New Delhi, November 09: The University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled long-awaited regulations for Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) on Wednesday, outlining guidelines for their entry into India.
According to UGC Chairman Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar, FHEIs seeking to establish campuses in India must rank within the top 500 globally or within the top 500 in specific subjects. These institutions can offer programs at various academic levels, from undergraduate to post-doctoral, within their Indian campuses.
Collaboration between two or more FHEIs to establish campuses in India is allowed, provided each institution meets individual eligibility criteria. Each FHEI can set up multiple campuses, with a separate application required for each.
No annual fees, other than a one-time application fee, are required for FHEIs. They are expected to use their own resources for campus setup, and the UGC provides a single-window clearance process.
FHEIs can apply online at any time during the year, and the Standing Committee will review applications, leading to initial in-principle approval and the issuance of a Letter of Intent (LoI). The FHEIs are expected to establish their campuses in India within two years of receiving the LoI.
Campuses of FHEIs in India will have autonomy in recruiting faculty and staff, determining qualifications, salary structures, and other conditions of service. However, faculty qualifications must be on par with the main campus in the country of origin.
FHEIs may offer full or partial scholarships and fee concessions to Indian students. Grievance mechanisms for students will be established at the campus level, with an option to appeal to the Commission if grievances are not resolved.
Programs cannot be offered in online or distance learning modes under these regulations, although online lectures up to 10% of program requirements are permitted. Prior approval from the Commission is necessary for launching new programs.
Qualifications awarded in India by FHEIs will carry the name and seal of the institution in their country of origin. FHEIs are prohibited from establishing learning centers, study centers, or franchises outside India for promotional activities.
In the case of joint ventures between FHEIs and Indian universities, the FHEI must be the applicant, holding majority ownership in the joint venture. Degrees or diplomas must be awarded in the name of the FHEI.
