Overview
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially released guidelines for foreign universities to independently establish and run their campuses in India, permitting them complete control over their admission procedures and fee structures.
UGC Initiatives to Foster Internationalisation of Higher Education in India
According to the official notification released by The University Grants Commission (UGC) on November 8, UGC has taken several initiatives to internationalise higher education in India. In 2021, they introduced guidelines for Internationalisation of Higher Education, which included provisions for establishing offices committed to International Affairs and Alumni Connect in universities.
Furthermore, in May 2022, the UGC released regulations for Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions, allowing for Twin Degree, Joint Degree, and Dual Degree Programs. These steps fostered and boosted academic collaboration between Indian and foreign institutions.
The UGC aims to facilitate the entry of higher-ranked foreign universities into India, in line with the National Education Policy of 2020, to enhance the international facet of higher education, equip Indian students with affordable access to foreign qualifications, and position India as an attractive global study destination.
Therefore, these measures are designed to encourage foreign higher educational institutions to enter India. This authority is granted to the UGC under specific University Grants Commission Act sections.
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar stated that the regulations are designed to facilitate the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) into India and to give higher education in India an international perspective. He further explained that these regulations are intended to assure that the education provided on Indian campuses matches the quality of education in the universities’ home countries and adheres to relevant laws and regulations.
Critical Regulations for Foreign Higher Education Institutions in India
Highlights from the Official Notification
Eligibility
Regarding eligibility, a Foreign Higher Educational Institution planning to set up campuses in India must meet specific criteria at the time of application. These criteria include:
- The institution should have achieved a position within the top five hundred in the global rankings, as determined by the Commission periodically. This applies to the overall category of international rankings.
- Alternatively, the institution should have secured a place within the top five hundred in subject-wise global rankings at the time of application. It can also meet the criteria by demonstrating exceptional expertise in a particular field, as determined by the Commission periodically.
Likewise, in cases where two or more Foreign Higher Educational Institutions intend to collaborate to establish campuses in India, each institution involved must individually meet the eligibility criteria.
Admission and Fees
Regarding admission and fee structure, foreign higher educational institutions setting up campuses in India have the independence to shape their admission processes for both domestic and international students. They are also liable for determining a transparent and reasonable fee structure.
To ensure transparency, these institutions must publish their prospectus on their website at least sixty days before admissions, providing details such as fee structures, refund policies, available seats in each program, eligibility requirements, and the admission process.
Furthermore, these institutions can offer full or partial merit-based or need-based scholarships using various funding sources, including endowment funds, alum contributions, and tuition revenues. Additionally, they can provide tuition fee concessions to Indian citizens.
This approach allows foreign higher educational institutions to adapt their admissions and fee policies to the Indian educational landscape while maintaining transparency and accessibility for students.
Appointment of Staff
Regarding appointing faculty and staff and related provisions, the Foreign Higher Educational Institution is granted the autonomy to hire faculty and staff members from India and abroad, adhering to their recruitment norms. They are also empowered to determine the qualifications, salary structure, and terms of employment for their faculty and staff.
However, the Foreign Higher Educational Institution needs to ensure that the qualifications of the appointed faculty members match the standards set by the main campus in their home country.
Besides, the Foreign Higher Educational Institutions must ensure that international faculty members recruited to teach at the Indian campus stay in India for at least one semester. This provision promotes international academic exchange and interaction within the Indian campus.
Transparency and Accountability
Additionally, The Foreign Higher Educational Institution is required to provide the Commission with an annual report. This report should include comprehensive information on the programs offered, the number of students admitted and graduated, and the qualifications awarded during that academic year.
This annual report must also be made accessible to the public through the website of the Foreign Higher Educational Institution or its campus. This transparency keeps stakeholders informed about the institution’s academic activities and achievements.
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