Universities in WA are set to miss out on the hugely lucrative wave of returning international students, as Victorian campuses prepare to welcome overseas students back before Christmas.

The Victorian Government has today approved a plan that would see 120 international students arrive in Victoria each week, with the universities to cover hotel quarantine costs.

Chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, Phil Honeywood told PerthLIVE’s Oliver Peterson, WA is a long way behind other states when it comes to when international students will be allowed back.

“Unfortunately no time soon. It’s not just Victoria, New South Wales has already hit the go button on 250 international students to come back per week, and South Australia have also hit the go button on a plan for 160 a fortnight,” he said.