UGC warns against courses offered by foreign universities, EdTech platforms

The University Grants Commission (UGC) today warned Indian students against taking admission in courses offered by universities in collaboration with foreign universities that are not recognised by the commission.

“It is for the information of the general public and all concerned stakeholders that in the exercise of its powers given under the UGC Act, 1956 (as amended); UGC has notified 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 University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

“The Regulations mandate that No Foreign Higher Educational Institution shall offer any programme in India without the prior approval of the Commission,” the UGC said in an official notice.

Additionally, UGC also warned EdTech platforms against offering degree and diploma programmes in online mode. “It has also come to the notice of UGC that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements in newspapers/social media/television etc. offering degree and diploma programmes in Online modes in association with some foreign universities/institutions. Such a franchisee arrangement is not permissible and any such programme/degree shall not have UGC recognition,” the notice added.

UGC also added that action will be also be taken against all the defaulting EdTech companies as well as the HEIs under applicable laws/ rules/ regulations.