech Mastercard Fellowship 2026 candidates will be notified of our decision by the end of December 2025.

Phase 1 – Explore Entrepreneurship January 2026 – February 2026

Phase 2 – Ignite Entrepreneurship March 2026 – April 2026

Phase 3 – Launch Entrepreneurship May 2026 – August 2026

Please note that this application and program is offered at no cost. All official communications will be sent from jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca.

If you have any questions, please contact jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca.

Deadline: December 15, 2025

Apply Here 

THE BANK:

University of Helsinki Scholarship 2026 for International Students: Are you dreaming studies in Finland? Applications are invited to apply for University of  Helsinki Scholarship 2026 in Finland. All International Students are eligible for this scholarship. Students can pursue their Masters Degree Programs with scholarship from Finland. The opportunity is out there for those International students need to finish their master studies at Republic of Finland.

Established in 1640, the University of Republic of Finland is that the oldest and largest university in Finland with the widest range of disciplines obtainable. It offers several degree level courses for its candidates.

Why at the University of Helsinki? At this university, students can get Associate in ennobling study surroundings and full support from their schools in their career goals. they’re going to expertise the world-famous Finnish  education system.

University of Helsinki Scholarship 2026 Details:

Financial Benefits:

University of Helsinki Scholarship 2026 in Finland will cover 50% or 100% of the tuition fee ranges between 13000 to 18000 euros.

Documents Required:

Eligibility Criteria:

Applications Deadline:

The last date to apply for University of Helsinki Scholarship 2026 in Finland is 16th January 2026.

How to Apply for University of Helsinki Scholarship?

For taking this grant, participants got to take admission in a very master’s degree course at the university. After that applicants can apply for scholarships program. Also the Official Advertisement link is given below:

Official Link

Are you a young graduate or graduate student looking to kickstart your career in education, science, or culture? If so, then UNESCO Graduate Internship Program 2026 is the perfect opportunity for you. These internships offer valuable work experience in one of UNESCO’s priority areas, allowing you to enhance your academic knowledge and prepare for your future career.

UNESCO, short for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is an international organization founded on the principles of partnership and career development. It focuses on promoting peace, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, science, culture, and communication. UNESCO offers various programs and initiatives to advance its mandate and achieve its goals.

UNESCO Graduate Internship Program 2026 Details:

Internship Value

Participating in the UNESCO Graduate Internship Program 2026 offers numerous benefits for young graduates and graduate students. Some of the key advantages include:

• Practical Work Experience: Interns have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
• Understanding of UNESCO’s Mandate: By working in one of UNESCO’s priority areas, interns gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s mandate, programs, and main thrusts.
• Networking Opportunities: Interns have the chance to connect with professionals in their respective fields, building valuable networks for future career opportunities.
• Enhanced Skills: Through their internship assignments, interns develop and refine various skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management.
• International Exposure: Interning at UNESCO provides exposure to an international working environment, fostering cultural understanding and global perspectives.

Eligibility Criteria for UNESCO Graduate Internships

To be considered for the UNESCO Graduate Internship Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Age: Individuals applying must be a minimum of 20 years of age.
• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
  • Presently matriculated in a graduate program (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher).
• Language Skills: Applicants should have an excellent command of either English or French, both written and spoken. A working knowledge of the other language is considered an asset and may be required for certain internships.
• Computer Skills: Interns should have an excellent knowledge of computer systems and office-related software.
• Team Player: The ability to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment is essential.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities are greatly appreciated.

Internship Duration and Locations

The duration of the UNESCO Graduate Internship Program varies from 2 to 6 months, depending on the specific internship assignment. Interns are typically assigned to work in one of UNESCO’s priority areas, which include education, science, culture, and communication. The locations of the internships may vary, providing interns with opportunities to experience different cultures and environments.

Last Date to Apply:

There is no specific deadline for the internship program. Candidates may apply anytime for this internship.

How to Apply for UNESCO Graduate Internships 2026?

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the UNESCO Graduate Internship Program and are interested in applying, follow these steps:

• Visit the official UNESCO website and navigate to the internship program page.
• Fill out the online application form, providing all the necessary information.
• Be prepared to obtain any necessary visas and arrange and finance your travel to the internship location.
• Show proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in the country where the internship will be undertaken. UNESCO offers insurance coverage with a maximum limit of USD 30,000.
• Prepare a medical certificate, as well as relevant ID, certificate of enrollment, or diploma.
• Submit your application within the specified deadline.