The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian Nationals is a new initiative announced in the Australian Federal Budget Document, with the aim of creating a mobility pathway for Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia.
Start Date and Number of Participants
- The MATES Migration Scheme will commence on November 1.
- It offers a new mobility pathway for 3,000 Indian graduates and early-career professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application.
- Previous participation: Applicants must not have participated in the MATES programme before.
- English proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6 overall and 5 for each language component.
- Educational background: Graduation from an eligible institution within the previous two years, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in specific fields.
Sponsorship Requirement
- No sponsorship by an Australian employer is needed to qualify for a visa under the MATES program.
Duration and Work Opportunities
- Visa duration: Participants can reside and work in Australia for up to two years.
- Field of work: While not compulsory, the program aims to assist young professionals in broadening their skill sets and networks within specified sectors.
- Program cap: Initially, 3,000 places are offered per program year.
Dependent Applicants
- Participants can apply to bring spouses and dependent children, who will have the right to work and won’t count towards the annual cap.
Visa Details and Extension
- Entry and stay: Participants have 12 months for initial entry and can stay for up to 24 months.
- Extension: Extension options available through other visas, but participation in MATES is limited to once.
Application Process and Costs
- Application timeline: Applications open in late 2024.
- Fees: Details regarding visa subclass, application fees, and additional fees for dependents will be provided later.
- Applicant responsibilities: Covering costs including English language testing fees.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When does the MATES Migration Scheme go into effect?
- A) January 1
- B) May 14
- C) November 1
- D) December 31
- Answer: C) November 1
- What is the age requirement for applicants of the MATES program?
- A) 25 to 35
- B) 20 to 35
- C) 18 to 30
- D) 22 to 28
- Answer: C) 18 to 30
- Which of the following is NOT a required field of study for eligibility under the MATES scheme?
- A) Renewable energy
- B) Engineering
- C) Medicine
- D) ICT
- Answer: C) Medicine
- Are participants required to have sponsorship by an Australian employer to qualify for a visa under the MATES program?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- C) It depends on the field of study
- D) Only for certain age groups
- Answer: B) No
- How long can participants stay in Australia under the MATES program?
- A) Up to 6 months
- B) Up to 12 months
- C) Up to 24 months
- D) Up to 36 months
- Answer: C) Up to 24 months