Australia's image as a favourite destination for foreign students has taken another knock with the closure of four higher education colleges. Over 2000 foreign students, mostly from India, have been hit by the move.

The four colleges, in Sydney and Melbourne, were run by the Global Campus Management company which has filed for bankruptcy. Indian diplomats are concerned about the situation.

Most foreign students in Australia come from India and, earlier this year, the educational sector was shocked by a series of attacks on Indian students. The incidents led to fierce protests in India.

After oil and coal exports, offering education to foreign students is Australia's most lucrative product, earning about 8 billion euros a year for the exchequer.

photo: anti-racism in education protest (flickr/Frogé)