Australian employers who underpay international students could face criminal charges and be forced to publicly acknowledge exploitation for the first time.

The majority of international students are unlikely to pursue actions to recover their lost income if they fall victim to wage theft by their employer in Australia, says a new report which canvassed 4,500 migrant workers.

A first of its kind report into exploitation of migrant workers in Australia has found 43% of international students are being underpaid by their employer, with problems affecting every nationality of student.

Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman has announced a new campaign and internal strategy to combat workplace exploitation of international students.

A proposal to protect international students and foreign workers from deportation in instances of workplace exploitation has been submitted to the Australian immigration minister.