MATES visa (India) 403
Up to 2 years of work for recent Indian graduates in eligible fields, by ballot.
In forceBallot
Who it is for
Indian graduates aged 18 to 30 in renewable energy, mining, engineering, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology or agricultural technology, from an eligible institution.
Main requirements
- Selected in the MATES ballot (registration fee A$25); apply within 30 days of selection.
- Valid Indian passport; aged 18 to 30 at the start of registration; outside Australia; no previous MATES visa.
- Graduated within 2 years before registration, from an institution in the top 100 of India's NIRF overall rankings 2024, in an eligible field.
- IELTS overall 6.0 with at least 5 in each component, or equivalent, within 1 year.
- Funds or a job offer, health insurance, genuine temporary stay, health and character.
- No sponsor or job offer is required.
Where you apply from
Main applicant outside Australia.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Pre-ballot check
Institution, field and graduation date.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks eligibility before you register. - Ballot
Register when the ballot opens. Selection is random.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains the timing. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Apply within 30 days
Lodge with evidence and pay the charge.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the application within the window. - Work in Australia
Up to 2 years of work in any field. The visa cannot be extended or repeated.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans later options such as employer sponsorship.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$470 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$470 |
| Family member under 18 | A$120 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| MATES | 50% in 4 months, 90% in 5 months |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Institution or field not eligible.
- Graduation outside the window.
- English test not valid.
- Application after the 30-day deadline.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
- 2026
Up to 3,000 places each program year. The 2026-27 ballot dates were not yet published on 22 October 2026; check the Home Affairs page.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.