Perspective : Rules for Foreign Universities | 05 January, 2023

Summary

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has introduced draft regulations allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India, aiming to internationalize higher education as per the National Education Policy 2020. Institutions must register with UGC, set up campuses within two years, and offer only full-time, in-person programs. The initial approval is valid for 10 years. The move is seen as a game-changer for Indian students aspiring to global education, with potential to retain talent and enhance the quality of education through competition and collaboration.

Takeaways

• 📜 The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has unveiled draft regulations allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India, aiming to promote the internationalization of higher education.
• 🗂 Foreign institutions must first register with the UGC and are required to set up their campuses within two years of initial approval, becoming operational within 45 days of receiving final approval.
• 🏛 The initial approval for these campuses will be valid for 10 years, and the foreign universities will have the freedom to devise their own admission processes and fee structures.
• 🚫 Foreign universities setting up campuses in India will not be allowed to offer online or distance learning programs; only full-time, in-person programs are permitted.
• 🤝 The UGC is expected to actively engage with ambassadors from both foreign countries and India to facilitate the establishment of foreign campuses in India within the next six to twelve months.
• 🌐 The policy is seen as a potential game-changer for Indian students who aspire to study at international universities but may face challenges such as financial constraints or cultural experiences abroad.
• 🤔 Concerns are raised about whether foreign universities will be able to attract top talent to teach at their Indian campuses and if the quality of education will be on par with their home institutions.
• 💼 The financial aspect of establishing campuses is a significant consideration, with questions about whether private players or the government will support the investment in infrastructure.
• 🏫 The UGC's regulations aim to ensure that foreign campuses in India will contribute to the overall improvement of higher education quality and foster research collaborations with Indian institutions.
• 📈 The move is considered a step towards making India a more attractive destination for global education and aligns with India's ambition to become a 5 trillion-dollar economy by enhancing its human capital.
• 📊 The success of this initiative will depend on balancing quality education with affordability to ensure that it is accessible to a wide range of Indian students, not just the elite.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the new draft regulations unveiled by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for foreign universities in India?

The purpose of the new draft regulations is to allow foreign universities to set up their campuses in India, which will pave the way towards globalization of higher education in the country.

What are the initial steps foreign institutions need to take to establish their campuses in India as per the UGC's draft regulations?

Foreign institutions must first register with the UGC, establish their campuses in India within two years, and become operational within 45 days of receiving final approval from the commission.

What is the validity period of the initial approval granted to foreign universities setting up campuses in India?

The initial approval granted to foreign universities is valid for a period of 10 years.

What type of learning programs can foreign universities offer in their campuses in India according to the draft regulations?

Foreign universities can offer only full-time programs in physical mode and cannot offer online or distance learning programs.

How does the UGC plan to safeguard the interests of students with the new regulations?

The UGC has undertaken several measures, which will be analyzed in detail with eminent experts, to ensure the protection of students' interests under the new regulations.

What was the National Education Policy 2020's stance on internationalization of higher education in India?

The National Education Policy 2020 emphasized the need for internationalization of higher education in India and facilitated the entry of top global universities to operate in the country.

What are the incentives for foreign universities to set up campuses in India as per the new regulations?

Foreign universities have the freedom to devise their own admission processes and decide on their fee structures, which are significant incentives for them to establish campuses in India.

How does Professor Harsh Vardhan Pant view the potential impact of foreign universities setting up campuses in India on the country's higher education system?

Professor Pant sees it as a game-changer that will enhance the quality of education, improve competitive spirit among institutions, and help retain and attract the best talent in the country.

What are the concerns raised by Professor Amlindu Mishra regarding the establishment of foreign campuses in India?

Professor Mishra raised concerns about the ability of foreign institutions to provide education at par with their home countries, the focus on humanities and social sciences rather than natural sciences, and the challenges of attracting and retaining talent.

What are the different ways in which foreign educational institutions can establish their presence in India as per FEMA 1999?

Foreign educational institutions can establish their presence in India by registering a company under the Companies Act, through a Limited Liability Partnership, by forming a joint venture with an existing Indian entity, or by setting up a branch office as a standalone institution.

How does Professor M Jagdish Kumar address the concerns about the affordability and quality of education provided by foreign campuses in India?

Professor Kumar believes that foreign campuses will need to balance the quality of education with affordability to attract students. He also mentioned that the regulations require institutions to provide scholarships based on an evaluation process, ensuring that education remains accessible to a broader range of students.