New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS): Australia has welcomed a sharp increase in the number of Indians applying for student visas to Australia. India remains the second largest source of overseas students in Australia after China.

The latest immigration figures show 4,148 Indians made offshore applications for student visas between July and September last year - more than double the figure for the same period in 2012, according to a news release by the Australian high commission here.

More than 90 percent of Indians who applied for student visas were successful, compared with 74 percent in 2012.

"These figures show that an increasing number of Indian students are being drawn to Australia's world class higher education system," Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling said.

"Just as important, they show that far fewer Indian students are being refused visas, and that recent changes designed to enhance the competitiveness and integrity of Australia's international education sector are working.

"Australia welcomes Indian students, who make a vital contribution to both academic life and the communities in which they live."

The student visa program quarterly report also demonstrates that Australian government officials are dealing effectively with increased demand.

Seventy-five percent of offshore applications by Indians were processed within 29 days, and 50 percent were processed within 20 days.

More than 10 percent of all student visas granted in the three month period went to Indian nationals.

"Australia provides an academic environment that has been internationally recognised as secure, culturally diverse and intellectually rewarding," Suckling said.