UGC issues guidelines for foreign universities to establish campuses in India

Following the recent announcement by Australia’s Western Sydney University about its plans to establish an independent campus in Bangalore, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has released regulations allowing foreign universities ranked among the world’s top 500 to set up branch campuses within the country.

These universities will have the authority to determine their admission procedures, fee structures, and also have the option to repatriate funds to their parent campuses.

Collaboration between two or more universities to establish campuses in India is permitted, provided each institute individually meets the eligibility criteria. Additionally, each foreign university has the opportunity to establish multiple campuses in India, but a separate application must be submitted for each proposed campus to the commission.

The guidelines have been published nearly 10 months after the draft was made available for public feedback. Based on the input received, the final regulations have been adjusted. For instance, the final rules now stipulate that international faculty members appointed to teach at Indian campuses should stay in the country for at least one semester.

In addition to this, the time period for the standing committee to process applications has been extended from 45 days to 60 days in the final rules. The committee’s recommendations should be presented to the UGC within 60 days, as opposed to the 45-day period outlined in the draft regulations.

It is worth noting that foreign universities are prohibited from establishing learning centers, study centers, or franchises that may serve as representative offices of the parent entity for promotional activities in their home jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction outside India. Prior approval from the commission is required before initiating any new programme on their campus in India, according to the regulations.