Font size:
Print
Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)
Context:
Australia has come up with a new scheme ( MATES) that allows talented young people from India to work in the country for some time. According to the department of home affairs of Australia, MATES gives Indian university graduates and early career professionals a chance to work in Australia for two years.
What is MATES?
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a new initiative by the Australian government, introduced under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), which was signed between Australia and India on May 23, 2023. The program allows Indian university graduates and early-career professionals to work in Australia for up to two years.
Key Feature of MATES:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality and Age: Open to Indian nationals aged 30 or younger at the time of application.
- First-Time Participation: Applicants should not have previously participated in MATES.
- Language Proficiency: Must have proficient English skills (IELTS score of at least 6 overall, with no less than 5 in each module).
- Recent Graduation: Applicants must have graduated within two years from an eligible institution at the time of application.
- Eligible Degree Fields: Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following areas:
- Renewable Energy, Mining, Engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech) & Agricultural Technology (AgriTech).
- Eligible Institutions: Graduates from India’s top 100 universities (as per NIRF 2024 rankings) qualify.
- No Employer Sponsorship Requirement: Unlike some work visa categories, MATES does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer.
- Pilot Program Capacity: MATES will operate initially as a pilot program with an annual cap of 3,000 places for primary applicants.
Advantages of the Scheme:
- Work Experience: MATES allows young Indian professionals to gain international work experience, potentially expanding their skills and networks in key industries.
- Flexible Employment: While participants are encouraged to work in their field of study, they are not strictly required to do so.
- Dependents: Participants can bring their spouse and dependent children, who will also have work rights in Australia. Dependents do not count towards the annual cap.
Duration of Stay:
- Initial Entry: Visa holders have 12 months to enter Australia from the date of visa approval.
- Stay Duration: They can stay for 24 months from the date of first entry, with multiple entries allowed.
- Extension Options: Participants can apply for other visas (temporary or permanent) to extend their stay, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Application Process and Ballot System:
- Visa Granting Process: Visa applications will be processed through a ballot system, randomly selecting individuals to apply.
- Post-Ballot Process: Selected candidates will proceed with further visa formalities.
Most important international mobility initiatives by India
- Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) – UK: Allows Indian professionals (18–30 years) with a degree to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Annual cap: 3,000 slots, lottery-based selection.
- Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) – France: Facilitates Indian students, researchers, and professionals for education, work, and long-term residency in France.
- Indo-German Skilled Workforce Partnership: Offers German-style vocational training in manufacturing and engineering, with work opportunities in German firms and internationally recognized certification.
- Global Talent Pool Program – Canada: Provides fast-track visas for Indian IT and tech professionals and offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
