Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC), Queen's University · Queen's University
Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship at Queen's University
- Deadline
- 20 days left
- Funding
- Fully funded · 500 CAD
- Country
- Canada
- Language
- English, French
This eight-month virtual program is for African students and recent graduates with an entrepreneurial idea, across all disciplines. It provides a 500 CAD living allowance, pitch competition prizes of up to 15,000 CAD, access to seed funding, micro-credentials, and mentoring. Applications are submitted on Queen’s University’s page by December 1, 2026.
Verified on 3 November 2026
This eight-month virtual program supports African students and recent graduates in developing entrepreneurial ventures through mentorship, micro-credentials, seed funding, and pitch competition prizes, with an application deadline set for December 1, 2026. Applications close on 1 December 2026, that is in 20 days.
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Conditions
Blocking requirements
Diplôme requis : Étudiants et récents diplômés de tout établissement post-secondaire en Afrique, toutes disciplines
Tous niveaux et disciplines
“We welcome students and recent graduates from all academic disciplines and any post-secondary institution in Africa”
Public éligible
“For African students and recent graduates who want to solve pressing problems and bring entrepreneurial ideas to life.”
Programme entièrement virtuel
“The program is fully virtual and can be completed at your own pace over the 8-month program cycle”
Engagement horaire minimum
“Willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to their entrepreneurial journey”
Langue des livrables
“Assignments and pitches must be completed in English”
To be confirmed
Résultats annoncés
Drawn from the published conditions, to be confirmed with the organiser.
Phase et durée
“the 8-month program develops the exceptional entrepreneurial skillset and mindset of leaders”
Limite du nombre de Fellows
“Up to 60 Fellows will be selected in the final phase to receive a stipend of $500 CAD”
Retour des anciens participants
Drawn from the published conditions, to be confirmed with the organiser.
Inscription pour notification
“Sign up to be notified when applications launch!”
Watch points
Incohérence sur le montant de la prestation
“Up to 60 Fellows will be selected in the final phase to receive a stipend of $500 CAD”
Dr Kafoutchoni’s reading
The key word here is « seed funding »: it is not a stand-alone payout, but start-up capital tied to DDQIC procedures and the viability of the project. For a Francophone applicant, the real test is not the idea alone, but the ability to present and execute it in English, with at least 10 hours per week truly available. The right sequence is to prepare a short pitch, evidence that the problem has been validated, and a realistic work schedule. Start by drafting your pitch in English and your time plan before opening the application.
Dr Medard Kafoutchoni · PhD in Genetics & Bioinformatics · Scholarship Strategist.
Deadlines
Deadline: Open2026-2027
What is actually funded
- Living stipend500 CAD
- Prix du concours de pitchOpportunités de gagner des prix allant jusqu'à 15 000 CAD lors de la compétition finale
- Seed fundingAccès à un financement d'amorçage décrit dans les procédures DDQIC, versé en deux ou plusieurs versements selon les instructions DDQIC
- Micro-credentials / certificatsPossibilité d'obtenir des micro-certificats en entrepreneuriat délivrés par Queen's University
- Mentorat et coachingAccès à coachs et mentors du réseau mondial de DDQIC
Countries covered
Students and recent graduates from post-secondary institutions in Africa may apply, across all disciplines. The program requires at least 10 hours per week and English-language assignments and pitches. Final selection is capped at 60 Fellows.
Application pathway
A short path from reading the brief to submitting a properly prepared application.
Check the conditions
Read the exclusions and blocking requirements before investing time in the application.
Prepare the documents
Gather the documents below and confirm what the programme actually requests.
Submit on the official site
Use the official application link and respect the deadline for the relevant cycle.
Track the cycle
Keep proof of submission and watch for follow-up requests from the provider.
Documents to prepare or confirm
This list helps you prepare; it does not replace the programme’s official checklist.
- Identity document or passport
- Degrees, transcripts and academic records
- CV or academic and professional background
- Motivation statement, project or written responses
- Language proof, if requested
Fit with your profile
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Automatic reading of the published criteria. The official source prevails. Edit my profile
What we verified
Each statement below was checked against the official source on the date shown.
Le montant de la prestation unique pour les Fellows est contradictoire entre sections : $500 CAD (page principale) vs USD 350 (Phase 3)
Method: Comparaison du texte principal de la page programme et de la section détaillée de la Phase 3 · 3 November 2026
Date limite de candidature indiquée sur pages liées : 1er décembre 2026
Method: Lecture du complément de la page et des sous-pages listant 'Apply By December 1, 2026' · 3 November 2026
See the sources
- Page officielle du programme (queensu.ca)Primary source
A demanding application
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These briefs are drawn from official sources on the date shown. Programmes change their rules without notice: always check the provider’s own site before applying.