The University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) has notified the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023 on November 7, 2023, which lays down key guidelines for facilitating the establishment of campuses by foreign universities in India to conduct undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, post-doctoral, and other programmes and award degrees, diplomas, and certificates in all disciplines.

Foreign higher educational institutions (‘FHEIs’) are permitted to be set up and offer any programme in India with the prior approval of UGC and should have secured a position within the top 500 in the overall or subject-wise category of global rankings at the time of application or should possess outstanding expertise in a particular area, as determined by the UGC. FHEIs have been granted the autonomy to determine the admission process and criteria, the fee structure, the provision of need-basis scholarships and recruitment of faculty and staff from India and abroad. The FHEIs are required to also comply with the FEMA in relation to the cross-border movement of funds and should obtain prior permission of the Central Government and comply with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 prior to receipt or utilization of donations from any foreign sources.