Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

To recognise the importance and contribution of overseas HDR students, a number of changes are proposed to be made for the HDR sector including,streamlined processing of HDR visas access to a three or four year post study work visa, unlimited work rights during study, an increase to the visa period of all new HDR visa grants by six months for the purpose of interactive marking of a thesis.

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-higher-degree-by-research.pdf

The ELICOS Sector

Streamlined visa processing would be available for students who package their ELICOS course with an eligible university course at the time when the offer of university enrolment is made. This means that the department would treat these applicants as though they were lower migration risk (similar to the current Assessment Level 1), regardless of country of origin

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-elicos.pdf

UK blacklists 2000 Indian banks from student visa process

London, Oct. 25: As of November 24 this year, around 1,940 banks — mostly cooperative ones — have been named as “financial institutions that do not satisfactorily verify financial statements,” according to the UK Border Agency.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2571241.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home#.TqkwmMsip8I.twitter

Indians worst hit as Australia axes 15,000 student visas

Sydney: Immigration authorities in Australia have cancelled 15,066 foreign student visas in the last one year, and the worst hit are Indians. Of the total, 3,624 students lost their visas because they flunked in some or all subjects or were no-shows to class, the Herald Sun reported. This was a 37 percent rise in visa cancellation

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indians-worst-hit-as-australia-axes-15-000-student-visas-144197

New English Language Tests for Student Visas

From 5 November 2011, the department will accept English language test results from the following alternative tests to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Student visa purposes taken in any country: •TOEFL •PTE Academic • CAE

http://www.immi.gov.au/students/whats_new.htm