The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to higher education institutions, instructing them to refrain from allowing foreign nationals to enroll in their open and distance learning (ODL) programs. This directive is grounded in Regulation 23 of the UGC’s ODL Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020. According to this regulation, only individuals residing within India are eligible to enroll in ODL programs offered by recognized higher education institutions.
The UGC further clarifies that all activities related to learners, including admissions, contact programs, and examinations, must be conducted strictly within the territorial jurisdiction of the higher education institution, as outlined in the regulations. This ensures compliance with the guidelines and ensures that the educational programs are conducted effectively within the specified boundaries.
Moreover, the UGC highlights that the Ministry of Home Affairs has notified certain restrictions regarding student visas for international students. These restrictions apply to students funded by franchise educational institutes operating off-campus centers, study centers of open universities offering distance learning programs, outreach programs by educational institutes, and courses offered without regulatory sanctions.
In light of these regulations and notifications, higher education institutions recognized or entitled to offer ODL programs are directed to adhere to the directive and refrain from enrolling any foreign nationals in their ODL programs. The notice emphasizes that only learners residing in India should be enrolled in ODL programs, ensuring compliance with territorial jurisdiction requirements outlined in Annexure III of the UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020. This directive aims to uphold regulatory standards and ensure that ODL programs are accessible to eligible learners within the specified jurisdiction.