Free tool
Australia MATES Visa Eligibility Checker
The MATES visa (subclass 403) offers 3,000 spots per year for young Indian STEM graduates via random ballot. No points test, no employer sponsor. Check if you qualify.
Do you hold an Indian passport?
Is your institution in the NIRF Overall Top 100?
Check the 2024 NIRF rankings.
Have you previously entered the MATES ballot?
Fill in all fields to check your MATES visa eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the MATES visa?
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a subclass 403 temporary work visa exclusively for young Indian STEM graduates from NIRF Top 100 institutions. 3,000 spots are allocated annually via random ballot — no employer sponsorship needed.
▸Is the MATES visa points-based?
No. Unlike SkillSelect (189/190/491), MATES uses a random ballot — there's no points test. You either meet the eligibility criteria or you don't. If eligible, your chance of selection is purely random among all registered applicants.
▸When does the next MATES ballot open?
Ballot registration typically opens in November each year. The 2025-26 cycle ran 1 Nov – 14 Dec 2025. The 2026-27 dates haven't been announced yet. Registration costs AUD $25.
▸Can I apply for MATES more than once?
No. Each person gets one lifetime entry. If you registered for a previous ballot (whether selected or not), you are permanently ineligible for future MATES ballots.
▸What work rights does the MATES visa give?
Unrestricted work rights for up to 2 years. You can work for any Australian employer in any sector — no sponsorship or occupation-list restrictions. It's one of the most flexible Australian work visas.