Over 50 Foreign University Have Applied to UGC for Approval, 3 are Operational: Dharmendra Pradhan

Foreign University: Three foreign universities are currently operating in India and the University Grants Commission (UGC) is considering giving approval to more than 50 high-quality foreign universities to benefit students, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Parliament on Wednesday.

Responding during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Dharmendra Pradhan said about 14-15 lakh Indian students study abroad, leading to a huge drain on resources. To tackle this problem and promote higher research in India, the UGC has amended its rules to facilitate the entry of foreign universities.

He clarified that contrary to earlier figures, there are already three foreign universities operating in India. Additionally, more than 50 foreign universities are in discussions with various state governments and have applied for UGC approval.

We will evaluate these institutions as per our criteria and approval will be granted accordingly. This move is in the best interest of students,” education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said. To another question related to increasing penalties for universities violating rules, the minister reiterated that the government is focused on maintaining high standards and compliance in the higher education sector.

The presence of these universities in India is expected to provide more options for international education to Indian students and help meet the growing demand for quality higher education in the country.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was established as per the UGC Act 1956 and is tasked with coordinating, determining and maintaining standards of higher education in India. It grants recognition to universities in India, and disburses funds to such recognised universities and colleges.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is headquartered in New Delhi and has six regional centres at Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Bangalore.

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