Lincoln University, based in Malaysia, has formally submitted an application to the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the intention of establishing a campus in the state of Telangana, as elucidated by Union Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar, during a session in the Lok Sabha on Monday. This revelation comes in response to an inquiry regarding applications from foreign universities seeking to establish campuses within the bounds of India. Minister Sarkar provided insights into the procedural developments, indicating that the UGC had initiated the acceptance of applications for Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FHEIs) keen on setting up campuses within the Indian subcontinent. Among the applications received, one notable submission hails from Lincoln University College, Malaysia, expressing interest in establishing a campus in Telangana.
Further addressing concerns pertaining to the accessibility of FHEIs for Indian students, Minister Sarkar underscored that these institutions may extend full or partial merit- or needs-based scholarships, alongside offering tuition fee concessions to Indian citizens pursuing education within their purview. He also shed light on the regulatory framework, emphasizing the inclusion of safeguards against the misappropriation of philanthropic resources and the necessity for adherence to both internal and external standards governing philanthropic operations. Sarkar underscored that these regulations mandate compliance with the provisions set forth in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, particularly in relation to FHEIs receiving or utilizing donations from foreign sources.
Notably, the regulatory landscape underwent a pivotal development in November when the UGC officially notified regulations that facilitate foreign universities to establish and autonomously operate campuses in India. These regulations confer the authority to grant degrees and exercise discretion over admission processes and fee structures, thereby paving the way for a more comprehensive integration of Foreign Higher Education Institutions into the Indian educational landscape.
Also read: UGC guidelines permit foreign universities to set up campuses in India
