International students applying to study at universities in Australia now have access to a new, fast-track visa process, according to Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The Streamlined Student Visa Processing (SVP) system applies to applicants for bachelor degrees, masters degrees, PhDs and student exchange programs.

Professor Jennelle Kyd welcomes the visa reforms

"It will surely make it faster for applicants to get their student visa," said Professor Jennelle Kyd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of CQUniversity Australia, one of the participating universities in the SVP program.

Under the new policy, visa applicants with a confirmation of enrolment (COE) from a participating university will be automatically assessed as a Level 1 applicant, which means fewer documentation and financial requirements, Professor Kyd added.

The policy also introduces a post-study work visa program, which enables international students to gain valuable work experience in Australia after graduation. This visa will be available starting November 5, 2012.

"Under the new policy, a bachelor degree student can stay in Australia for up to two years, and our school is very concentrated on students to help them to achieve their career goal and to gain international work experience," Professor Kyd said.

Currently, there are 39 universities participating in the program; all high-quality education providers. The new visa policy is perceived as a great opportunity as well as a big challenge.

"For CQUniversity, the new visa program also means big responsibility," Professor Kyd said. "The University has to take responsibility to make sure they take students who genuinely want to have the international education experience."

Currently, there are international students from over 60 countries at CQUniversity. Popular choices among international students are business, information technology, and engineering.