NSW Migrapreneur Fellowship 2026
When you're a migrant, refugee or international student, everything starts from scratch, a new country, new networks, new rules.
And when you decide to launch your business as a migrant, refugee or international student founder, you become something more: a Migrapreneur
Catalysr is on a mission to make that path easier. We help Migrapreneurs build the skills, knowledge and connections needed to start a business in Australia backed by a community of 1,300+ Migrapreneurs across the country, who've faced the same challenges and know how to navigate them.
We have been doing this for the past 10 years. That's the decade long skills and expertise behind this Fellowship: 8-week hybrid program covering the essentials of entrepreneurship in Australia, designed to guide you through your first steps as a founder.
Supported by the Investment NSW Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program, Catalysr is offering two programs:
NSW Migrapreneur Fellowship: an 8-week foundational program for migrapreneurs based in New South Wales, on how to launch and build your startup in Australia. (application open now!)
Accelerate Program: a 12-week growth-focused program for NSW startups demonstrating readiness for scaling and growth. (to be launched later in 2026)
Both programs are fully subsidised, there is no cost to participate. We are going to be hosted by the wonderful team at Haymarket HQ in Sydney for all our in-person sessions
Once you complete the Fellowship you can show your affiliation with Catalysr on your LinkedIn or website.
You'll also be a part of our community for life and can continue to participate in our events (both online & in-person), attend our workshops and access our network of Mentors.
Check out more information about the NSW Migrapreneur Fellowship below
NSW Migrapreneur Fellowship 2026
Weekly Masterclasses 📓
8 x weekly masterclasses on startup fundamentals from our expert mentors, startup ecosystem and industry partners. Our curriculum is based on lean startup methodology, and over 10 years of experience in supporting migrant and refugee entrepreneurs like you.
Join the Migrapreneur community 🤝
Join our Community on whatsapp, Slack and in-person, through events & dinners to collaborate with current fellows and past alumni, mentors, industry professionals and investors.
Hybrid Sessions Across NSW 🌏
Live sessions run every Thursday, from 6pm to 8pm, alternating between in-person evenings at Haymarket HQ in Sydney and online via Zoom. The sessions are also recorded, so founders in regional NSW and those balancing work, study or family can participate fully.
Become a Fellow 🎓
Upon completion of the fellowship you can use the achievement on your LinkedIn or website. Fellows can use Catalysr's brand power to help overcome barriers to employment & business.
Fellows also receive 1:1 coaching to apply learning to their startup and a priority pathway into Accelerate, our 12-week growth program.
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Migrapreneur Led: There must be at least one first-generation migrant or refugee co-founder in your team, who will participate in the fellowship. A first-generation migrant, in this context, is an individual born outside of Australia.
We also take international students/temporary work visas, but you have to ensure that you meet your visa requirements on working hours etc.
In short, permanent residence OR Australian citizenship is not a requirement, but you must be allowed to legally work in Australia.
Idea/Early Stage: You have a business idea that could solve a problem OR you have already started working on a business idea and are still in the very early stages of validation.
NSW based: This Fellowship is open to applicants based in and building a business in New South Wales. Founders from regional NSW and women founders are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Who is a Migrapreneur?
A Migrapreneur is a migrant or refugee entrepreneur.
To be eligible for the program, there must be at least one first-generation migrant or refugee co-founder in your team, who will participate in the pre-accelerator program. A first-generation migrant, in this context, is an individual born outside of Australia.
Permanent residence OR Australian citizenship is not a requirement, but you must be allowed to legally work in Australia.
Can I apply if I’m an international student?Our program accepts international students/temporary work visas, but you have to ensure that you meet your visa requirements on working hours etc.
Do I need to be in Sydney to apply?
No. Some in-person sessions are held at Haymarket HQ in Sydney, but most of the sessions will be available to join virtually via zoom
Our program is open to participants studying, living and working anywhere in NSW, and we actively encourage founders from regional NSW to apply.
Can I be a solo founder? Do I have to have a team?We accept applications from solo founders as well as teams.
What if English is not my first language?We accept applications from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. However, as our program is delivered in English, we can only accept applicants who can understand and communicate in English at a proficient level.
I'm not technical, can I still apply?
Yes! Our curriculum covers no-code and low-code tools (including AI tools) so non-technical founders can build and test their ideas.
What is the cost of participating in the fellowships?
This Fellowship is fully subsidised thanks to the generous support of Investment NSW. There is no cost to participate we ask only for your time and commitment.
How much time does it take?
Around 3–4 hours per week: a 2-hour live session on Thursday evenings, plus short pre-learning and practical exercises, and 1:1 coaching as needed
What happens after the Fellowship?
You become a Catalysr Fellow and part of our alumni community for life. Fellows receive 1:1 coaching after the program as well and a priority pathway into our Accelerate program.
Cost of Attendance
FREE. This fellowship is fully subsidised due to the generous support of Investment NSW and the NSW Government.
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$275 (incl. GST).
This fellowship is highly subsidised due to the generous support of our partners. For those unable to pay, scholarships are available
NSW Migrapreneur Fellowship 2026 The Details👩🏾💻
It is an 8-week program for migrant, refugee, and international students founders - aka Migrapreneurs, based in New South Wales who want to learn about the tech startup ecosystem in Australia and how to launch their own startup.
Throughout the Fellowship you will learn about the basics of starting a business in Australia as well as connect with our network of Alumni, Mentors and Industry Professionals.
Sessions run every Thursday evening (6pm–8pm), mostly virtually on zoom, with a few key sessions in-person at Haymarket HQ, followed by cohort dinners.
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Program Dates: 3rd September - 22nd October 2026
Application Deadline: 20th August, 2026
Decision Notification: Applicants will be advised of the outcome on a rolling basis. Please don't wait for the deadline and apply early to avoid missing out!
Onboarding Session: 3rd September, 6pm, in-person at Haymarket HQ.
Wrap Up Session: 22nd October, 6pm, in-person at Haymarket HQ.