New South Wales partnership with FCM brings back international students

The New South Wales (NSW) Government, Australia, and the higher education sector has partnered with the global travel management company, FCM on a successful a pilot plan for the return of fully vaccinated international students. The proposal, which was greenlighted by the Government in late 2021, saw the first chartered flights bringing international students to NSW, in December 2021. Stuart Ayres, NSW minister for enterprise, investment and trade, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome the first cohorts of international students back to NSW and we are delighted to have the support of FCM across this critical project. Their experience has been invaluable in navigating the many challenges of this highly complex initiative.” Melissa Elf, general manager of FCM, added: “International students in 2019 injected more than $14.6bn (US$10.5bn) into the Australian economy and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the continued smooth process of welcoming international students back to our shores.” Education partners included a wide range of universities across the state alongside five independent providers RedHill, International College of Management Sydney, Study Group, Navitas, and Kaplan. CMW reported the first flights arriving in Australia, 21 February, following the reopening of international borders.