Virgin Australia has put plans in place to operate three charter flights for stranded Chinese students if the Australian government relaxes its coronavirus travel ban.

Universities face major financial losses after the government's ongoing ban on non-citizens travelling from China prevented 100,000 students from arriving in Australia for the start of the academic year.

Virgin Australia has made plans for three charter flights to bring Chinese students to Australia. Credit:Philip Gostelow

The vast majority of the students remain stuck in China although some have been arriving in Australia after waiting out their 14-day isolation period in third countries. The window is rapidly closing for students to arrive in time to participate in first semester studies on the ground in Australia.

The government has been considering easing the ban for students, subject to public safety assurances, and already airlines are preparing special flights to bring their students to Australia.