Australia Opens 2025-26 MATES Program Ballot for Indian Nationals
Australia has officially opened the ballot registrations for the 2025-26 MATES visa program. This program allows skilled Indian graduates and professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
This program strengthens the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, designed to deepen bilateral ties and create professional exchange opportunities between the two nations.
What is the MATES Visa Program in Australia?
The MATES Visa Program is part of a bilateral agreement between Australia and India, signed under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) in May 2023. This program aims to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge between the two countries, thereby benefiting the job markets of both India and Australia.
Under the MATES Visa Program, Indian graduates and early-career professionals can live and work in Australia for up to two years as long as they meet the program’s requirements. This visa offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your field, with the potential to secure a work visa after the program ends.
The Australian Government will open a ballot system each year to invite 3,000 primary applicants.
Ballot Registration for 2025-26 Program Year is Now Open
The ballot registration for the 2025-26 MATES Visa program is officially open from 1 November to 14 December 2025.
Eligible Indian candidates must register for the ballot before the closing date. Those selected through the ballot will receive a notification from the Department of Home Affairs to lodge their visa application.
The ballot registration is paid with a fee of AUD 25.
Why You Should Consider the MATES Visa Program
The MATES Visa program is a significant milestone in the Australia-India partnership, offering young Indian professionals a pathway to develop global skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to key industries in Australia, such as:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Engineering and Construction
- Energy and Green Technologies
- Health and Social Care
- Advanced Manufacturing
By offering short-term mobility opportunities for emerging talent, the program fosters knowledge exchange, workforce development, and stronger economic collaboration between the two countries.
The Benefits of a MATES Visa Australia
The MATES visa program offers exciting benefits for Indians that are hard to shake off.
1. Without Sponsorship
The MATES visa program does not require you to have an Australian employer to sponsor you. It will give more freedom to thrive in the Australian job market.
2. Dependents Included
You can include dependents, such as spouses and children, in your MATES Visa application. Your dependents will have work rights in Australia, and the annual cap of 3,000 slots will not be reduced.
3. Broad Career Flexibility
The program provides flexibility in choosing your sector and residence location, allowing you to pursue career opportunities without restrictions on industry or region.
4. Enhance Career Opportunities
This program enhances your global experience, strengthens your career potential, and increases your chances of securing a work visa if you wish to extend your stay in Australia.
Find Out: Australia Work Visa Options for Skilled Workers
The Impact on Indian Graduates
The MATES Visa is expected to have a significant impact on Indian graduates seeking international experience. With 3000 positions allocated this year, this competitive program prioritises candidates with backgrounds that match the industries facing talent shortages in Australia.
For recent Indian graduates in technology, agriculture, and engineering, this visa offers a unique opportunity to enhance your career prospects by adding international experience to your résumé. Working in Australia under this program could also facilitate a smoother transition to other work visas or permanent residence.
Read more: Australia Permanent Visa Requirements and Document Checklist
MATES Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MATES Visa Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have Indian nationality,
- Aged 30 or younger,
- Have not participated in the previous MATES program,
- Have proficient English language skills,
- Have graduated from an eligible institution within the last two years before applying,
- Have a minimum bachelor’s degree in renewable energy, mining, engineering, information communications technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, or agricultural technology.
How Much is the MATES Visa Fee?
The MATES Visa application fee has two stages:
- Ballot Participation Fee: Approximately $ AUD 25
- Standard Application Fee: $ AUD 365
Please note that these fees are subject to change. We recommend regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website for the latest updates.
Can I Stay In Australia For More Than Two Years?
The MATES Visa is a two-year program designed for short-term employment and skill development. However, Indians who wish to extend their stay in Australia can explore alternative visa pathways, such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
Both visas will allow you to permanently or temporarily extend your residence in Australia, depending on your chosen visa type. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria before lodging your application.
Discover: How to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia
Securing a work visa can be challenging, particularly when handling complex cases. But you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. You can count on us to be your trusted partner. With over a decade of visa application experience, we’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free application journey. Click here, and let’s start making your dream a reality.
We are Here to Assist You!
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you with the MATES visa program. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are subject to regulation in our professional practice and bound by the MARA’s Code of Conduct.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at [email protected], by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
