On 23 May 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.
Who is eligible?
MATES will be open to Indian nationals who:
are aged 30 or younger (inclusive) at the time of application;
have not previously participated in MATES;
have proficient English language skills (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with
a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts);
have graduated within 2 years from an eligible educational institution at the time of
application; and
hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in one of the following:
- renewable energy
- mining
- engineering
- Information Communications Technology (ICT)
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- financial technology (FinTech)
- agricultural technology (AgriTech).