UGC Cautions Students Against Fake EdTech & Foreign University Tie-Ups

The circular emphasized that Indian HEIs cannot offer programs in collaboration with foreign institutions unless such arrangements are duly approved by the UGC as per applicable regulations.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a new warning to students and higher education institutions that do not enroll in or promote degree and diploma programs offered through unrecognized collaborations between edtech companies and foreign universities. The regulatory body clarified that such collaborations, if not approved by the UGC, are invalid, and any qualifications obtained through them will not be recognized in India.

In an official circular, the UGC stated that it has observed that certain foreign-based education providers and educational technology (EDTech) platforms are aggressively marketing online degree and diploma programs in collaboration with Indian higher education institutions (HEIs). The UGC clarified that these agreements are being carried out without its approval and violate the UGC (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2022, and the UGC (Establishment and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Education Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

The circular emphasized that Indian higher education institutions cannot offer programs in collaboration with foreign institutions unless such agreements are duly approved by the UGC in accordance with applicable regulations. The UGC also noted that some educational technology companies have been promoting online courses on behalf of foreign universities without regulatory approval. The Commission stated that it does not recognize such franchise agreements or partnerships, and that any degree or diploma awarded under such agreements will be deemed invalid.

The UGC has warned students and parents to thoroughly verify the recognition status of foreign universities and edtech partnerships before enrolling. "Students and the general public are advised not to be misled by advertisements or promotional content issued by such unrecognized edtech companies or foreign higher education institutions," the circular states. It added that the UGC will take appropriate legal action against institutions and platforms that continue to violate its guidelines.

In a parallel social media post, the UGC reiterated its warning: "The UGC cautions students and institutions against collaborating with education providers and educational technology (EDTech) companies based abroad that are not recognized by the Commission." This post is part of the regulator's broader effort to protect students from misleading educational offerings and maintain the credibility of Indian higher education.

This is not the first time the UGC has expressed concern about the growing number of unregulated mergers in the online and cross-border education sector. Previous circulars and press releases have warned of similar risks, especially as edtech companies have ramped up marketing of international degree programs following the online learning boom brought on by the pandemic.