A comprehensive guide on the MATES Visa in Australia for international professionals

The Australian government grants up to 3,000 Subclass 403 MATES visas every year to Indian nationals. (Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-403/mates#)  MATES is the acronym for Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme. Launched by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, it is an initiative by the government to allow temporary mobility or 

movement for Indian graduates and early-career professionals to work in Australia for up to two years after completing their study-abroad courses. 

Why Australia MATES Visa?  

The MATES visa is the result of a partnership recently signed between India and Australia. The pilot program is specifically designed for Indian graduates and young professionals in the early stages of their careers. This is why it is helpful for Indian nationals to apply for Australia MATES:

  • It is an opportunity for graduates from universities and early-career professionals in India to obtain work experience in Australia. International professional experience offers wide exposure and boosts further career prospects.

  • The Australian government is targeting the issuance of 3,000 temporary visas annually to young and skilled Indian professionals. It is helpful for Indians to avail of this exclusive opportunity.    

  • The program allows temporary migration for Indian graduates and professionals to Australia without sponsorship. This makes migration easier for Indian nationals.

  • Indians can live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. This allows them to gain valuable professional experience in the country and even consider permanent settlement ahead.

What is Australia Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES)?

The Australia MATES scheme is a part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia. The two countries entered into this arrangement on 23 May 2023 (Related Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-subsite/files/mates-fact-sheet.pdf). The MATES visa scheme under the MMPA allows for temporary migration of university graduates and early-career young and skilled professionals from India to Australia for up to 2 years. The scheme aims to enable easy mobility of Indian nationals to Australia without sponsorship for a defined period. 

Who is eligible to apply for an Australia MATES visa?

The MATES visa scheme is eligible for Indian nationals who meet the following defined criteria:

  • Can demonstrate proficiency in the English language with the desired IELTS overall score of at least 6.0 and a minimum of 5.0 in each of the 4 parts of the test

  • Are 30 years or younger at the time of MATES application

  • Graduate with at least a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any one of the following disciplines:

    • Information Communications Technology (ICT)

    • Renewable Energy

    • Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)

    • Mining

    • Financial Technology (FinTech)

    • Engineering 

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • The applicant must not have previously participated in the MATES scheme

  • Must have graduated from an eligible university or educational institution within 2 years at the time of application

Related Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-subsite/files/mates-fact-sheet.pdf

What are the Benefits of MATES Visa for Australia? 

Some of the top benefits of the MATES visa scheme for Indian graduates and early-career professionals are:

  • Multiple entries allowed: The Australia MATES visa is a multiple-entry scheme allowing applicants to freely travel to and from Australia during the two-year period. 

  • Yearly issuance: Under the MATES scheme, the Australian government targets issuing 3,000 temporary visas to Indian nationals. This is an annual cap set by the country for Indians. 

  • No-sponsorship required: Under the MATES scheme, Indian applicants can migrate to Australia for work for a period of 2 years without needing an employer sponsorship or study scholarship.

  • Work experience in Australia: Candidates gain the exclusive opportunity to obtain valuable professional experience in Australia that provides global exposure and enhanced career prospects.

  • Permission to stay in Australia for 2 years: Applicants under the MATES scheme can live and work in Australia for a maximum of 2 years. 

The Ballot System: Important Steps to Get the MATES Visa

Eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals interested in applying for the MATES visa are required to register on the ballot. The MATES pre-application ballot system is designed to enable equal access to eligible Indian candidates to the MATES scheme. The ballot system ensures transparency and fairness as it selects people at random for the MATES application.

The primary applicants randomly selected through the MATES ballot system are then eligible to apply. The Australian government targets allotting 3,000 temporary seats per year to applicants under the program. These applicants are also allowed to take their dependent family members. However, these dependents are not counted under the 3,000 allotted places.      

How to Register for the Ballot?

Before you can apply for the Australia MATES visa, you need to register for the ballot. Below are the important steps for registration:

  • Check your eligibility for the MATES registration (stated in the earlier section). Also, make sure that you have a valid Indian passport.

  • Create the Immi Account online on the official portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. You can register for the ballot through this account.

  • Complete the application for the MATES ballot by filling in the required details.

  • Ready all necessary supporting documents to be submitted for registration.

  • Submit the completed registration form and pay the ballot registration fee online.

Disclaimer: Submitting the registration application and paying the ballot fee does not guarantee selection for the MATES application.

Note: IDP Education Consultants can help you with all the required support and assistance in registering for the ballot.

Important Dates

The opening date of the MATES visa and the very first ballot registrations is expected to be sometime in December 2024. The exact opening date is likely to be announced by the Department of Home Affairs soon on its official portal.

Related Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-403/mates/ballot-registration/overview

FAQs on MATES Visa in Australia

1. Which country is the best for MS in Cloud Computing?

Several top countries abroad offer MS courses in Cloud Computing to international students. Some of the best ones worth considering are:

  • The USA

  • The UK

  • Ireland

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

2. Is MS in Cloud Computing worth it?

Absolutely! The demand for professionals with technical expertise in Cloud Computing is on the rise. An MS degree in Cloud Computing can help prepare you for a lucrative career in IT with a high pay scale.

3. Is it easy to get a job in Cloud Computing?

Considering the high demand for IT professionals with knowledge of Cloud Computing and the tough competition in the industry, it can be a bit challenging to enter the domain. Nonetheless, there is a high demand for skilled professionals, and with the right qualifications, the chances of landing a well-paying job are rather high.

4. Does the Cloud require coding?

Yes, coding is very much an integral part of Cloud Computing.

5. Will Cloud Computing be replaced by AI?

AI is unlikely to replace Cloud Computing soon. The two technologies however complement each other, thereby improving efficiency and performance in several industries.

6. What are the four types of Cloud Computing?

There are 4 key types of Cloud Computing:

  • Private Cloud

  • Public Cloud

  • Multi-Cloud

  • Hybrid Cloud

Updated on 4 February, 2025