UGC Opens the Door for Foreign Universities By Allowing Them to Operate in India

University Grants Commission (UGC) unveils draft norms to allow Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) to set up their campuses in India, which can also have autonomy regarding selection criteria and fee structure for different courses. According to the UGC (Setting up and Operational of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutes in India) Regulations, 2023, the FHEIs will be allowed to offer full-time programmes in offline mode only. However, UGC has sought suggestions from the stakeholders till Jan 18, 2023. 

The regulations for setting up foreign universities campus in India follow the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Further, to facilitate admission, "a legislative framework will be put in place, and such universities will be accorded with special dispensation regarding the regulatory, governance, and content criteria on par with other autonomous institutions of India."  

To set up campuses in India, FHEIs should either have an under-500 global ranking or be a reputed institute in their home jurisdictions. From the date of acceptance, the chosen universities would have two years to establish campuses in India. "FHEIs can establish these campuses in India in various methods per the requirements of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999. For instance, they may form a joint venture with an existing Indian organisation (like an Indian university) or open a branch office in India and operate independently.

Also Read: Strategies to Help India Become a Universal Higher Education Hub

Foreign Universities to Set up Campuses in India: Win-Win Situation for India

According to UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar, Foreign Universities setting up their campuses in India is a win-win situation as it will facilitate the opportunity for Indian students to study in prestigious foreign universities without leaving their country. Since FHEIs will be allowed to admit Indian and international students, which will boost the arrival of international students to India. As per data, around 450,000 Indian students moved abroad for higher studies which costs them a good amount of money to sustain a living and pay the tuition fee of foreign universities. Setting up FHEIs in India would save them a lot of money and fulfill their dream of studying at a prestigious foreign university.

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