Australia Opens MATES 2025–26 Registrations for Indian Graduates: Eligibility, Process & Benefits Explained

Australia has officially opened registrations for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) for the 2025–26 program year, creating new opportunities for young Indian graduates and early-career professionals seeking global exposure. Managed by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, the MATES ballot began on November 1, 2025, and will remain open until December 14, 2025, with 3,000 visa places available. The initiative aims to support skills exchange, strengthen bilateral ties, and expand professional mobility between India and Australia.

What Is the MATES Visa Scheme?

MATES operates under the Temporary Work (International Relations) Subclass 403 visa, designed to bring skilled early-career professionals to Australia without requiring employer sponsorship. This makes it uniquely accessible for talented individuals who want to gain international work experience in high-growth, innovation-driven industries.

The scheme is a key component of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) signed between India and Australia on May 24, 2023. Apart from creating the MATES pathway, the agreement also allows Indian graduates to extend post-study work rights in Australia for up to eight years, significantly enhancing long-term professional engagement between both nations.

Ballot-Based Registration Process

Since the number of available visas is capped at 3,000, the MATES program uses a random ballot system to ensure equitable access. This system gives all eligible applicants an equal chance, regardless of the timing of their registration.

Key Points About the Ballot:

• Applicants must enter a pre-application ballot before lodging a visa application.
   
• Registration is completed via ImmiAccount, Australia’s official immigration portal.
   
• A non-refundable fee of AU $25 is charged for participation in the ballot.
   
• Selected participants will receive a Notification of Selection email.
   
• Once selected, candidates will have 30 calendar days to submit their full visa application.
   
• Applicants can track their ballot status directly within their ImmiAccount dashboard.

Only individuals chosen in the ballot may proceed with the visa application. Those not selected may reapply in future cycles, subject to program availability.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for MATES 2025–26?

Australia has outlined clear and specific eligibility criteria to ensure that the program attracts highly skilled early-career Indian professionals aligned with national workforce priorities.

1. Age Requirement

• Applicants must be 18–30 years old at the start of the ballot registration period.

2. Nationality

• Only candidates holding a valid Indian passport may participate.

3. Location Condition

• Applicants must be outside Australia:
   
  • When entering the ballot
     
  • When submitting the visa application
     
  • While the visa is being decided

4. Recent Graduation Requirement

• Graduated within the last two years from a Top 100 NIRF-ranked Indian institution.
   
• Must hold an eligible qualification aligned with industry requirements.

5. Industry Focus Areas

Preference is given to applicants with expertise in high-demand, future-focused sectors:

• Renewable Energy
   
• Mining
   
• Engineering
   
• Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
   
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
   
• FinTech
   
• AgriTech

6. English Language Proficiency

• Applicants must meet Australia’s English proficiency standards, which typically involve approved tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

7. Health and Character Checks

• Applicants must pass:
   
  • Health examinations
     
  • Character tests
     
  • National security assessments

8. Additional Conditions

• Must not have previously participated in the MATES scheme.
   
• Must meet Australia’s genuine temporary stay requirements.
   
• Must show evidence of financial self-support.
   
• Must maintain health insurance throughout their stay.
   
• Must not owe any outstanding debt to the Australian Government.
   
• Must not have a history of visa refusal or cancellation.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Once an applicant is selected through the ballot, the next steps involve formally lodging the visa application within the specified timeframe.

Step 1: Receive Notification of Selection

• Selected applicants receive an email confirming lottery selection.

Step 2: Lodge the Visa Application

• Applicants have 30 days from the date of notification to submit the Subclass 403 visa application.
   
• Applications must be completed through ImmiAccount.
   
• The final submission must be made by 11:59 PM AEDT on the last day.

Step 3: Submit Documents & Pay Fees

Required documentation typically includes:

• Passport
   
• Academic transcripts & degree certificates
   
• Proof of English proficiency
   
• Health insurance documents
   
• Financial capability proof
   
• Police clearance certificates
   
• Proof of eligibility based on field of study and institution ranking

The visa fee starts from AU $375, separate from the ballot fee.

Step 4: Await Visa Outcome

• Applicants will receive a written communication about visa approval or refusal.
   
• If refused, reasons will be provided; however, fees are non-refundable.

What the MATES Visa Allows You to Do

Successful applicants enjoy multiple benefits that make this visa one of the most attractive pathways for young Indian talent:

• Live and work in Australia for up to two years
   
• Freely travel in and out of Australia
   
• Bring eligible family members on a temporary basis
   
• Explore different employers and gain sector-specific experience
   
• Build international networks in Australia’s innovation-led industries

The visa is specifically designed to promote professional growth and skill-building while ensuring mutual benefits for both countries.

Why the MATES Program Matters

The MATES scheme plays a central role in supporting:

• Australia’s talent needs in crucial sectors
   
• India’s growing pool of high-quality graduates
   
• Bilateral cooperation in skills, research, and workforce development

By targeting industries such as renewable energy, AI, and advanced engineering, the program aligns with Australia’s long-term economic goals while giving Indian professionals a platform for global career advancement.

The initiative complements existing arrangements like:

• Post-study work extensions for Indian graduates
   
• Research collaborations between Indian and Australian institutions
   
• Professional mobility schemes under the MMPA

Conclusion: A Significant Opportunity for India’s Young Professionals

The opening of MATES 2025–26 marks a major milestone for Indian graduates seeking international exposure in high-demand industries. With a transparent, ballot-based selection system and no employer sponsorship requirement, the scheme offers equitable access to global work opportunities.

Indian graduates who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to gain hands-on experience in Australia’s advanced sectors should register before December 14, 2025 and prepare all necessary documents in advance.