VICTORIA has become the only Australian state that does not offer public transport discounts for international students, raising concerns that New South Wales will secure a greater share of the multibillion-dollar education industry.

The Victorian government has ruled out introducing travel discounts for international students, despite NSW announcing last week that foreign students will get up to 35 per cent off fares.

Tertiary education groups said the state government's inaction over travel discounts for international students will give NSW a competitive advantage.

Australian Council for Private Education and Training chief executive Claire Field said discounted transport fares influenced where international students chose to study.

''It's time international students in Victoria were treated as equitably as local students. The other states will move further ahead in terms of international student numbers unless Victoria is prepared to act.''