Melbourne, Nov.19: The number of Nepalese students seeking admission to universities in Australia is increasing by leaps and bounds.

According to The Australian, the instability caused by the Maoist insurgency in Nepal, has led Nepalese students to turn to Australia in search of academic qualification and  excellence.

The latest figures from the federal Government's Australian Education International (AEI) show that in the 12 months to September, commencements by students from Nepal increased by 504 per cent, or 2884 students.

AEI says Nepal is Australia's 11th biggest source country. It has the second highest growth in commencements after India.

The surge in commencements helped enrolments of Nepalese students to skyrocket by 290 per cent to 7569 students in the year to September, when the overall increase in international enrolments was 7.1 per cent.

Nepalese Australian Association vice-president Shamser Thapa said political instability caused by a Maoist insurgency, Australia's good education reputation and high standard of living were the main reasons for the spike.

He said students found getting a visa easier than in previous years as well.

Word of mouth helped: "Every Nepalese student who returns gives good information about Australia," said Thapa, a Sydney solicitor and education agent who came to Australia 12 years ago and has residency.

The federal immigration and citizenship department eased student visa rules in September. (ANI)