Chris Bowen MP, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced that the government had implemented changes in the visa application process for students from 29 countries. These changes will make the visa application process much easier because it will reduce assessment levels across a range of student visa subclasses starting March 24, 2012.

The changes are in response to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's (DIAC) 2011 review of student visa assessment level settings, which recommended that a number of assessment levels be changed.

'While it was recommended that some assessment levels be increased, I have decided to only implement the reductions in order to best support Australia's international education sector,' Mr. Bowen said.

'Lowering the minimum evidentiary requirement for the grant of a student visa for selected countries and visa subclasses is expected to help around 10 500 prospective students.

'These changes will particularly benefit the postgraduate research sector, English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and vocational education and training (VET) providers.'

For example, South Koreans studying VET and ELICOS courses and postgraduate research students from China, India and Indonesia will now find it easier to apply for visas.

'The reduction in assessment levels builds on the measures implemented as a result of the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program, undertaken by the Hon Michael Knight AO, to ensure Australia remains an attractive study option for overseas students,' Mr Bowen said.

Assessment levels are an important tool in managing the student visa program, as they ensure the efficient delivery of services to a diverse range of students while supporting the integrity of Australia's immigration program.

Assessment levels align visa requirements to the immigration risk posed by students from every country and in each education sector. They are regularly reviewed and amended to accurately reflect the risk posed by a student cohort.

Those countries and sectors that were recommended to be subject to an increase in assessment levels will be placed on notice and reviewed as part of any future reforms to the risk management framework.