Foreign university campuses may come to Kerala; announcement expected in budget

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is planning to allow foreign universities to establish campuses in the state in an effort to reduce the growing number of students going abroad for higher education. Foreign universities may be allowed to set up campuses in association with existing medical and engineering colleges in Kerala. The proposal is expected to be announced in the state budget after receiving approval from the cabinet and the UDF. It is believed that the initiative will provide students with access to world-class education without requiring major government investment.

Speaking to Kerala Kaumudi, Higher Education Minister Roji M John said the government is open to welcoming foreign universities to Kerala.

Under the Centre's policy, only foreign universities ranked among the top 500 globally will be allowed to establish campuses in India. Degrees awarded by these campuses will be equivalent to those offered at their parent institutions abroad and will be recognised both in India and internationally. The campuses will not offer online or open-learning courses. Instead, they will follow the same syllabus, academic standards, and evaluation systems as their overseas counterparts. Faculty members will include both Indian and international teachers, while the universities themselves will decide qualifications and salary structures. The policy also requires universities to provide alternative arrangements for students if a campus is forced to shut down. The University Grants Commission (UGC) will serve as the appellate authority. These campuses are expected to focus on advanced and emerging fields of study.

According to UGC regulations, foreign universities do not require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from state governments to obtain approval. The UGC has also recommended that states offer incentives such as electricity and water subsidies, tax concessions, and exemptions from stamp duty, transfer charges, and registration fees.

Although the state had announced plans to permit foreign universities in the 2024 budget, the proposal was later withdrawn. At the time, concerns were raised that foreign institutions, which operate independently and often charge high fees, could remain inaccessible to ordinary students.

Potential benefits

• Students can earn degrees from globally recognised universities without leaving India. Graduates may have better opportunities for high-paying jobs worldwide.
• Foreign university courses could be pursued at a lower cost compared to studying abroad. The UGC has recommended scholarships and fee concessions for deserving students.

Study abroad trends

• Around 13.2 lakh Indian students are currently pursuing higher education abroad across 78 countries. Malayalis account for approximately 4% of these students.
• Nearly 40,000 students from Kerala leave the country every year for higher studies.
• Indians spend an estimated Rs 2.48 lakh crore annually on overseas education.

"Only by bringing globally reputed educational institutions to Kerala can we reduce the outflow of students seeking higher education abroad."

-Roji M. John

Higher Education Minister