If you have been following Australian immigration news, you must have heard of the recent buzz around the MATES visa. At Ubhi Immigration Consulting, we have 10+ years of experience helping Indian professionals navigate the Australian visa landscape. 

Over the decade, we have seen many game-changing schemes come and go; however, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is truly unique.

What we have observed is that the excitement is followed by misinformation, which is the very reason we have been receiving questions from people who believe they can simply ‘enter a lottery’ and, if only lucky enough, fly to Australia.

Is it Just a Lottery? Let’s see.

Let’s get it straight. The ballot is just the entry gate. The visa itself is a high-standard, professional pathway with very specific keys.

The Big Misconception: Win the Lottery and Get the Visa.

There is a dangerous narrative being pushed all around that the MATES visa is a simple lucky draw. People are presuming that if they get selected in the pre-application ballot, their visa is guaranteed.

Now, let’s take a reality check. Winning the ballot only gives you the right to apply for the Subclass 403 visa – simply like an invitation you have received to an exclusive job interview. We are not saying that getting the invite is not a great thing, but you still have to prove that you are the right candidate for the job offer.

In another case, even if you win the ballot and do not meet the strict educational or English language requirements, it is most likely that your application will be refused. It would be a sheer waste of both time and money.

Who is the MATES Visa for?

The Australian government is not looking for just anyone. They are looking for highly specialised, early-career talent from India. To even consider entering the ballot, you must first self-check certain parameters.

The top four non-negotiable boxes are

1. Nationality – You must hold a valid Indian passport.

2. Age – You must be aged 30 or younger at the time of your ballot registration.

3. Previous Participation – You must have never participated in the MATES program before.

4. Location – You must be outside Australia when you register for the ballot.

The Academic Filter: Top 100 Universities & Specific Fields

This is the point where most people receive misguidance. The Department of Home Affairs is highly specific about where you studied and what you studied. You cannot apply with just any degree from any college. 

1. The List of Preferred Universities

For Indian nationals, your qualification must be from one of the top 100 educational institutions in India (based on the National Institutional Ranking Framework – NIRF).

This includes prestigious names like

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
• Top-tier NITs and specialised agricultural or medical institutes

2. The Seven Targeted Fields

Even if you graduated from an IIT, you are only eligible if your degree (Bachelor’s or higher) was completed within the last two years in one of these seven sectors –

• Renewable Energy
• Mining
• Engineering
• Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)

If you win the ballot, but your degree is in Business, Arts, or a non-listed science, you are not eligible for this specific stream.

Pro tip: Do not let anyone convince you otherwise.

The English Requirement: Don’t Underestimate It

Just like the skilled 189 or 190 visas, MATES requires a high level of English proficiency. You must demonstrate Proficient English, which generally means

1. IELTS

An overall score of at least 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in each of the four components).

2. PTE Academic

An overall score of at least 50 (with a minimum of 36 in each component).

This test result must be recent, taken within the year before you apply for the visa.

How the Process Works: Breakdown by an Expert

Having guided hundreds of applicants, we at Ubhi Immigration Consulting, strongly recommend a ‘Verify First, Register Second’ approach.

Phase 1 – Eligibility Audit

Before spending the $25 ballot fee, verify your university is on the NIRF top 100 list and your degree falls strictly within the seven fields.

Phase 2 – The Ballot

Register through ImmiAccount during the open window. This is the ‘random selection’ phase.

Phase 3 – The Invitation

If selected, you receive a ‘Notification of Selection’. You now have a limited window (usually 60 days) for visa application.

Phase 4 – Visa Processing

You submit the transcripts, English scores, health checks, and character certificates. The Department assesses everything with the same rigour as any other skilled visa.

Why Choose the MATES Route?

Despite the strict rules, this visa is a goldmine for the right person.

• No Employer Sponsorship – You don’t need a job offer to move.
• Two Years of Freedom – You can live and work anywhere in Australia for 24 months.
• Family Inclusion – You can bring your spouse and children (and they get work rights too).

The Final Word of Wisdom

As an expert who has seen the heartbreak after visa refusals, may it be due to poor advice or any other reason. We have a simple message for such cases – Strategy always beats luck. If you meet the criteria, the MATES visa is your fast track to a global career. And if you do not, there are other pathways and we can always help you explore the same.

Are you unsure if your university or degree qualifies for the MATES visa?

Let’s start your strategy session at the earliest!

Let’s verify your eligibility before the next ballot opens!