Australia MATES Visa 2026: Eligibility, Requirements & Application Process

MATES stands for Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme, administered by the Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government). It is offered under the Temporary Work (Subclass 403) visa.

Here is why the Australia MATES visa was launched:

• A partnership between India and Australia: The MATES visa was introduced under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) signed by both countries in May 2023.
• To fill skill gaps: The scheme helps skilled Indian graduates work in Australian industries facing talent shortages while strengthening bilateral relations.
• High demand among Indian graduates: The scheme offers 3,000 places every year and does not require employer sponsorship, making it a popular option for eligible applicants.

The Australia MATES visa allows eligible Indian graduates to live and work in Australia for up to two years without employer sponsorship. It also lets you bring your family, travel freely, and get work experience in Australia's fast-growing industries.

Here are the key benefits of the Australia MATES visa:

• No employer sponsorship required: You can apply for the visa without securing a job offer or employer sponsorship in Australia.
• Work in Australia for up to two years: You can live, work, and gain international experience in Australia for 24 months.
• Bring your family: You can include your spouse and dependent children in your application. Your dependents can also work in Australia.
• Family members do not affect your chances: Your dependents are not counted under the annual 3,000 visa places.
• Travel in and out of Australia: You can leave and re-enter Australia multiple times during your visa validity.
• Work in high-demand industries: The visa supports professionals in sectors such as renewable energy, engineering, ICT, AI, fintech, agritech, and mining.
• Build a pathway for future opportunities: While the MATES visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, Australian work experience can help you qualify for other long-term work or PR visa options later.

To apply for the Australia MATES visa, you must be a young Indian graduate from a top-ranked institution with a degree in a targeted field, and you must be selected through the ballot.

Here are the Australia MATES visa eligibility requirements:

• Nationality: You must hold a valid Indian passport.
• Age: You must be 18 to 30 years of age (inclusive) when the ballot registration opens.
• Graduation requirements: You must have completed a Bachelor's degree or higher within two years before the ballot opening date from a Top 100 NIRF Overall Rankings institution in an eligible field such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, or agritech. Affiliated colleges that are not part of the Top 100 list are not eligible.
• English language requirement: You must have an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band, or an equivalent score in an accepted English language test.
• Be selected through the MATES ballot: You cannot apply for the visa directly. You must first register for the ballot and receive an invitation to submit your visa application.
• No previous MATES participation: You must not have participated in the MATES scheme before.
• Financial and other requirements: You must show access to around AUD 5,000/INR 3.3L to support yourself, unless you already have a job offer in Australia. You must also have valid health insurance and clear the required health, character, and police checks.

The main cost of the MATES visa is the visa application charge of AUD 365 (around INR 24,455), paid only if you are selected in the ballot. 

Here is the breakdown of the other costs and additional charges you should budget for:

• Ballot registration fee: AUD 25 (around INR 1,675), paid when you register and non-refundable.
• Primary visa application charge: AUD 365 (around INR 24,455), paid after you are invited to apply.
• Dependent aged 18 and over: AUD 375 (around INR 25,125) for each adult dependent you bring.
• Dependent under 18: AUD 95 (around INR 6,365) for each child dependent.
• Health examination: Paid separately to a panel clinic in India, so budget for medical checks.
• Police clearance: A small fee for your character certificate, required before the grant.

To apply for the Australia MATES visa, you must first register for the annual ballot, receive an invitation, and then submit your visa application within the given timeline. 

Follow these steps to complete the Australia MATES visa application process:

• Step 1: Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the age, graduation, eligible field, and English language requirements before registering. If you do not meet even one eligibility criterion, your ballot registration fee will be wasted.
• Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount: Create a free ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs portal. You will use this account to register for the ballot and submit your visa application if selected.
• Step 3: Register for the ballot: Complete your ballot registration during the registration window and pay the AUD 25/ INR 1,677 registration fee. You can register only once in each program year, so review all your details carefully before submitting.
• Step 4: Check your ballot result: Applicants are selected through a random draw during the program year. If you are selected, you will receive a Notification of Selection by email.
• Step 5: Submit your application: After receiving your invitation, apply for the Subclass 403 MATES visa through your ImmiAccount before the deadline mentioned in your selection letter. Keep your documents like passport, academic transcripts, or proof of funds ready. Pay the AUD 365/INR 24.4K Visa Application Charge. Your application must be submitted while you are outside Australia.
• Step 6: Complete the required checks and travel to Australia: Complete your health examination and police clearance, then wait for your visa grant. Once your visa is approved, you must enter Australia within 12 months of the grant date. After arriving, you can live and work in Australia for up to 24 months.

The Australia MATES visa ballot opens once every year and remains open for about six weeks. Since late registrations are not accepted, it is important to know the key dates and complete your registration within the application window.

Here are the important Australia MATES visa ballot dates and timelines:

• Ballot registration window: The registration period stays open for around six weeks. For the 2026-27 program year, registrations are expected to open tentatively from November to mid-December 2026, based on the previous ballot schedule.
• One registration per program year: You can submit only one ballot registration during the application window. Entries submitted before or after the registration period are not accepted.
• First ballot draw: The Department of Home Affairs starts the random selection process soon after the registration window closes. For the 2025-26 program year, the first draw began on 15 December 2025.
• Selections continue throughout the year: Random ballot draws take place across the program year, so you may receive an invitation in any round, not just the first draw.
• Registration remains valid for the full program year: Once you register, your entry stays active until the end of that program year. For the 2025-26 intake, all registrations remained valid until 30 June 2026.

Note: The registration timeline changes every program year. Always verify the 2026-27 ballot dates on the official Department of Home Affairs website before planning your application.

The Australian MATES visa is different from most work visas because it does not require employer sponsorship and uses a random ballot to select applicants. 

The table below compares the MATES visa with other popular Australian work visas:

The Australian MATES visa is a good fit if you are an Indian graduate from a Top 100 NIRF institution with a degree in an eligible field and want to gain work experience in Australia without employer sponsorship. 

It is best suited for those looking for international exposure, as the visa does not offer a direct pathway to permanent residency and admits only 3,000 applicants each year through a random ballot. If you do not meet the age, degree, or institution requirements, an Australian student visa may be a better option to study and work in Australia.

The Australia MATES visa is a unique opportunity for Indian graduates who want international work experience without first finding an employer in Australia. However, the eligibility criteria are strict, and the ballot system means even eligible applicants are not guaranteed a place. Preparing your documents early and keeping alternative pathways ready can improve your chances of achieving your Australia career goals.

If you are unsure whether the MATES visa is the right option or want to explore student visas, PR pathways, or other work visas, Yocket Premium can help. Our experts offer personalised guidance on visa planning, university applications, and career opportunities in Australia, helping you make informed decisions at every stage.