UGC directs universities to refund fees, implement provisions of UGC Act

The UGC circular was issued after it received several representations from students and parents on non-refund of fees on cancellation or withdrawal of admission against many colleges and universities.

HEIs violating the UGC fee refund policy will face ‘punitive action’ (Representative image/ file)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed the higher educational institutions (HEIs) to refund the fees of the students who have migrated to different institutes. The commission had earlier requested institutes to allow a full refund of the college fees within a specified period to opt for a course they choose.

It has reiterated that any higher educational institutions (HEIs) violating the UGC fee refund policy will face ‘punitive action’.

As per the UGC Redressal of Grievances of Students Regulation 2023, “..delay in or denial of the refund of fees due to a student who withdraws admission within the time mentioned in the prospectus, subject to guidelines, issued by the commission from time to time.”

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The notice was issued after UGC received several representations from students and parents on non-refund of fees on cancellation or withdrawal of admission against many colleges and universities.

“The said notifications/ guidelines are applicable to undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes offered by all universities,” the notification said.

“UGC has requested all the HEls vide mails and reminders to act on the complaints received from the students seeking a refund of fees paid to the Institutes after those students migrated to other institutions,” it added.