MATES Providing Opportunity for Indian Graduates to Live and Work in Australia

MATES Visa Program: Enhancing Career Prospects for Indian Students in Australia

Australia has become an increasingly popular destination for students and professionals over the past decade, offering high-quality education, post-study work opportunities, a multicultural environment, and affordable education with scholarship options. According to data shared by the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 120,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Australia. Many Indian students hope to transition from study visas to work visas after completing their education and numerous Indian graduates are eager to work in Australia to enhance their professional profiles.

The number of Indian students in Australia increased slightly from 115,094 in 2019 to 115,137 in 2020. However, the impact of Covid restrictions caused a decline, with numbers dropping to 97,613 in 2021 and 96,000 in 2022. After the lifting of these restrictions, there was a noticeable rebound, with Indian student enrollment jumping to 124,829 in 2023. As of 2024, the figures indicate a strong recovery, with around 122,202 students now studying in Australia.

In light of the growing interest from Indian students and the rising numbers of migrations, Australia and India are strengthening their ties through the new Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES), set to be introduced in late 2024. On May 23, 2023, and the two countries have also established an arrangement (MMPA). MATES serves as the cornerstone of this partnership, aimed at advancing migration priorities by attracting some of India’s most talented graduates who possess in-demand knowledge and skills.

Under the MATES initiative, graduates and early-career professionals from India’s top universities will have the opportunity to apply for a visa under the Temporary Work (International Relations) scheme. This visa will allow them to live and work in Australia for up to two years. However, participants in the MATES scheme will be limited to one application and will not be able to participate more than once.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be aged 30 or younger at the time of application. Individuals who have previously participated in the MATES program will not be eligible to apply again. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through an overall IELTS score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 in each of the four sections. Additionally, candidates should have graduated from an eligible educational institution within the last two years. Lastly, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields: renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech), or agricultural technology (AgriTech). This targeted approach aims to attract talented professionals in key industries to contribute to Australia's workforce.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration in the Government of Australia, stated that MATES is mutually beneficial for both countries. He emphasized that the program enables young Indian professionals with the right qualifications to utilize and enhance their skills and experience in relevant Australian industries.

Australia will allocate 3,000 temporary visa places annually through a pre-application ballot process for the MATES program. This method aims to provide a fair, streamlined, and transparent way to select participants. Eligible fields of study include renewable energy, mining, engineering, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology. MATES participants will also have the opportunity to bring family members with them, and these dependents will have work rights in Australia but will not count toward the annual cap.

Editor’s Note:

The MATES scheme, part of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership, is an important development in strengthening relations between the two countries. It offers young Indian professionals a chance to work in Australia, meeting the demand for skilled workers in key industries. By focusing on specific fields of study and allowing dependents to join, MATES enhances opportunities for Indian graduates while enriching Australia’s workforce. As Australia is providing 3000 temporary visa places through a pre-application ballot process it will streamline the process of selection.

 Skoobuzz encourages Indian students to take advantage of the opportunity to live and work in Australia.