After repeated attacks and the death of one Indian student in Australia, the Indian government issued an advisory asking students to be careful while travelling. But the racial attacks have left an impact on applications to Australian educational institutes as well, which have dropped by 50 per cent.

"A year ago Australia had a 20-25 per cent share of the Indian overseas education market. Today this has dropped drastically," said Ritesh Savla, Director, GeeBee Education.

In January and February, the consultancy firm will conduct 55 seminars on study opportunities in the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand. But there is just no mention of Australia.

In the last two academic years the attacks have only increased, already claiming one life.

The decline in applications has meant a reported $70 million loss for Australia as revenue. But education Down Under is often cheaper - reason why students are confused.

"I would have considered going there some time back, especially since Australia is such a beautiful country. But after all that has been happening, I don't think so," said Jay Vasvani, a student

"It doesn't worry me, I can be attacked here also. Let's say I moved to Hyderabad or Delhi, if I had been attacked it wouldn't have become so big as it would be within the community," said Anirudh Thekey, another student.

Perceptions in Australia will have to change and they will have to realise that safety and security of Indian students is non-negotiable.