New research shows Australian universities beat such prestigious institutions as Oxford, Cambridge and New York University to make up the top three destinations for Indian students.

 

The survey of nearly 1,700 Indian nationals also revealed three in four still rate Australia as an attractive place to study, despite a quarter raising concerns about safety and racism.

 

Cheryl Reed, social research director for global research agency TNS said Indians were drawn to Australia because of its credibility and proximity.

 

"There are so many factors that enter into the consideration set, including reputation, cost, safety and proximity (and) Australia continues to have the right mix for India," she said.

 

"Safety issues or racism were mentioned as a concern, but recent events have not tarnished the overall perception of Australia."

 

The Australian National University emerged as the top choice for Indian students, followed by the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne.

 

Six Australian universities were ranked in the top 10.

 

The survey, conducted in January by TNS, also found more than a quarter valued Australia's climate, reputation and quality of education.

 

And although the nation faced damaging worldwide publicity following attacks on Indians, two in five believed Australians welcomed international students.

 

However, Federation of Indian Students of Australia adviser Ajay Unni disputed the findings.

 

"Are they considering coming to Australia or are they actually coming?" Mr Unni said.

 

"There's a big distinction - the numbers have definitely decreased."

 

Mr Unni slammed Australia's response to the violent assaults and said it had affected the country's reputation all over the world.

 

He said more support needed to be given to international students and that security concerns had to be addressed.

 

"The way that Australia has dealt with this issue has been appalling," he said. "They've created more doubt in the minds of people."

 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, foreign students contribute more than $15 billion each year to the national economy.