What is the MATES Program?
The MATES program, officially the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme under the Subclass 403 visa – is a joint initiative between the governments of Australia and India, designed to allow eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
Key features:
- Up to 3,000 places annually for primary applicants.
- No employer sponsorship required.
- Applicants can bring dependents (spouse / children) who can also work in Australia; dependents are not counted towards the 3,000 cap.
- Targeted fields of study/skills: renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, AgriTech.
What’s New & Key Updates for 2025?
First Intake & Timelines
- For the program year 2025-26, registrations open 1 November 2025 and close 14 December 2025.
- Once selected in the ballot, applicants will be invited to apply for the visa.
Eligibility & Fields
- Age: Be aged 18 to 30 years (Inclusive) at the beginning of the ballot registration open period.
- Recent graduate: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in one of the eligible target fields, within 2 years of ballot registration open period from an eligible educational institution.
- English proficiency: competent.
Benefits & Conditions
- Duration: Stay in Australia for up to 24 months (2 years) after first entry.
- Multiple entries allowed.
- No job offer required. You can work in Australia, potentially in any field (though subject to visa conditions) while you gain experience.
- Opportunity to bring family members (spouse / dependent children).
