Deputy director-general of the NSW Department of Industry and Investment, Barry Buffier, recently told attendees at an Australian Information Industry Association event the state government had plans in place to remedy the situation, but could not guarantee immediate changes to student numbers.

"The Premier has established a council on international education... we're well aware of that huge decline," he said.

"We've just finalised some market research in India and China - we did about 20 focus groups in India so we think we've got a relatively good handle on some of those issues and how to address them."

Buffier said that while security and safety weren't key concerns in China - as they are currently are in India - some marketing was still needed there to encourage interest in Australia as an education space.