New procedures have been introduced from Monday to encourage Indian and Nepalese students to apply electronically for Australian student visas through education agents.

The applications will have to be sent to the agents as per the list available on the website: http:/www.immi.gov.au/study/providers/participating_education_agent_ list_v7.pdf.

"The new, streamlined procedures are expected to make it easier for students to lodge their applications," said John Fisher, first secretary and head of public affairs at the Australian High Commission.

The paper applications will also have to be first sent to the agents, who will lodge them with the high commission's business partner, TT Services, across the country.

TTS will then issue the medical forms.

Visa applications should be lodged 6-12 weeks before the commencement of courses, the high commission said.

TTS collection service locations and contact details can be found on the website: http://222.ttsaustraliavisas.com/.