The Australian government recently announced the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early professionals Scheme (MATES), a new visa initiative to attract young Indian graduates and early-career professionals.
This scheme is part of the broader Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) established between Australia and India in May 2023, which seeks to enhance bilateral migration and address skill shortages in Australia.
Overview of MATES
The MATES scheme allows eligible Indian university graduates to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
It is designed specifically for individuals aged 30 or younger who have graduated within the last two years from one of India’s top 100 universities, as ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
The program will officially open for applications in December 2024, with an annual cap of 3,000 visa places available through a pre-application ballot process.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MATES visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Age: Must be aged 30 or younger at the time of application.
- Educational Background: Must have graduated within two years from an eligible educational institution.
- Field of Study: Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields:
- Renewable Energy
- Mining
- Engineering
- Information Communications Technology (ICT)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Agricultural Technology (AgriTech).
- English Proficiency: Must demonstrate proficient English language skills, with an overall IELTS score of at least 6, and no less than 5 in each module.
Importantly, there is no requirement for employer sponsorship, allowing participants to apply directly for the visa.
Benefits of MATES
The MATES scheme offers numerous advantages for both Indian professionals and Australian industries:
- Work Experience: Participants can gain valuable international work experience in their expertise.
- Dependents: Visa holders can bring dependents (spouses and children) with work rights in Australia without counting towards the annual cap.
- Multiple Entries: The visa permits multiple entries into Australia, with holders having 12 months to make their first entry and a total stay of 24 months from that date.
Impact on Australian Industries
This initiative is expected to benefit Australian sectors that are facing skill shortages significantly. MATES aims to fill gaps in the technology, engineering, and renewable energy industries by attracting talented graduates from India.
Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration, emphasized that MATES supports Australia’s migration priorities by bringing in skilled professionals who can contribute to the economy while expanding their career opportunities.
The introduction of the MATES visa represents a strategic move by Australia to strengthen its ties with India while addressing critical workforce needs.
As more Indian students pursue education abroad—over 122,000 are currently enrolled in Australian institutions—the MATES scheme provides a pathway for these graduates to transition from study to work, enhancing their professional profiles and contributing to Australia’s economic growth.
With applications opening soon, this initiative is poised to reshape the landscape of skilled migration between India and Australia.
