Chinese students have embraced the new streamlined visa processing system for higher education, claiming an even more dominant position as Australia's primary market. The number of visas granted to offshore Chinese applicants surged 34 per cent in the first three quarters of 2012-2013 compared with last year. Onshore higher education visas granted to Chinese people already in Australia also rose 17 per cent. China's share of newly granted higher education visas has surged from 33 per cent to 36 per cent, pushing its overall share of foreign students to 22 per cent. Adrian McComb, who is from the Council for Private Higher Education, said higher education has driven growth in an otherwise flat international education industry. He credited streamlined visa processing, the imminent introduction of post-study work rights and re-alignments to the skilled occupation list. Reports China News.