New Delhi, Jan 7 : In the wake of rising concern over attacks on Indian students in Australia, External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna Thursday advised Indian students to not to go to that country to pursue frivolous courses.

"I had my own doubts about Indian students going to Australia to pursue higher studies. I can understand if it is at the level of IITs or other such institutes of excellence," Krishna told reporters when asked about continued attacks on Indian students in that country.

"I was shocked to see students had gone to study there in courses that they don't need to go for, like hairstyling," he added.

"There are any number of excellent institutes in India - in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. I would suggest to parents that they should be discreet in choosing higher eduction institutions for their children," he said.

Krishna met Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese on the sidelines of a book launch where he sought assurances about the safety of Indian students in Australia. (IANS)