International students play an 'enormous' role in Australia

International students have been given the green light to return to Australia as the country begins to reopen.

Universities Australia CEO Catriona Jackson says international students play "an enormous part" in the nation’s society and economy.

"There are 130,000 students just waiting who’ve already got visas who are studying online who are very, very, keen to get back into the country for first semester," Ms Jackson told Sky News Australia.

"Also, students will be considering their options - thinking about where they study - we want them to come and study here because Australia’s a great place to study and they play an enormous part in our, both society, but also let’s be honest about it, in our economy," she said.