What is the MATES Program?
Australia is creating opportunities for greater international collaboration and talent exchange through the launch of The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme or MATES, a new visa pathway under the Subclass 403 visa. This program, created in partnership with Government of India that offers promising opportunities for qualified Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
- 3,000 slots available each year for primary applicants.
- No employer sponsorship is required.
- Dependents, including spouses and children, can also work in Australia and are not included in the 3,000-person limit.
- Eligibility is limited for applicants aged 18 to 30 who have graduated within past two years in one eligible discipline.
Updates for 2025–The Intake & Timelines
Program Year 2025-26
- November 1, 2025, the registrations open and closes at December 1, 2025.
- Once selected in the ballot, applicants will be invited to APPLY FOR THE VISA.
Eligibility & Fields
- Age: 18 – 30 years old when registration opens.
- Recent graduate: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in eligible fields, completed within the last 2 years,
- Targeted fields of study/skills: Renewable Energy, Mining, Engineering, ICT, AI, FinTech, AgriTech.
- English proficiency: IELTS overall 6.0 with (minimum 5.0 per band) or equivalent.
Benefits & Conditions
- Stay and work in Australia for up to 2 years.
- No job offers needed
- Multiple entries allowed
- Can bring spouse and children
Why It Matters for Indian Graduates & Professionals
- Offers work experience in Australia without employer sponsorship
- Builds career profile and can lead to future skilled migration
- Strengthens India-Australia cooperation and opens global career opportunities
