Sunday, May 19

UGC Notifies Regulations Regarding Enrolment Of International Learners

Edited by Uzma Parveen
UGC Notifies Regulations Regarding Enrolment Of International Learners

The University Grant Commission (UGC) has allowed the enrollment of foreign or international learners to enroll in any online program offered by the Higher Educational Institutions in India. The notification mentioned that the educational institution must be recognised by the commission and the course offered should comply with the UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations, 2020.

“A learner residing within or outside India may enroll in any program being offered by a Higher Educational Institution recognized by the commission for offering program under Online Mode”, UGC notified.

Earlier on April 26, 2024, the regulatory body issued a notification regarding the non-enrolment of foreign nationals in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs only and not in online courses. As per the notification HEIs recognized to offer ODL programs are directed to not enroll any foreign nationals in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. Only learners who are residing in India are allowed to enroll in ODL programs in compliance with the territorial jurisdiction defined under the regulations.

To clarify regarding its previous notification, UGC said that foreign/international learners are allowed to enroll in any online program offered by a recognized/entitled higher educational institution.

The Online and ODL is an alternate way to supplement the conventional system of higher education. This system is to facilitate and expand the higher education sector for those who are deprived of pursuing education.

Notably, the UGC notified the UGC (ODL Program and Online Programe) Regulations, 2020 which has been subsequently amended thrice on July 1, 2021, July 18, 2022, and May 2, 2024.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently released a list of HEIs (Higher Educational Institutions) that are allowed to provide online and open and distance learning (ODL) programs. The UGC has sanctioned nearly 80 universities to provide multiple online distance learning programs.