Australia–India Mobility Deal Opens New Career Pathways for Young Indian Professionals
- Media Team
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 24
A Landmark Agreement for Shared Mobility
Australia and India have embarked on a new chapter of cooperation through a Migration and Mobility Partnership that encourages the movement of students, graduates, academic researchers, and professionals. The agreement, first signed in May 2023, is a bold step in strengthening people-to-people ties and helping young Indian professionals gain valuable work experience in Australia.
What is the MATES Scheme?
At the heart of this mobility arrangement lies the MATES programme — the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme. Under this initiative, up to 3,000 places per year are made available under Australia’s Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403).
What is unique?
Selected applicants do not require employer sponsorship. The programme is designed to be accessible and fair: entry is through a ballot, and registration takes place via the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount, with a fee of AUD 25.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for MATES, candidates must meet a set of criteria:
Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
Hold an Indian passport and apply from outside Australia
Have graduated within the past two years from a recognised institution
Hold relevant qualifications in one of the following fields: renewable energy, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, FinTech, or agri-tech
Meet English language requirements and satisfy health, character, and national security checks
Why the Deal Matters
The MATES programme offers a compelling opportunity for young Indian professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years, gaining critical experience in fast-growing sectors.
From Australia’s perspective, this initiative helps meet the demand for skilled talent in industries where domestic supply may not be enough. The scheme also supports genuine skill exchange, strengthening economic and educational collaboration between the two nations.
In addition, the underlying Migration and Mobility Partnership elevates long-term cooperation by making mobility more structured and mutually beneficial.
Understanding the Application Process
The MATES programme involves several stages, including entering the ballot, preparing supporting documents, meeting eligibility requirements, and submitting applications through ImmiAccount. Applicants often need to keep track of timelines, ensure their qualifications align with the targeted fields, and stay updated with official guidance from the Australian Government.
For any questions or to better understand the application process, you can contact Visa Roots for support with the required steps and related enquiries.
Comments