In a significant development for higher education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced that several top-tier international universities from North America, Europe, the UK, and Australia are currently in talks to establish campuses within the country.
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar highlighted the strong global interest but refrained from naming specific institutions as the application process is ongoing.
The Australia Today is given to understand that the University of Technology Sydney is in advanced talks with Indian authorities.
This initiative follows the UGC’s notification last November, laying down regulations for foreign universities aiming to set up operations in India. Kumar, in an interview with ANI, expressed optimism about the potential influx of foreign educational institutions.
“We have delegations from across the globe interested in offering programs in several emerging areas,”
he stated.
Australia’s Deakin University has pioneered this move by becoming the first international university to open a teaching campus in India, located in Gujarat International Finance Technology City (GIFT City), under the regulations of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
The Gujarat government recently said two more Australian universities are expected to soon set up campuses in Gujarat.
These unnamed varsities are also likely to establish their presence in Gandhinagar’s GIFT City, where Deakin University and the University of Wollongong are ready to roll out their programmes in June.
The UGC has established a streamlined process for applications through an online portal.
“An expert committee will review the applications within 60 days and forward their recommendations to the UGC. Subsequently, we expect to issue letters of intent to these universities within the next 60 days,”
Kumar explained.
Only universities ranked among the top 500 globally, according to a UGC-approved list, are eligible to apply. This criterion ensures that only institutions of high repute and educational standards will contribute to India’s academic landscape.
Foreign universities in India will be permitted to offer a wide array of academic programs, ranging from undergraduate to post-doctoral levels, encompassing certificates, diplomas, degrees, and research opportunities.
According to the UGC’s stringent regulations, interested foreign educational institutions (FHEIs) must not only rank highly but also demonstrate exceptional expertise in specific areas. Moreover, if these institutions wish to handle foreign contributions, they must comply with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, ensuring adherence to all legal requirements.
This development is poised to reshape the educational landscape in India, offering students access to diverse and international curriculums and fostering a more globalized educational environment. The UGC is confident that the presence of these esteemed international universities will enhance India’s appeal as a global education hub, attracting students from across the world.
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