Meanwhile, some have side-stepped the ban by spending a fortnight in other countries before travelling here to resume their studies.
William Wu, a third-year student at the University of Auckland, was in Thailand - not for a holiday, but to quarantine himself in a hotel room.
He went back home to Beijing late last year for a holiday, and was shocked when he learnt that he was banned from coming back to study.
Foreigners from China are allowed into the country if they can prove they have just spent at least 14 days in another country where there are no travel restrictions and Wu was trying to do just that.
"I think study comes first. If there was a delay for half a year, my plans later on will be delayed. I think it will affect me a lot. So I think rather than staying at home for half a year, it's better to try everything I can to go back."
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Wang said should there be any exemption, it should be applied to all international students.
"If only tertiary students are considered, that's unfair. Year 12 and Year 13 students need to think about what universities they want to attend and take examinations for university entrance. These are very important to them," he said.
"I hope the New Zealand government can exempt all international students, including intermediate students, high school students and university students and protect their rights."
The Ministry of Education said it has been working closely with schools and universities to find solutions for affected students.
It was unlikely the government will announce any change to travel bans before the Cabinet meets on Monday.