The Government should use money from international student fees to fund support programs and public awareness campaigns about the positive contribution international students make to Australia, in light of increased violence against the community, according to the Australian Greens.

Racism should not be ruled out as a potential cause of the attacks on two Indian students and requires immediate government attention as the impact is already being felt across the international education sector.

"While the recent attacks are subject to a formal police investigation, to simply rule out the possibility that racism was involved is neither good leadership nor smart diplomacy in an environment of increased violence," said Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens Education Spokesperson.

"These attacks are the most recent in a string of escalating violence and exploitation of international students. The government's hear no evil; see no evil approach is doing little to allay the fears of international students, their parents and their communities. As a result the International education sector is in crisis and billions of dollars are risk.

"Enrolments of Indian students in Australia have declined by 46% over recent months and international student enrolments are down by 20%. Given the extraordinary contribution this sector makes to Australia's culture and economy, this is cause for alarm.

The Senator says Government should allocate funds for community support and anti-racism initiatives to tackle the issue head on.

"The horrifying recent attacks on Indian students, two of which have resulted in tragic deaths, have highlighted the growing unease about the way our international guests have been treated in Australia. Let's recognise this so we can move forward," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Only if we expose intolerance and discrimination when we see it, can we take effective action to stamp it out," Senator Hanson-Young concluded.

Last year Senator Hanson-Young initiated the Senate Inquiry into the Welfare for International Students.