New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) Australia has made the visa process for international students more swift.


The move, which will also benefit Indian students, was welcomed by Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese Thursday.

International students pursuing bachelor's degree or higher will now be treated as low risk applicants, regardless of their country of origin, the Australian high commission here said.

"This will mean less onerous financial and documentary requirements for students in this category," it said.

Varghese said the changes were significant and would result in easier and faster visas for Indian students in a range of Australian university courses.

Students undertaking vocational courses, including those with private education providers, would continue to be assessed at higher levels, though financial requirements will be reduced for these students.

"The changes will also allow for a two to four-year post-study work visa for university graduates, depending on the level of study completed," the statement said.

These and other changes have been announced by Australian Minister for Tertiary Education Chris Evans and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen.

These changes will be progressively implemented from late 2011, with the full complement of changes expected to be finalised in the first half of 2012.