Australian visas become a lot easier

Foreigners applying to enrol in Australian universities from next year will find obtaining a visa much easier following a government decision to streamline processing.

The Australian government plans to introduce the faster visa processing system - shortened from the current three months to about a month - in the first half of 2012 for students of bachelor's and certain higher degree courses.

Also, those who take up a non-university course, such as an English language programme, along with an eligible university course, will also benefit from the new arrangements. Options include semester or year-long non-award university courses, such as an agreed student exchange programme. Non-award courses refer to those not leading to an Australian qualification, such as foundation courses that prepare international students for undergraduate study.

The changes come as a result of a review of the regulations affecting overseas applicants.

Students, regardless of their country of origin, will be treated as though they are at lower risk of working illegally while in Australia or staying on at the end of their visa with the intention of becoming a migrant.

A greater attraction will be the scrapping of rules that require candidates to prove they have access to at least A$18,000 (HK$144,900) a year to fund their living costs in Australia.

From next year, this requirement is likely to be abolished - provided a university has received government approval to take part in the new streamlined visa process.