Providers for international students are in limbo and losing staff while they wait for the borders to open

Education New Zealand says the five billion dollar industry will take a decade to return to pre-pandemic levels, of 120 thousand students a year.

Border exceptions have been granted for a thousand returning students this month, in addition to 30 thousand foreign students already in the country.

International Education Association executive director Chris Beard says it's tough not knowing when enrolment can restart.

He says they've lost quite a bit of expertise, and having a date will help them retain staff and prepare.