For Indian university graduates and early-career professionals, the Australian government has started a new initiative. A two-year residential and employment opportunity in Australia, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme, or MATES. This program opens the way for participants to improve their abilities and create an international career.

MATES Scheme: What is it?

This scheme is created specifically for Indian citizens who want to live and work in Australia. India’s university graduates and early-career professionals seeking an opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in their chosen field are especially targeted by the program. 

One of the things that set the scheme apart is that it is open to people looking to launch their careers abroad since it does not need sponsorship by an Australian employer.

For the new professionals in Australia, the initiative offers great advantages:

  1. For up to 24 months, the chosen candidates will get a visa to reside and work in Australia. Since MATES does not need candidates to have a job offer from an Australian company, unlike many other visa programs, no employer sponsorship is needed. Young professionals have more possibility and flexibility to find different employment choices here.
  2. The visa offers several entries into Australia over the 24-month term, hence giving applicants the flexibility to travel.
  3. Dependants will be accepted; participants in the MATES program are invited to apply to bring their dependents (children and spouse). Dependents in Australia will also have permission to work, and more importantly, they will not contribute to the annual limit of 3,000 slots for the program.

Who might apply for MATES?

The MATES program is open to Indian citizens who satisfy these conditions of eligibility.

  1. Candidates should be under 30 at the point of application.
  2. The applicant should have a suitable Bachelor's or better degree from an Indian accredited educational institution and should have graduated within the past two years. This might be related to mining, engineering, renewable energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence, fintech, or agriculture technology.
  3. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, with an overall IELTS score of at least 6 and no less than 5 in any of the four individual components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

MATES opened its doors for applications in late 2024 as a pilot program with 3,000 spots available annually for primary applicants. The selected participants will be given 12 months to make their first entry to Australia. The visa holders can remain in Australia for two years starting from their date of arrival. When this time runs out, applicants may keep staying in Australia by requesting more visas, which might grant permanent or temporary residency based on qualification.

MATES represents an outstanding opportunity for Indian young professionals to gain international work experience, improve their skills, and grow their network in the industries. Above all, this plan is particularly relevant for industries—renewable energy, technology, and engineering—where Australian companies seek qualified workers.

With 3,000 spots available each year, it is really essential to apply early to guarantee your acceptance in this program; applications are now accepted.