There are calls for the Government to start planning for the arrival of international students.

Many international students have left the country, or not come into the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

International education is New Zealand's fifth largest export earner.

Otago University associate professor Sara Walton told Mike Yardley if the Government opens the borders for the first university semester in February, a lot of work needs to be done.

She says there needs to be a lot of planning, to ensure we have enough quarantine and isolation facilities.

"We need to be organised for when the borders re-open. The earlier we start planning... the better."

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