UNIVERSITY of Bolton will arrange flights for overseas students from India, China and Africa as part of measures to open up the campus in September.

International students are said to be an "incredibly important part" of the university.

And Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Prof George Holmes said they have "formulated plans" to fly students from those countries to the UK before the start of the new semester.

Once they have landed, the university will organise airport pick-up, onward travel by dedicated coaches, and quarantine support.

The idea is to keep cohorts of students together in a 'bubble' and the university will pay for travel to the airport in the students' homeland and from the airport to the university in the UK.

University officials say they are working with Manchester Airport and Bolton Council to support international students any quarantine requirements.

Professor Holmes said that the students’ safety would be paramount throughout their entire journey and when they arrive on campus.

He said: “The University of Bolton is open for international students. They are an incredibly important part of our institution.”

The university has announced a range of measures to ensure it can reopen its campus safely for students and staff in September.

This includes providing bikes, installing sophisticated airport style walk through temperature scanners at every building entry, social distancing measures and one way walk way systems in place.

Prof Holmes added: “We have clearly laid out our innovative plans to make the campus Covid-secure for students and staff to return to in September.

“We pride ourselves on our diverse community and every year we welcome students from across the globe.

“We are committed to welcoming international students to the University of Bolton, as well as UK students, to campus in September.

“We will ensure that from the moment they leave their home in whatever country they are from, that their safety is paramount.

“We will assist and support international students on the entire journey, ensuring that they remain within their own ‘bubble’ from the moment they set off until the moment they come out of quarantine in the UK.”

Prof Holmes said:: “Students will have access to a fully operational University campus and be able to study and engage in person with other students and staff.

“I am determined that the University of Bolton is ahead of the game in transforming its campus to create a place where our students from all over the world feel safe and happy and can make the most of their experience of Higher Education.

“The university student experience is not just about learning. Students want to see their friends in person, they want to engage with their tutors.

“Under our plans we can ensure they will be able to do this safely in September.”