In a decisive move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a comprehensive warning to Indian students, cautioning against enrolling in courses offered by universities collaborating with foreign institutions that lack recognition from the UGC.
Mandatory UGC Approval for Foreign Institutions: Key Guidelines
This advisory is a direct outcome of the UGC’s exercise of powers conferred under the UGC Act, 1956. The regulatory body has introduced specific guidelines, including the University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions to offer Twinning Programme, Joint Degree, Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022, and the University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.
Under these newly enacted regulations, foreign higher educational institutions are expressly prohibited from offering any programs in India without obtaining prior approval from the UGC. The guidelines emphasize the need for collaboration to align with these regulations to ensure the recognition of programs by the UGC. The official notice from the UGC highlights the significance of adhering to these guidelines to maintain the quality and legitimacy of academic collaborations involving foreign institutions.
EdTech Caution: Online Degree Programs Under Scrutiny
Expanding its purview, the UGC has extended its warning to EdTech platforms engaged in offering degree and diploma programs in an online mode, particularly those in association with foreign universities or institutions. The notice explicitly declares that any franchise arrangement facilitating the delivery of such programs is impermissible. Consequently, degree programs offered through such arrangements will not receive recognition from the UGC.
The notice also sheds light on the UGC’s awareness of certain EdTech companies actively advertising these programs through various media channels. To underscore the gravity of the matter, the UGC asserts its commitment to taking legal action against defaulting EdTech companies and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) involved in these non-compliant practices. This stern stance aligns with the UGC’s dedication to upholding the integrity of academic programs and protecting the interests of students pursuing higher education in India.
In essence, the UGC’s dual warning serves as a safeguard against potential pitfalls in academic collaborations with foreign institutions and underscores the importance of compliance with regulatory frameworks, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining the standards and quality of education in the country.
