The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 16
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has tightened its grip on foreign education partnerships, mandating prior approval for any programmes offered by a Foreign Higher Educational Institution (FHEI) in India. In a stern notice, the UGC outlawed franchise arrangements and declared degrees issued through unrecognized collaborations invalid.
The move stems from concerns over HEIs partnering with unapproved foreign institutions, leading to students receiving unrecognized degrees. The notice states that the UGC has observed and been informed of such “collaborative agreements/arrangements” and emphasizes that “any such kind of collaboration/ arrangement is not recognized by the University Grants Commission.”
This crackdown aims to protect students from potentially misleading or invalid degrees and uphold educational standards. The UGC’s message is clear: only approved FHEIs can offer programs in India, and degrees obtained through unrecognized collaborations hold no value.
This regulation update is likely to have a significant impact on the Indian higher education landscape, prompting greater scrutiny of foreign collaborations and safeguarding student interests.