Mates Scheme Australia: Visa program for Indian university graduates and early professionals
Are you planning to or make a bright career in Australia? Then, there is a golden opportunity to get the Australia work permit. Australia offers a post-study work visa exclusively to Indian university graduates and early-career professionals. It has introduced a new and exciting route, under the Mates Scheme Australia. Acronym for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme Subclass 403, MATES visa is a new pathway introduced by Australia.
This Story also Contains
- What Is the Mates Program?
- Who is Eligible for MATES?
- What are the advantages of MATES?
- Eligible Institutes Under MATES Scheme
- How Are Applicants Selected For Mates Visa?
- Registration Process for MATES visa
In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know about this promising new pathway for young talent.
What Is the Mates Program?
Established on May 23, 2023 under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia, MATES promotes and looks after two-way migration and mobility between these two countries, monitoring and eliminating illegal and irregular migration.
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme is a new initiative to bridge the gap between Australia and India, fostering skilled migration and knowledge transfer between the two countries.
Who is Eligible for MATES?
In order to be eligible for MATES program, Indian nationals must meet the following eligibility criteria:
The applicants must be 30 years of age or younger at the time of applying.
The applicant must not have applied to MATES earlier.
Must hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree in one of these study fields that are crucial to Australia’s workforce (renewble energy, mining, engineering, Informations Communication Technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, agricultural technology).
Show proficiency in English language in test like TOEFL(atleast 64), IELTS (atleast overall band score of 6, with not less than 5 in each of the four components), PTE academic (atleast 50).
Have recently graduated within 2 years from a reputed educational institution.
The best part about the MATES program is that it does not require any sponsorship from Australian employer. This makes applying to MATES feasible and accessible for talented Indian students who want to advance their careers independently.
What are the advantages of MATES?
There are several benefits of a MATES visa. Any applicant who gets entry in Australia with MATES are allowed to:
Live and work in Australia up to two years: Applicants who are MATES visa holders are given the opportunity to work in different sectors, across various industries in Australia. This gives them the exposure to enhance their professional skills and build their network.
Bring dependants with them to Australia: Under the MATES visa, visa holders get an opportunity to bring their spouses and dependant children with them to Australia. Additionally, the spouses also get the right to work in Australia.
Annual visa cap: Mates has an annual visa cap of issuing 3,000 temporary visas to Indian university students and early professionals.
Multiple entries: This visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows visa holders to travel freely to and fro Australia within the 2-year period.
No need of sponsorship: MATES candidates can move to Australia for work without the requirement of any sponsorship from employer.
Recommended eBooks
Related eBooks & Sample Papers
Eligible Institutes Under MATES Scheme
Here is a list of some Indian institutes that are eligible for MATES visa program:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Banaras Hindu University
Jamia Millia Islamia
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Aligarh Muslim University
Jadavpur University
Vellore Institute of Technology
How Are Applicants Selected For Mates Visa?
Applicants who apply for MATES visa are selected through the pre-application process of ballot registration. The Ballot selection period opens on January 8, 2025 and closes on 30 May, 2025. The candidates who get selected to work after studying in Australia get notified with a selection letter and an invitation to apply for the visa.
Also read: Australia student visa
Registration Process for MATES visa
To apply for the MATES visa program, applicants need to follow these steps:
Check eligibility: The first step is to check whether you are eligible for the MATES ballot and visa or not. You can check the eligibility on the Australian Home Affairs website.
Register in the ballot: Once you have confirmed your eligibility, check the ballot registration open date an register in the applicable MATES ballot. To do this, register for an ImmiAccount and pay and submit your ballot registration through that. You will then receive a confirmation registration email. The ballot will take place electronically, and random registrants will be selected to apply for a Subclass 403 MATES visa. Those applicants who are not selected in the ballot would not be able to apply for Australia work permit visa.
Lodge visa application: If you have been selected, then you will receive a selection letter notification via email. Make sure you apply for the MATES visa on or before the date mentioned in the mail. You must submit your australia visa application using the link generated in the ballot registration process or through the ImmiAccount. Before submitting the application, ensure that you have attached all the required documents.
After you have applied: After you submit your australia visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will go through your application and let you know if you are selected or not. In case, your visa is granted, you will receive a visa grant notice that will have all the important information about your visa (visa conditions, last date for arrival in Australia, period of stay, and visa expiry date).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much is the Australian mates visa fee?
A:
The MATES working visa australia cost is $365 which is the application fee. Other than this, applicants also need to pay $25 as a pre-application cost for the ballot. These must be paid at the time of visa lodgement. If applicants have dependants in their MATES visa application, then they will also be required to pay additional fees.
Q: Which category is mates visa under?
A:
Under MATES, Indian university graduates and early professionals from India’s top universities get an opportunity to apply for MATES visa program.It allows them to live and work in Australia up to two years.
Q: Who is eligible for the Mates program?
A:
Young Indian university graduates and early professionals are eligible for MATES visa program in Australia. However, there are certain other eligibility criteria as well that an applicant must meet to be eligible for Australian work visa.
Q: Who is eligible for Australian mates visa?
A:
Applicants aged 30 years or below (inclusive) who haven’t been involved in the mates program earlier can apply for Australian mates visa. They must be able to show english proficiency with at least 6 overall band score in IELTS with at least 5 in each of the four components.
Q: What is the mates visa in India?
A:
Talented Indian individuals can live and work in Australia with the MATES visa. Australia offers 3,000 Sub-class 403 MATES stream visas each year.
Articles
Questions related to
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to ?
Hello Aspirant,
SP Jain’s BBA has a reputation for global exposure because students rotate between campuses located in Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney. The campuses are high-quality, and the peer group is diverse -- bringing together students from numerous countries which helps develop a vibrant and competitive crowd. The study abroad experience is generally smooth - Dubai has a cosmopolitan and safe feel, Singapore is similarly safe and very organized, with strict rule and expectations but good for students, while Australia has a more relaxed but multicultural feel. Overall, the program provides a good balance of educational, international exposure, and cultural learning.
Hello ,
As per current trend , The processing time is of 30-56 days that is 1 to 8 weeks , it is faster if your university is under 80% international cap , priority 1 , slower if over 80%
TIPS TO HELP FOR QUICKER PROCESSING
1. Submit a complete and accurate application
2.Apply online via ImmiAccount
3.Lodge your application well in advance
4.Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly
hope this helps
Lodge your application well in advance
Hello,
If you have completed your MD from the Philippines and wish to practice or further study in Australia, you will need to follow the Australian Medical Council (AMC) process. First, verify your degree with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) through EPIC verification. Then, choose the AMC pathway — typically the Standard Pathway (for non-specialists) which involves the AMC MCQ Exam and AMC Clinical Exam, or the Competent Authority Pathway if you qualify. If your aim is postgraduate training, you should also explore specialist medical colleges in Australia for recognition of prior training. Additionally, you will need to meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS or OET. Visa requirements will vary depending on whether you apply for work, training, or further studies. It’s a detailed process, so starting early and following official AMC guidelines is key.
Thank you for your question!
Hello!
So if you are interested India currently and wants to work as a doctor in Australia in future then:
1. Complete MBBS in India from a recognized medical college.
2. Pass the Australian Medical Council exams
First exam is MCQ based and second one is Clinical exam which assesses your practical skills.
3. English Proficiency Test for that you have to clear IELTS.
4. Apply for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
5. Apply for internship or position according to your qualification.
6. Apply for Visa and move to Australia once selected.
Yes, you can get admission in some Australian universities with 59% in 12th grade.Many university offer diploma or foundation courses first. IELTS or PTE is also needed. Choose the right course and apply early. Each university has different rules and regulations,so check before applying.
Applications for Admissions are open.
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
Study in Canada
ApplyExplore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Study in UK
ApplyApply for upcoming intake & plan your journey
Study in USA
ApplyUniversities inviting applications | Get expert guidance
Study in Australia
ApplyShortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance