Australia's MATES program to boost Indian student opportunities, drive Industry growth: Assistant Immigration Minister
- In Reports
- 04:19 PM, Oct 16, 2024
- Myind Staff
Australia's MATES program will offer Indian students the chance to pursue specialised studies and work in sectors with high demand, while also helping to support Australia's industries. This was announced by Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite.
Thistlethwaite, who is currently in India, told ANI that the talented early-professionals Scheme (MATES) mobility arrangement will help Indian students acquire useful skills while addressing Australia's labour shortages. "Both our nations will benefit from MATES. It provides an opportunity for young Indians between the ages of 18 to 30 to undertake postgraduate study in Australia in specialised areas where their skills are in demand. The individuals will get a benefit through further study and enhancement of their skills, and the Australian economy will benefit because these are occupations and people with skills that are in high demand," he said.
In May 2023, India and Australia signed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), which included the MATES program. It seeks to promote skill sharing and two-way migration between the two countries. By fostering mutually beneficial knowledge transfer, MATES aims to close skill gaps in industries like engineering, ICT, AI, and renewable energy while enabling Indian graduates to work in Australia.
Indian nationals will be able to live and work in Australia for up to two years, with the option to bring dependents who will have the right to work during their stay there. The program will initially offer 3,000 spots per year. Thistlethwaite went to an event to promote MATES at Amity University in Noida. There, he engaged with both students and faculty. Students asked several questions concerning the opportunities offered by the MATES program during the event.
According to Thistlethwaite, there are many openings in Australia in fields like artificial intelligence and renewable energy, which are especially promising. "If you have skills and qualifications in artificial intelligence, you will be employed straight away. Similarly, in ICT and renewable energy, you'll get a job straight away because we have vacancies and opportunities," he explained.
He also pointed out that Australia is experiencing a skilled labour shortage, and this program is a critical step in filling that gap while giving Indian students worthwhile experiences that will benefit both nations. Thistlethwaite urged Indian students to view MATES as a reciprocal relationship. "It's a great opportunity for our nations to collaborate, to provide further educational opportunities for yourselves and other young Indians to come to Australia, to study and work in those fields. Perhaps this could assist with skilled shortages in Australia, but it could also help you learn new skills that you could bring back to India and benefit your economy as well," he said.
Answering students' inquiries about visa flexibility. Thistlethwaite explained that MATES applicants may apply up to age 30 and remain eligible to work past that age for the duration of their two-year stay. The program's adaptability enables participants to look into jobs outside of their designated fields. "If you apply at 29 and are granted a visa, you will still be able to work in Australia even beyond 30," he assured the students.
He additionally spoke about the issues with extending the visa period past two years, especially for people who want to study more or become permanent residents. The first visa, however, is valid for two years. If they meet the requirements, participants may be able to extend their stay by applying for graduate visas or switching to a skilled visa, Thistlethwaite explained. Students frequently asked if MATES could be expanded to cover subjects that aren't currently covered in the program, like law or the liberal arts. Although these fields are not included in the MATES pilot, Thistlethwaite acknowledged that students in these fields can still study in Australia under other visa categories.
"There are still opportunities for students in law and liberal arts to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia, although it may not be under the MATES program. You can apply through other visa schemes that do not require a ballot process, offering more flexibility for undergraduate to PhD studies," he clarified.
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