What is MATES Migration Scheme?

About MATES Migration Scheme:

• On May 23, 2023, Australia and India entered into a Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA). 
• The MMPA is a bilateral framework that supports and promotes two-way migration and mobility between our two countries while addressing issues pertaining to illegal and irregular migration. 
• The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme, or ‘MATES’, is a new scheme established under the MMPA to enable the temporary mobility of Indian university graduates and early career professionals. 
• MATES aims to encourage mutually beneficial skills and knowledge transfer between Australia and India.
• Under the scheme, Indian graduates and early career professionals (aged 18 to 30 years) with knowledge and skills in targeted fields of study will be offered a new temporary mobility pathway, to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
• Eligibility Criteria for MATES: MATES will be open to Indian Nationals who are:
  • Must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application
  • Have not previously participated in MATES
  • Have proficient English language skills
  • Have graduated within two years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application
  • Hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in target fields of study
• There will be no requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer to be eligible to apply for a visa as part of MATES.
• What are the permitted activities? 
  • MATES participants will be able to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. 
  • Whilst there is no strict requirement for visa holders to work in their nominated field of study, it is designed to support young professionals expand their skills and networks, particularly within the specified sectors. 
• As a pilot initiative, MATES will initially offer 3,000 places for primary applicants per program year.

Participants will be able to apply to bring dependents (spouses and dependent children). Dependents will have work rights in Australia, and will not count towards the annual cap.

Q1: Which all countries border Australia?

Neighbouring countries are Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia to the north-east, and New Zealand to the south east.

Source: Australian 'MATES' scheme to facilitate mobility of Indian early-career professionals: Eligibility and other