UGC directs higher education institutions for non-enrolment of foreign nationals in ODL programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday issued a notice to all higher education institutions asking them to prohibit the enrolment of foreign nationals in open and distance learning (ODL) programmes. The Commission clarifies that only learners residing in India are eligible for enrolment in ODL programs, as per the guidelines outlined in Annexure III of the UGC regulations.

Under regulation 23 of UGC, ODL Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020, “(3) Learner’s enrolment (for open and distance learning mode): A learner residing in any part of the country may enrol in any programme being offered by a higher educational institution recognised by the Commission for offering programme under open and distance learning mode provided that the higher educational institution shall conduct all activities such as admissions, contact programmes, examinations etc. for learner strictly within the territorial jurisdiction of the higher educational institution as specified in these regulations…”

Additionally, UGC mentions that the Ministry of Home Affairs had notified that student visas cannot be provided to international students funded by franchise educational institutes running off-campus centres, study centres of open university offering distance learning programmes, outreach programmes by educational institutes, and courses offered without regulatory sanctions.

“In view of the above, HEls recognized/entitled to offer ODL programmes are directed not to enrol any foreign nationals in open and distance learning (ODL) programmes. Accordingly, only learners residing in India may be enroled in ODL programmes in compliance to the territorial jurisdiction for all the activities of learner as defined in Annexure-III of UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020,” the notice read.