New UGC Rules of registration of foreign students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared that there are new guidelines according to which all foreign students pursuing studies in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will have to register on the Study in India (SII) portal beginning with the academic year 2025-26. This project will also consolidate data of the foreign students and tie the visas to study to the portal. The relocation is to increase the level of transparency, safety of the students, and adherence to the visa norms.

Background of the Policy

Until recently, foreign students used to directly apply to specific universities or colleges and subsequently, they would help with their visa arrangements. The lack of a centralised monitoring system, however, posed difficulties in the sphere of tracking students, preventing overstays, and solving the security-related problems. In response to these issues the Ministry of Education instructed UGC to require all international student registrations to use the SII portal.

Objectives of the SII Portal

The portal SII is planned to serve as one-window system of foreign student data management. In connecting study visas to the portal, the authorities will have the real time information concerning student enrollment and movement. Institutions will also be in a position to manage admissions and visa more easily. In addition to administrative convenience, the system enhances safety assurances, which provides superior protection and welfare checks to the students.

Institutions job responsibilities.

It is mandatory that all HEIs that receive international students take them onboard via SII portal. A Compliance Officer will be designated by each institution to make sure that these rules are adequately implemented. The officer will also align visa processes, compliance and other matters to do with accommodation, welfare and security of foreign students to proper management.

Effects on International Student Enrollment.

As India is establishing itself as an education hub in the world, states like Karnataka are anticipating a constant rise in the number of foreign students. Cities such as Bengaluru are already hosting international universities such as Imperial College London, Liverpool University and Wolverhampton University which are in the process of establishing local campuses. This increasing influx will be taken care of with the help of the SII portal.

Advantages of Centralised Data.

The availability of one database will facilitate the authorities to monitor student movement, prevent overstays of visas, and minimize the associated criminal exposure. It will also assist institutions in planning to accommodate and support services better. In general, the new system will ensure transparency, accountability, and safety and will make India a more desirable destination among global learners.