UGC restricts foreign students from enrolling in distance learning programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released an important notice regarding enrolments under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes.

In its latest UGC notice, only a learner residing in India may be enrolled in ODL programs in compliance to the territorial jurisdiction for all the activities of a learner as defined in Annexure III of UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

Hence, the Higher Educational Institutions recognised/ entitled to offer ODL programmes are directed not to enroll any foreign national.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that student visas cannot be issued to foreign nationals sponsored by franchise educational institutes running off-campus centers, and study centers of open universities offering distance learning programmes.

Chapter 15.1 of visa manual states:

"No student visa  will be issued to foreign nationals sponsored by franchise educational institutes running off-campus centers, study centers of an open university offering distance learning programmes, educational institutes  running 'outreach' programmes and offering courses without any statutory sanction from regulatory authorities."

Similarly, Regulations 23 (3) of UGC (ODL Programmes, Online Programmes) Regulations  2020 stipulates:

"Learner's enrollment (for open and distance learning mode): A learner residing in any part of the country may enroll in any programme being offered by Higher Educational Institution recognised by the Commission for offering programme under Open and Distance Learning mode provided that Higher Educational Institution shall conduct all activities such as admission, contact programmes, examinations etc for learner strictly within territorial jurisdiction of the Higher Educational Institution."