Australia Opens 3,000 MATES Visa Spots for Young Indian Professionals

Exciting news for Indian professionals who wish to work in Australia. The countru has just rolled out a special visa called the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), offering 3,000 visa places for 2025–26.

Notably, the MATES is part of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa also known as Subclass 403 visa, which is designed to help young foreign professionals to gain experience and build skills in Australia without needing employer sponsorship.

What Is the MATES Scheme?

The MATES visa offers a unique work opportunity for Indian nationals. This program allows young professionals to live and work in Australia for a limited time. The goal is not permanent migration or quickly filling labor shortages.

Instead, it aims to build professional ties between countries. You don’t need an Australian employer to sponsor you, which is a big advantage compared to other visas.

Who Can Apply for MATES?

The MATES program is for who are in early stage of their professional carrier. This means people who have either recently finished university or are still in the early stages of their working life.

Only nationalities from specific countries are eligible, so you need to check if your country is on the approved list.

Some basics you’ll need:

• Finished a recognized university degree (usually within the last few years)
• Good English skills
• Meet any health and character checks set by Australia

The Ballot: How to Get a Spot

Because there aren’t many visas available and demand is high, Australia uses a ballot or lottery system. Here’s how it works:

• First, register for the ballot using your ImmiAccount (Australia’s online visa system).
• Ballot registration opened on November 3, 2025, and closes on December 14, 2025. If you want to try for a spot, make sure you enter during this timeframe.
• There’s a non-refundable registration fee of AUD 25.
• If selected, you’ll get an email letting you know.
• After that, you have 30 days to lodge your actual visa application.

Remember, only the people picked at random in the ballot get to apply for the visa.

What Are the Requirements?

If you’re lucky enough to be chosen in the ballot and want to apply, you should prepare:

• Proof of your university degree
• Documents showing your English language ability
• A passport and identity documents
• Evidence of health insurance

There’s also a set visa application fee (this is on top of the ballot fee).

Process Overview: Step-by-Step

1. Enter the ballot on ImmiAccount and pay AUD 25.
2. Wait for results. If selected, you’ll be notified by email.
3. Apply for the visa within 30 days, uploading all the right documents and paying the main application fee.
4. Wait for processing. If approved, you’ll receive your MATES visa and can start making plans for your Australian work adventure.

In Short

Step	Detail
Program	MATES under Subclass 403 visa
Spots available	3,000 for 2025–26
Registration period	Nov 3 – Dec 14, 2025
Fee	AUD 25
Selection	Random ballot
Visa requirement	No employer sponsorship
Eligible nationality	Indian citizens only

Key Takeaways

• MATES is only for certain young professionals and is not a permanent residence pathway.
• There are just 3,000 places, so competition is stiff.
• The process is strictly controlled through a random ballot to keep things fair.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and act quickly, this could be a simple, unique way to gain work and life experience in Australia without needing employer sponsorship. Just keep in mind that luck is a significant factor because of the lottery system.