UGC amends norms for tie-ups with foreign edu institutes

Indian educational institutions which enter into academic tie-ups with foreign institutes will have to ensure that students who opt for these courses will study at least one semester for post-graduate degrees and two semesters for under-graduate degrees abroad.
At a meeting held today, the University Grants Commission (UGC) decided to amend the existing guidelines.
As per the decisions, Indian institutes which get top accreditations will now be able to approach the UGC to seek its nod for entering into academic tie-ups with highly-rated education institutions abroad.
Under the previous norms, only foreign institutes could seek permission for academic collaborations.
"Today, the UGC has taken a decision as per which the highest graded Indian institutions can engage in academic collaboration with foreign educational institutions of highest grade in their country or those who have crossed the threshold limit," HRD minister Smriti Irani told reporters as she announced the decisions.

As per the new norms, the name of the foreign institute will also be mentioned on the degree certificate for such courses.

The norms, which will soon be notified, also specify a minimum degree of collaboration as per which at least one semester for post-graduate degrees and two semesters for under-graduate degrees have been specified.
A window of one year has been provided for institutes which already have a global partnership, to get their pacts approved by UGC, the HRD minister said.
A committee of experts will examine the proposals for these collaborations.
Irani said there have been instances where institutes fraudulently advertise collaborations with foreign institutions creating problems for students. It has been decided that the UGC will approach the state government concerned for action in such cases, she said.

The MoUs will provide sufficient autonomy to the institutions, officials said, adding that students from foreign institutions will also be allowed to come to Indian campuses under these norms.
Irani also said it will be ensured that within 30 working days all applications will be responded to and in a yes or no situation in 60 working days.
(Reopens DEL 87)
Under the previous guidelines, it was the foreign
institutes that had to apply for permissions from the regulators. In the new regulations, it is the Indian institutes who will be able apply for permissions.
In reply to a question, Irani said this option will be obviously cheaper than studying abroad for the entire degree. She also said the facilities provided will be brought to the notice of the students who can then make an informed decisions regarding joining these particular courses.

It has also been decided that apart from their name on the degree, foreign educational institutions may also sign the transcripts or credit issued to the students. However, primacy on the degree has to be given to the Indian institutions.
Irani said it should be not be considered that in any way foreign institutions have been allowed to set up franchisees in India.
Responding to questions, she said the conditions related to the courses offered by the institutes will depend on the MoUs signed between Indian and foreign institute.