International students will be able to air grievances about higher education in Australia after the federal government released an issues paper on Wednesday that sought advice on how to improve the troubled sector.

Australian Education Minister Julia Gillard last month requested former Liberal Member of Parliament Bruce Baird to conduct a review of the effectiveness of the 15.5 billion Australian dollar (13.5 billion U.S. dollars) international education industry.

The nation's third biggest export sector's reputation has been hurt by violence against international students, particularly Indians, and claims that some education providers exploited students.

The paper identifies key areas affecting education quality and the experiences of international students in Australia.

"This review is an opportunity for the sector to take stock, look at what is working, what could be improved," Baird said.

Baird's review will also be informed by recommendations from an international student roundtable, delivered to Gillard last week.

The group of 31 students said they wanted to be able to work more, enjoy transport concessions and have their education sector more strictly regulated.

(www.eduwo.com, Jainlyn&Charlotte)