Australia’s New MATES Scheme for Indian Graduates:

Launch Date: Starting late 2024, Australia and India will introduce the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) to strengthen cross-border professional exchange.
Visa Stream: MATES will offer Indian graduates and early-career professionals from leading universities the chance to apply for a Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa. This visa enables holders to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
Annual Places: Each year, 3,000 MATES visas will be available. A pre-application ballot will streamline selection, making it fair and transparent.
Eligible Fields of Study: The scheme is open to applicants from high-demand sectors, including:
Renewable energy
Mining
Engineering
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Agricultural Technology (AgTech)

Benefits to Australia: The MATES scheme will provide Australian businesses access to a highly skilled pool of Indian graduates, helping fill roles in specialised sectors and enhancing industry expertise.
Professional Development: MATES enables Indian nationals to gain valuable, hands-on experience in their fields, further strengthening professional and cultural ties between Australia and India.