MATES Migration Scheme

Context: The start date for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Earlyprofessionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian nationals was announced in the recently released Australian Federal Budget Document.

About MATES Migration Scheme:

• Background
o On May 23, 2023, Australia and India entered into a Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA).
o The MMPA supports and promotes two-way migration and mobility between the two countries, addressing issues of illegal and irregular migration.

• Scheme Description
o Name: Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES).
o Purpose: Enables temporary mobility of Indian university graduates and early career professionals.
o Objective: Encourages mutually beneficial skills and knowledge transfer between Australia and India.

• Eligibility:
o Open to Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 years.
o Must be 30 years old or younger at the time of application.
o Must have proficient English language skills.
o Must have graduated within two years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application.
o Must hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in target fields of study.
o Must not have previously participated in MATES.
o No requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer.

• Permitted Activities:
o Participants can live and work in Australia for up to 2 years.
o No strict requirement to work in the nominated field of study.
o Designed to support young professionals in expanding their skills and networks, particularly within specified sectors.

• Program Capacity:
o Initially offers 3,000 places for primary applicants per program year.

• Dependent Rights:
o Participants can apply to bring dependents (spouses and dependent children).
o Dependents will have work rights in Australia and will not count towards the annual cap.

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