Everything You Need to Know About Australia’s MATES Program for Indian Graduates

In November 2024, the Australian government introduced new rules for the Subclass 403 (MATES Stream) visa, aimed at young professionals from overseas. The updated requirements specify that applicants must have qualifications from a list of approved foreign universities and be trained in fields like engineering, technology, and renewable energy. To qualify, applicants also need to meet minimum scores in English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. These changes are intended to make sure that people coming to work in Australia under this visa are skilled and able to communicate effectively in English.

What is Australia’s MATES Scheme for Indian Nationals

Australia has announced the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian nationals. This new initiative allows Indian graduates and early career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

Starting from December 2024, eligible candidates from India’s top universities can register for the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa through a pre-application ballot. Each year, 3,000 temporary visa places will be available, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Participants in the scheme will also have the ability to bring their dependents along.

MATES is poised to further strengthen the strong people-to-people ties between Australia and India, offering Indian nationals the chance to gain valuable work experience in their fields of expertise. Additionally, this initiative will benefit various Australian industries by providing access to highly skilled graduates in sectors such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology.

Must know regulations about Australia’s MATES Scheme

Eligibility for Primary Applicants

To qualify, applicants must:

• Apply from outside Australia,
• Have never previously held a Subclass 403 visa under the MATES stream,
• Hold a valid Indian passport,
• Be aged 18–30,
• Register in a pre-application ballot process,
• Meet specified language requirements and have qualifications related to key industries from recognized institutions.

Eligibility for Secondary Applicants

Secondary applicants (e.g., family members) can apply whether in or outside Australia but cannot be in immigration clearance. They are not required to join the ballot and have unrestricted work rights in Australia.

Visa Conditions

Primary visa holders must adhere to the following conditions:

• Condition 8303: No involvement in disruptive or violent activities.
• Condition 8501: Must maintain health insurance.
• Condition 8516: Must continue meeting the eligibility criteria for the visa. Additional conditions, including Conditions 8301, 8502, 8503, 8525, and 8526, may also be applied as needed

Duration and Availability

Visa holders have 12 months from the visa approval date to enter Australia and can stay up to 24 months from their first entry. The program offers 3,000 spots annually, excluding secondary applicants from the cap.

Registration Fee for MATES Subclass 403 Visa Pre-Application Process

Each registration for the ballot in the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) Subclass 403 visa pre-application process costs $25.

Approved Foreign Educational Institutions

To be eligible for the MATES Stream visa, applicants must have completed their studies at one of the internationally recognized institutions within the past two years from the start of the ballot registration open period. This list predominantly includes well-regarded universities and technical institutes, such as various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and other leading universities across India.

Qualifications for MATES

These degrees must be equivalent to Australia’s AQF standards and awarded by one of the institutions listed above.

• Bachelor Degree
• Bachelor Degree (Honours/ Research)
• Postgraduate Diploma
• Masters (all)
• Doctoral Degree (all)

Minimum English Language Test Scores required for MATES Scheme

For the Subclass 403 visa under the MATES stream, applicants must meet the following language test requirements:

1. The language test must be taken within one year:
   • Before applying for the visa, if test evidence is included with the application.
   • Before the decision on the visa, if test evidence is not included with the application.
2. Test scores (except for OET) must be achieved in a single sitting.

Priority Industries for MATES Scheme

• Renewable energy

• Mining
• Engineering
• Information communications technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Financial technology
• Agricultural technology

Do you qualify for the MATES Scheme 

Ask a MARA Agent 

With only 3,000 spots available each year, Australia’s MATES program for Indian graduates is an exceptional opportunity, made even more competitive by its ballot process. To even qualify for this ballot, candidates must meet specific requirements, including degrees from recognized institutions, minimum English language scores, and relevant experience in fields like IT, engineering, and renewable energy. This selection process highlights the exclusive nature of the program, making it a prime pathway for skilled graduates eager to gain work experience in Australia’s top industries.

Given the complexity and high demand, consulting with a registered MARA agent can be a critical advantage. MARA agents are immigration specialists who understand every detail of the MATES program and can expertly guide you through each stage, from meeting the eligibility requirements to strengthening your application. With their assistance, you can reduce the risk of application errors and maximize your chances of success in this prestigious, highly competitive process.