Subclass 403 · MATES stream (India)
Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403): MATES stream (India)
For Indian graduates aged 18 to 30: live and work in Australia for up to 2 years after being selected in the MATES ballot. No job offer or sponsor needed.
About this stream
Key facts from Home Affairs, in plain English.
- Stay in Australia for up to 2 years
- Live and work in Australia
- Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like
- Bring members of your family unit
From AUD470 for the main applicant.
You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided.
Eligibility
What you need.
You can only apply if you are randomly selected in the MATES ballot.
You must hold a valid Indian passport when you register for the ballot and when you apply.
You must be 18 to 30 (inclusive) when the ballot registration period opens.
You must have graduated from an eligible institution within 2 years of the ballot opening, with a bachelor (including honours), postgraduate diploma, master's or doctoral degree in renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, financial technology or agricultural technology.
You need an English test result at the required level, taken within the year before you apply or before the decision.
You must not have entered Australia on a MATES visa before.
You are personally responsible for healthcare costs, so you must keep adequate health insurance for your whole stay.
You must genuinely intend to stay temporarily and only do the work or activity in your application.
Government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.
Step by step
How MATES works.
Register for the ballot
Register during the MATES ballot registration period with your Indian passport.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Get selected
If you are randomly selected, you are invited to apply.
Gather your documents
Prepare your degree, English test result, passport and health insurance evidence.
Apply from outside Australia
Lodge your visa application while outside Australia.
When you have this visa
What you can and must do.
Only do the work or activity your visa was granted for, and meet all visa conditions.
Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while the visa is valid.
Gain Australian work experience in your field. Talk to us about longer-term options, such as employer sponsorship or skilled visas.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403) Streams
Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403): MATES stream (India) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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A 403 visa stream that lets Indian graduates aged 18 to 30 live and work in Australia for up to 2 years after being selected in a ballot.
Renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, financial technology and agricultural technology.
No sponsor or job offer is needed to apply once you are selected in the ballot.
A bachelor (including honours), postgraduate diploma, master's or doctoral degree, completed within 2 years of the ballot opening.
Yes, members of your family unit can be included.
Working in Australia Under an International Arrangement?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
