Australia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for work, study, and career growth. For young professionals and scholars from the Pacific and Timor-Leste region, the MATES Visa Subclass 403 opens the door to life-changing opportunities. This visa, part of the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-career Scholars (MATES) program, is designed to promote cultural and professional exchange — with a strong focus on human rights, equal opportunity, and sustainable development.
What is the MATES Visa Subclass 403?
The MATES Visa is a Temporary Work (International Relations) visa, specifically issued under Subclass 403 in the Government Agreement stream. It allows graduates from select countries to come to Australia for up to 12 months to live, work, and experience Australian culture and employment standards.
This visa is part of a bilateral agreement between Australia and participating countries — primarily those in the Pacific and Timor-Leste — to support regional cooperation, capacity building, and workforce mobility.
Learn more about the broader Work Visa Australia options
Who is Eligible for MATES Visa 403?
To qualify for the MATES Visa under Subclass 403, applicants must:
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Be a recent graduate (within 2 years) from a recognised institution in a participating country
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Be nominated by their home government or an eligible organisation
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Be aged between 18 and 30 years
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Intend to stay in Australia temporarily
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Show genuine intentions of returning home after the visa expires
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Meet health, character, and English language requirements
Documents Required for MATES Visa Subclass 403
Applying for the MATES Visa requires:
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Valid passport
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Nomination from home government
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Educational documents (degree or diploma)
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Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or PTE – functional level)
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Police clearance certificate
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Health examination reports
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Visa application form (Subclass 403)
How Long Can You Stay in Australia on MATES Visa?
The MATES Visa under Subclass 403 generally allows a stay of up to 12 months.
You cannot extend this visa beyond the granted period, and it does not lead to permanent residency. However, the skills and work experience gained may help you qualify for other Australian work visas like the Subclass 482 or Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
What Kind of Work Can You Do on a MATES Visa?
Visa holders can work in any sector that matches their qualifications and employment offers, including:
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Health and aged care
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Hospitality
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Agriculture
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Construction
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Administrative services
However, visa holders cannot work as removed workers or in jobs that are contrary to Australian public policy.
Human Rights Insight: The visa ensures protection under Australian labour laws, including minimum wages, anti-discrimination policies, and workplace safety — reflecting a deep commitment to worker dignity and rights.
What is the Cost of MATES Visa Subclass 403?
The base application charge for the MATES Visa under Subclass 403 is:
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AUD $405 (as of 2025)
Other possible costs:
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Medical tests
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Police checks
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Translation of documents
You may also need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay, generally around AUD $5,000–$7,000.
How to Apply for MATES Visa 403 – Step-by-Step
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Get nominated by your government or approved body
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Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website
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Upload all documents
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Pay the visa application fee
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Complete health checks
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Track your application through the portal
Processing Time: 1–3 months (varies by applicant and completeness of file)
Why Australia Offers the MATES Visa Program
The Australian Government introduced the MATES Visa as part of its commitment to:
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Regional partnerships
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Capacity building for youth
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Fair access to global job markets
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Cultural diplomacy
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Humanitarian and development goals
This visa not only strengthens regional cooperation but empowers individuals with practical work skills that support community growth back home.
Can You Bring Family on MATES Visa?
Unfortunately, the MATES Visa does not allow you to bring dependents or family members. It’s strictly for individual applicants participating in the government agreement.
For long-term family pathways, consider:
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Visitor Visa Australia for short-term family visits
How Immigration Buddy Can Help You
At Immigration Buddy, we believe opportunity is a human right. We guide Pacific and Timor-Leste graduates through the complex visa process with transparency, respect, and support.
Our services include:
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Application guidance
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Document review
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Visa compliance advice
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Transition to long-term pathways (if eligible)
Final Thoughts: MATES Visa is a Step Toward Global Fairness
The MATES Visa Subclass 403 stands as a beacon of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity. It is far more than just a temporary work visa — it is a strategic bridge between nations, built on mutual respect, sustainable development, and a shared vision for a better future. By offering access to Australia’s professional and social systems, the MATES Visa allows young, talented graduates from the Pacific and Timor-Leste to engage in meaningful employment, gain international work experience, and contribute to economic growth — both in Australia and back home.
At its core, the MATES Visa embodies Australia’s commitment to human rights, regional collaboration, and capacity-building. It enables equitable participation in the global workforce, ensuring that mobility is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for those with potential and ambition. It helps foster leadership, promote lifelong learning, and reduce inequality by opening doors that may have previously been closed to citizens of smaller or developing nations.
If you’re a graduate seeking new challenges, growth, or cultural exchange, the MATES Visa could be your gateway to global citizenship, professional excellence, and a more empowered future. It’s not just a visa — it’s a life-changing opportunity to realise your dreams, contribute to a fairer world, and build a future that benefits everyone.