UGC Draft Regulations for Foreign Universities

University Grant Commission has issued regulations for foreign universities under the title “University Grant Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations 2023”. UGC Draft Regulations for Foreign Universities are for internationalizing India’s higher education system as envisioned in National Education Policy 2020.

These regulations allow Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FHEIs) to set up campuses in India. These also includes provisions like setting up an Office for International Affairs and Alumni Connect Cells in the Universities.

Key highlights of UGC Draft Regulations for Foreign Universities

• UGC Approval
  • UGC will grant approval to FHEIs to set up campuses in India.
• Eligibility Criteria
  • Foreign Universities should have secured a rank in the top 500 of overall/subject-wise global ranking decided by the commission.
  • Foreign Education Institutions should be reputed institutions in their home jurisdiction.
• Standing Committee
  • UGC shall constitute a Standing Committee to examine matters related to setting up and operation of FHEIs in India.
• Admission and Fee Structure
  • Full autonomy will be given to FHEIs to decide the admission process and criteria, fee structure, and full/partial need-based scholarships.
• Appointment of Faculty and Staff
  • FHEIs shall have the autonomy to recruit faculty and staff from India and outside as per their own criteria.
  • But they must ensure that the qualifications of appointed faculty shall be at par with the main campus of the country of origin.
• Protect interest of Students
  • Without UGC approval, FHEIs shall not discontinue any course or close the campus.
  • FHEIs shall not be allowed to run courses in online and ODL mode.
  • Qualifications awarded by FHEIs shall be recognized as equivalent to the main campus.
• Safeguarding India’s National Interest
  • Operations of FHEIs shall not be contrary to India’s sovereignty and integrity, security of state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency, and morality.
• Annual Report
  • FHEIs shall submit an annual report to the commission which includes details like course offered, number of students admitted, and cross-border movement of funds (as per FEMA 1999).
• Right to Inspect
  • The commission shall have the right to inspect the campus and its operations at any time.