The HerStart International Fellowship 2025 presents an extraordinary opportunity for Canadians eager to gain hands-on professional experience while making a tangible impact on global communities. This prestigious program, fully funded by Youth Challenge International (YCI), allows volunteers to travel to Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda, where they will play a vital role in supporting women’s social entrepreneurship initiatives. By engaging directly with local communities, fellows help foster economic empowerment, gender equality and sustainable development, all while refining their own leadership and cross-cultural skills.
If you have ever envisioned yourself contributing to a meaningful cause while working abroad, this fellowship offers the perfect platform to develop global expertise and make a difference where it matters most.
In an era where women’s economic participation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of sustainable development, the HerStart Innovate the Future program is positioned as a transformative initiative that aims to equip 10,000 women entrepreneurs and local organizations with essential tools, training and support. The fellowship is not merely about professional growth – it is about changing lives by providing underrepresented women with access to entrepreneurial resources. Participants will be involved in designing and implementing impactful projects that address social and economic barriers, ensuring that women-led enterprises can flourish in a competitive environment.
By facilitating knowledge-sharing, mentorship and community-driven innovation, the program creates a ripple effect of empowerment that extends far beyond the fellowship duration.
One of the most compelling aspects of the HerStart International Fellowship is its focus on sustainability and innovation. Unlike conventional development programs that may offer temporary solutions, this initiative is designed to instill long-term economic independence for women entrepreneurs in partner countries. Fellows will have the chance to work on projects that incorporate climate action, digital transformation and financial inclusion, ensuring that these businesses are not only viable but also resilient in the face of global challenges. With the increasing demand for social impact professionals worldwide, participating in this fellowship equips volunteers with the practical experience, problem-solving abilities and cultural intelligence needed to excel in fields such as international development, nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship.
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For many, the opportunity to participate in a fully funded international fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The HerStart program provides a comprehensive benefits package, covering round-trip airfare, visa and health insurance costs, a monthly living stipend and professional development support. This financial support ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their mission of fostering gender equality and economic empowerment without the burden of personal expenses.
Additionally, participants receive specialized pre-departure training, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate new cultural environments effectively. Upon completion of the program, fellows benefit from ongoing mentorship, career guidance and access to a growing network of global change-makers, enhancing their professional trajectory long after their international placement concludes.
By joining the HerStart International Fellowship 2025, participants take a decisive step toward building a career centered around social impact and international development. The experience offers not just professional growth but also deep personal transformation, as fellows immerse themselves in different cultural landscapes, collaborate with inspiring individuals and witness firsthand the power of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic liberation. Whether you are driven by a passion for women’s empowerment, sustainability, or global social change, this fellowship is an opportunity to be part of a larger movement that is reshaping the future of economic inclusion.
If you are ready to embark on a journey that challenges you, enriches your skills and enables you to make a meaningful contribution to the world, the HerStart International Fellowship 2025 is the perfect place to begin.
Degree Level
The HerStart International Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious fellowship-level program offered by Saint Mary’s University, Canada. This fellowship is structured to provide an immersive international experience, combining academic insight, practical application and fieldwork in developing economies.
Fellows gain firsthand exposure to the challenges and opportunities associated with global entrepreneurship, gender equality and sustainable development. Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or young professional, this fellowship can help you develop critical skills and knowledge applicable to careers in international development, nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship.
HerStart Fellowship Roles
The program provides various specialized fellowship roles, allowing participants to align their skills and interests with relevant projects. Applicants can apply for one of the following four positions:
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Program & Partnerships Fellow
- Work closely with local organizations to implement sustainable development projects.
- Assist in building strategic partnerships that enhance the effectiveness of women-led enterprises.
- Develop frameworks for capacity-building and leadership development programs.
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Communications & Marketing Fellow
- Lead content creation and storytelling efforts to promote HerStart’s mission.
- Develop marketing strategies that amplify the visibility of women entrepreneurs.
- Work on social media campaigns, website content and digital outreach.
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Research & Learning Fellow
- Conduct in-depth research to assess the impact and effectiveness of HerStart programs.
- Provide data-driven insights that inform decision-making for program improvements.
- Help develop monitoring and evaluation tools to measure outcomes in social entrepreneurship.
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Social Entrepreneurship Fellow
- Offer mentorship and training to women-led startups and enterprises.
- Provide support in areas like business planning, financial literacy and innovation.
- Work on strategies to enhance economic opportunities for women in partner communities.
Each role provides a unique avenue for professional growth while enabling fellows to contribute to sustainable economic development.
Benefits of the HerStart International Fellowship
The HerStart International Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity that provides a fully funded international experience for Canadian fellows. Participants benefit from:
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Professional Growth & Hands-on Experience
- Engage in real-world international development projects.
- Work on critical global issues such as gender equality, climate action, social innovation and human rights.
- Develop leadership and cross-cultural communication skills.
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Global Networking & Collaboration
- Work alongside local change-makers, nonprofit organizations and international development professionals.
- Establish valuable connections within the global social entrepreneurship ecosystem.
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Fully Funded Support Package
- Round-trip airfare to Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Comprehensive visa support and health insurance coverage.
- Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation, meals and local transportation.
- Pre-departure training to equip fellows with necessary knowledge and skills.
- Post-placement support, including career mentorship and networking opportunities.
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Contribution to Sustainable Development
- Play a key role in empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa.
- Contribute to long-term economic empowerment programs that create lasting social impact.
Through this fellowship, participants gain a deep understanding of global development challenges, while actively working on solutions that empower women entrepreneurs.
Eligible Nationalities
The HerStart International Fellowship 2025 is exclusively available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This ensures that participants have access to comprehensive program benefits while also supporting Canada’s commitment to global sustainable development.
This fellowship is ideal for Canadians who are passionate about international development, social change and cross-cultural collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the HerStart International Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
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Citizenship & Residency
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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Commitment to Social Change
- Demonstrated interest in gender equality, social entrepreneurship and sustainability.
- Passion for creating social impact through community-based projects.
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Relevant Skills & Experience
- Background in entrepreneurship, business development, marketing, research, or nonprofit work.
- Experience in project management, content creation, or strategic partnerships is an asset.
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Availability for Placement
- Willing to commit to a three-month placement in Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Must be open to working in dynamic, cross-cultural environments.
Applicants from various educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as long as they demonstrate a strong commitment to social impact and entrepreneurship.
Application Procedure
The HerStart International Fellowship accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning early applications are strongly encouraged. There are two primary deadlines for applicants depending on their preferred start date:
- February 2, 2025 – Deadline for applicants interested in the May 2025 cohort.
- June 2, 2025 – Deadline for those applying to the September 2025 cohort.
How to Apply?
To begin your HerStart International Fellowship application, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official HerStart Fellowship portal at HerStart Application Portal.
- Complete the online application form, ensuring all personal details, qualifications and experiences are accurately provided.
- Upload necessary documents, including resume, cover letter and references.
- Submit your application before the deadline and wait for further instructions from the selection committee.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview and assessment process, after which final fellows will be chosen for the upcoming cohorts.
The HerStart International Fellowship 2025 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in global social innovation, gain valuable international experience and contribute to sustainable development initiatives.
Whether you are interested in international development, gender equality, social entrepreneurship, or climate action, this fellowship provides a powerful platform to make a meaningful difference.
By joining HerStart, you will:
- Work in high-impact projects that empower women entrepreneurs.
- Gain hands-on professional development in an international setting.
- Expand your network within the global nonprofit sector.
- Experience a fully funded opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to social change and sustainable development while building your professional career.
Apply today!
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