Karnataka Cannot Regulate Foreign Universities

Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar has made it clear that the Karnataka government cannot regulate foreign universities operating in the state regarding decisions like fees, seat reservations for local students, and other constitution-based reservation norms.

Foreign universities approved by the UGC function as autonomous institutions, on a par with private and deemed-to-be universities. Since they receive permission directly from the UGC, the state has no authority to dictate their administrative or academic policies.

The administrative control rests with foreign universities.

Dr Sudhakar said that Karnataka only provides the bare minimum infrastructure the institutions need to set up campuses.

All key decisions, such as curriculum design, fee structure, examinations, and admissions, lie solely with the respective universities.

He added that the state cannot impose reservation rules for local, poor or meritorious students on foreign institutions.

However, the Lancaster University of the UK—which is opening its campus in Bengaluru—has voluntarily agreed to reserve seats for poor and meritorious students. The minister expressed hope that other global universities would adopt similar socially responsible practices.

SC/ST Scholarship Students to be Considered

The minister said students who go abroad on the basis of the SC/ST and other constitution-based scholarship schemes are entitled to be admitted to foreign universities operating in Karnataka.

However, this would require the concerned departments’ approval before implementation.

State Education Policy Not Applicable

Answering another question, Dr Sudhakar asserted that the SEP would not be applicable to foreign universities.

He pointed out that if the government is unable to impose SEP on either private or deemed universities, it cannot extend such rules to foreign institutions.

Karnataka Seeks UGC Clarity on Sudden University Exit

The State government will write to the UGC seeking clarity on how student grievances should be handled in cases of a foreign university suddenly shutting down its campus in Karnataka.

As of now, there is no clear mechanism to protect students in such cases, since foreign universities operate outside the State’s jurisdiction. Officials have been directed to study all the UGC regulations governing foreign universities and submit a detailed report.

Advantages for Karnataka Students

Dr Sudhakar said the benefits of foreign universities opening campuses in Karnataka outweigh the limitations imposed by the policy.

Many students cannot afford the high international costs of studying abroad. Local campuses give them access to globally recognised education at far more affordable rates.

Collaboration With the U.K.: Scholarships and Dual Degrees

After meeting a delegation led by Seema Malhotra, U.K. Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Dr Sudhakar shared new developments: Karnataka has asked the U.K. government to increase the number of Chevening scholarship seats for students from the state. The State has proposed the initiation of dual-degree programmes in association with U.K. universities.

The discussions involved the establishment of joint research centres for academic collaboration. While the autonomy of foreign universities is important, the Karnataka government is balancing that with the interests of students. While regulatory control is limited, the state is pushing for greater clarity, stronger academic partnerships, and more scholarship opportunities to ensure that students get world-class education without leaving home.