UGC asks institutes not to enroll foreign nationals in ODL programmes

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed the Higher Education Institutions not to enroll international students in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. The commission clarified that only learners residing in India can be enrolled in these programmes as per regulations.

UGC mentioned the regulation 23 of ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 which states: "(3) Learner's enrolment (for Open and Distance Learning mode): A Learner residing in any part of the Country may enroll 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..."

The commission further said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that student visa cannot be issued to foreign nationals sponsored by franchise educational institutes running off-campus centres, study centres of open university offering distance learning programmes, outreach programmes by educational institutes, and programmes running without sanctions.

Also read UGC allows central, state, private universities to start ODL, online courses without AICTE approval

“In view of the above, HEls recognized/entitled to offer ODL programmes are directed not to enroll any foreign nationals in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. Accordingly, only learner residing in India may be enrolled 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,” UGC notice read.