Australia's education officials have been asked to ensure the physical safety of international students.
Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has asked his department to work with universities on strategies to make sure students are better protected.
The effort comes as the department has been consulting with the education providers on fresh strategies to grapple with mental health issues among students from abroad.
Mr Tehan says 95 per cent of international students rate their personal safety and security as one of the reasons they chose Australia as a place to study.
He has condemned the targeting of such students by criminals.
"Violence against international students is a high priority for all levels of government and law enforcement," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Herald Sun reported on Monday that students at Melbourne's Monash University are among more than a dozen people to have reported being robbed in the area in the space of three weeks.
The university has told the paper the thefts took place outside campuses, but that students who have become "unfortunate victims of crime" have been offered counselling.
Under laws relating to international students, education providers must provide access to support services to ensure the mental and physical wellbeing of their students from overseas.
