UGC Warns Against Unrecognised Foreign Collaborations and Online Degree Programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh advisory, reiterating its warning to students, parents, and higher education institutions (HEIs) against enrolling in or promoting unrecognised foreign collaborations and online degree programmes. The notice, dated 22nd July 2025, follows up on an earlier advisory from 12th December 2023 regarding academic collaborations between Indian and foreign institutions.

According to the UGC, several HEIs and colleges have entered into agreements with foreign-based educational providers that are not recognised by the Commission. In many cases, these arrangements have led to the issuance of degrees to students, even though such programmes lack formal approval. The Commission has also flagged certain EdTech companies for advertising online degrees and diploma courses in collaboration with foreign universities, which similarly do not have UGC recognition.

The UGC stressed that any degree or diploma obtained through such unapproved collaborations will not be recognised in India. It further warned that action will be taken against defaulting HEIs and EdTech companies for violating existing rules and regulations.

Students and the general public have been advised to exercise extreme caution and verify the recognition status of any foreign collaboration or online programme before enrolling. The Commission made it clear that pursuing such courses would be entirely at the candidate’s own risk and consequences.

This move is part of the UGC’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students from unregulated academic offerings and ensure the integrity of higher education in India.