The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notice to all higher education institutions asking them not to admit foreigners into open and distance learning (ODL) programmes. The notice highlighted the eligibility criteria specified in UGC regulations Annexure III, namely that only students residing in India are eligible for enrollment in ODL programs.
As per regulation 23 of UGC, ODL Programs and Online Programs Regulations, 2020, “(3) Enrollment of student (for open and distance learning): A student residing in any part of the country may register for any program is offered by a higher education institution. institution recognized by the Commission for offering programs in the form of open education and distance education, provided that the higher education institution carries out all activities such as admission, contact programs, examinations, etc. for the student strictly within the territorial jurisdiction of the institution for higher education, as specified in these conditions. regulations…', the statement read.
The country's higher education regulator said the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that student visas will not be issued to foreigners sponsored by franchise educational institutions running off-campus centers, study centers of open universities offering distance learning programs , educational institutions conducting “outreach” programs and offering courses without any legal sanction from regulatory authorities.”
“In view of the above, institutions recognized/entitled to offer ODL programs are directed not to enroll foreign nationals in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs. Accordingly, only students resident in India shall be allowed to be enrolled in ODL programs in accordance with the territorial jurisdiction for all activities of the student as defined in Annexure-III of the UGC (ODL Programs and Online Programs) Regulations, 2020,” it said statement.
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Published: Apr 28, 2024 10:50 PM IST