Australia today said though Indian students opting for studies there has declined by 50% this year, but it is confident of "rebuilding the numbers" in the coming years.

"Statistics show a decline of around 50% at the current numbers. We are confident that in the longer term, we can rebuild the numbers," Australian high commissioner to India Peter Varghese told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar in Chennai.

"There is also reduction in number of international students coming to Australia. This is something to do with global economic environment and strengthening of the Australian dollar," he said.

On attacks on Indian students in Australia, Varghese said both the countries are engaged in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.