UGC Cautions Edtechs Partnering with Foreign Institutes, Threatens Action

• ByStartupStory     |    December 18, 2023

UGC Issues Warning to Edtech Companies Collaborating with Foreign Universities for Online Degree Courses. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned both edtech firms and colleges engaging in degree programs in collaboration with foreign universities unrecognized by the commission. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi emphasized, “Any such collaboration or arrangement is not recognized by the UGC and, accordingly, the degrees issued after such collaboration arrangement are also not recognized by the commission.”

Joshi highlighted concerns about numerous Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and colleges forming agreements with foreign educational entities not recognized by the UGC, leading to the conferral of foreign degrees to students. He reiterated, “It has been observed that many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and colleges have entered into collaborative agreements with foreign-based educational institutions or providers not recognized by the commission and have been facilitating the issuance of foreign degrees to the students.”

The warning extends to edtech companies advertising online degree and diploma programs in association with foreign universities. Joshi pointed out that such franchising arrangements are impermissible, emphasizing that these programs or degrees would lack UGC recognition. He also warned of forthcoming actions against defaulting edtech firms and Higher Education Institutions under applicable regulations.

Joshi advised caution to students and the public, stressing that enrollment in such courses would be at their own risk. He concluded, “Students and the general public are advised to exercise due caution, and any enrolment in such courses will be at their own risk.”

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