Greens want overseas student inquiry

The Greens will seek a Senate inquiry into the treatment of international students in Australia.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says stories of student exploitation and mistreatment have been emerging from Australia's international education industry.

The National Union of Students last month called for an inquiry into the issue, and the National Liaison Committee for International Students also wants it, Senator Hanson-Young said on Friday.

"The international education sector exists at the intersection of Australia's immigration and education regulations," the South Australian senator said in a statement.

"A Senate inquiry would throw a spotlight onto some of the problems that are evident within some corners of international education in Australia.

"For the sake of not only international students' rights, but also Australia's reputation internationally, we need to make sure the industry is regulated properly."

She said issues brought to the attention of the Greens included visa requirements, exploitation and discrimination within employment, student safety and information provided by migration agents.

The demise of political representation on campus for international students had compounded these issues, the senator said.

"Given the Rudd government's passion for its education revolution, now seems like an opportune time to carefully examine the issues at hand from a national perspective and find better ways of supporting international students in Australia," she said.

The Greens will move for the inquiry when federal parliament resumes.