Australia Opens Ballot Registration for MATES 403 Visa Scheme: Opportunity for Young Indian Professionals

The official announcement from the Australian Government for the start of MATES registration is a great opportunity for all the Indian applicants waiting to start their life in  Australia in 2025-2026.  Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) invites young Indian graduates under a ballot system. This system comes under Subclass 403 - Temporary Work( International Relations)

The new program offers3,000 temporary visa places each year for talented Indian graduates and early-career professionals, providing them with an opportunity to live, work, and gain experience in Australia for up to two years. It can be your stepping stone towards a Career boost or to gain an international education. 

Equal Opportunity Through a Fair Ballot System

The ballot works like a digital lottery, where eligible Indian nationals who register during the open period are placed in a pool. From this pool, 3,000 primary applicants are randomly selected and invited to submit a full visa application.

Each ballot registration requires a non-refundable fee of AUD 25.

Who Can Apply for the Ballot Eligibility Criteria

 Be an Indian national.
Have graduated on or after November 1, 2023, 

Hold a degree from a Top 100 institution listed in theNational Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings – Overall 2024 List.
Not have previously held or applied for a MATES visa.

What Happens After You Register?

• You are randomly selected, or
   

• The ballot expires at the end of the program year.
   

IRCC-style ballot statuses will guide applicants throughout the process:

A formal notification will be sent to confirm the selection. Immediately, the application has to be submitted within the given time. If there is a delay in the application, the visa cannot be processed. 

Benefits of the MATES 403 Visa

 Work and live in Australia for up to 2 years.
Professional exposure in high-demand sectors like engineering, IT, AI, and renewables.
Cultural and professional exchange between Indian and Australian institutions.
You may bring your immediate family members, who will not count towards the 3,000 annual quota.

According to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, the MATES ballot ensures that every qualified Indian graduate, whether from a metro or a smaller city, has equal access to opportunities.

Initially, when the MATES was launched, the number of applications was approximately 6500. In  June 2025,a total of 2087 applications were filed, of which 621 Visas were accepted by the authorities. 

As it was successful and popular, the 2025–26 ballot is likely to get even more people to participate and enroll, especially since more NIRF-ranked universities and graduates will be able to submit their applications. 

Why This Is a Great Opportunity for Indian Graduates

The program gives Indian graduates exposure to the world and networking opportunities that make them more employable and able to move around the world. With the improving and growing industries, this attracts graduates from all fields. 

MATES also helps India look better as a place to find skilled, flexible, and globally competitive applicants. MATES has created better options for the graduates as well as the employers. 

How Aptech Visa Can Help

As India’s trusted immigration consultancy, Aptech Visa is here to guide you through every stage of the MATES 403 visa process, ensuring your application is accurate, compliant, and well-prepared.

Our experts assist with:

• Eligibility assessment based on your degree and NIRF ranking.
• Ballot registration support and timely submission guidance.
• Document verification for faster selection processing.
• Visa filing assistance is once selected in the ballot.
• Profile-strengthening tips to enhance your employability in Australia.

MATES 403 ballot registration on November 1, 2025, is a great opportunity to settle and start your life abroad. Creating real, accessible, and fair opportunities for India’s brightest minds.

Stay informed, register early, and let Aptech Visa help you take your first confident step towards Australia.

Call with our well-experienced and immigration consultant at 750 383 2132

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Also Read - UK Immigration White Paper 2025: What It Means for Indian Applicants