| Quick Answer: The Australia MATES visa allows eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years. You must first register for a ballot and be randomly selected before applying for the visa. Selection does not guarantee approval. |
What Is the Australia MATES Visa?
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is part of Australia’s Temporary Work (International Relations) visa, Subclass 403.
It offers eligible Indian graduates and young professionals an opportunity to gain work experience in Australia. Each program year, up to 3,000 primary applicants can be selected through the ballot.
Who Is Eligible for the MATES Visa?
- To register for the ballot, you must:
- Be an Indian citizen with a valid Indian passport.
- Be aged 18–30 when ballot registration opens.
- Hold a valid PAN card.
- Have an email address and an ImmiAccount.
- If selected, you must also meet the visa requirements, including qualification, English language, health insurance and other eligibility criteria.
Which Degrees and Fields Qualify?
Your qualification must be equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher and awarded by an eligible institution listed in the NIRF India Rankings Overall 2024 Top 100.
Your degree must relate to one of these fields:
- Renewable Energy
- Mining
- Engineering
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
You must have graduated within two years before the relevant ballot registration period opens. Check the official rules for the exact qualifying dates. Affiliated colleges not specifically listed may not qualify.
MATES Visa Fees
There are two main fees to consider:
- Ballot registration: AUD 25
- Visa application: From AUD 470 for the main applicant
The ballot fee is non-refundable, even if you are not selected. Additional costs may apply for family members, medical examinations, police certificates and other requirements.
Fees can change, so confirm the current charges on the official government website before paying.
How to Apply for the MATES Visa
The process has two stages: ballot registration and the visa application.
- Check your eligibility. Review your passport, PAN, age, qualification and field of study.
- Register through ImmiAccount. Submit your registration during the official ballot period.
- Pay the AUD 25 fee. Your registration is not complete until payment is received.
- Wait for the result. Selection is random, and registration does not guarantee an invitation.
- Apply for the visa if selected. Follow the instructions in your Notification of Selection letter and submit your application before the stated deadline.
Selected applicants generally have 30 calendar days from selection to submit their application. You must apply from outside Australia and meet all applicable visa requirements.
Is the MATES Ballot Open in 2026?
The previous ballot opened on 1 November 2025 and closed on 14 December 2025. The selection period ran until 30 June 2026.
As of 14 October 2026, check the official ballot page for any announcement about the next round. Do not assume that registration is open until new dates are confirmed.
Official source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-403/mates/ballot-registration/overview
Does the MATES Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
No. The MATES visa is temporary and allows a stay of up to two years. It cannot be extended as a MATES visa, and it does not provide direct permanent residency.
If you want to stay in Australia longer, you will need to explore another visa pathway and meet its requirements.
Final Takeaway
The MATES visa can offer eligible Indian graduates an opportunity to live and work in Australia. Before registering, check your institution, qualification, graduation date and field of study against the official requirements.
Remember, ballot selection is not the same as visa approval. Always confirm the latest eligibility rules, fees and dates with Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
LEAMSS is a private consultancy, not a government authority. No consultant can guarantee ballot selection or visa approval.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Immigration rules, fees and application dates may change. Refer to official government sources before making a decision.
