r/keralaCareers

Hey everyone,
I’m currently in my final year of BE Computer Science and Engineering. I’m interested in starting my career in IT and have an opportunity to pursue a DevOps internship.
I’d like some honest advice from people already working in the industry.
Is DevOps a good career choice for a fresher in 2026?
How difficult is it to get a full-time DevOps or Cloud Engineer job after an internship?
Should I focus on DevOps, Cloud Computing, Software Testing, Cybersecurity, or another IT role?
Are entry-level DevOps jobs available for freshers, or do most companies expect prior IT experience?
What skills and certifications would you recommend to become job-ready?
My goal is to secure a decent-paying IT job after graduation and build a career with good long-term growth.
I’d appreciate realistic advice about the job market, salary expectations, and which path would be best for a fresher. Thanks!

Hey guys! There’s an opportunity worth checking out for those who have recently graduated from eligible Indian institutions.

Australia’s MATES visa (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme) allows eligible Indian graduates to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

The scheme covers eligible graduates in fields such as engineering, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, renewable energy, mining and agricultural technology.

1. Kerala colleges — NIRF College category

Here are the Kerala colleges from the NIRF Top 100 list:

1. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery — Rank 12
2. University College, Thiruvananthapuram — Rank 23
3. St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam — Rank 44
4. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram — Rank 52
5. Sacred Heart College, Thevara — Rank 54
6. St. Berchmans College, Changanassery — Rank 56
7. Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram — Rank 60
8. St. Thomas College, Thrissur — Rank 63
9. St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Kozhikode — Rank 74
10. Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam — Rank 75
11. Vimala College, Thrissur — Rank 78
12. Farook College, Kozhikode — Rank 82
13. St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda — Rank 83
14. CMS College, Kottayam — Rank 86
15. Christ College, Irinjalakuda — Rank 87
16. Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam — Rank 92
17. Union Christian College, Aluva — Rank 96
18. Sree Narayana College, Sivagiri, Varkala — Rank 99
19. Universities — NIRF University and Overall categories

\* University of Kerala — Rank 25 in Universities; Rank 42 Overall
\* Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) — Rank 32 in Universities; Rank 50 Overall
\* Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) — Rank 43 in Universities; Rank 79 Overall
\* University of Calicut — Rank 38 in Universities

3. Engineering and technical institutions

\* National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) — Rank 21 in Engineering; Rank 2 in Architecture
\* Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram — Rank 61 in Engineering
\* Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) — Rank 64 in Engineering

4. Management and medical institutions

\* Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) — Rank 3 in Management
\* Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram — Rank 17 in Medical

Important information

Please don’t assume that appearing in any of these NIRF Top 100 lists automatically makes you eligible for MATES. The Australian scheme specifies particular institutional, qualification, graduation-date, age and English-language requirements. The applicable NIRF category and ranking year matter, and the ballot process is also required.

If you’ve recently graduated from any of these institutions, check the official eligibility criteria to see whether your qualification meets the requirements.

Has anyone here applied for the MATES visa or knows someone who has? Please share your experience or any verified information that could help other graduates. Feel free to share this post with seniors and friends who may benefit from the opportunity!