UGC asks universities to set up International Affairs office on campus to promote India as a global study destination

The University Grants Commission (UGC) directed universities across the country to establish an office for International affairs in the campuses to promote India as a global study destination.

Rajnish Jain, Secretary of UGC wrote a letter asking the vice-chancellors of universities to take essential steps for establishing up the international affairs office. He even asked the authorities to share the information by February 15, 2021.  According to the letter it is stated that the establishment of the office for International affairs in each university will be an indispensable part of the internalisation of higher education in India.

Even the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises developing the global outreach of Indian Higher Education Institutions by serving as a global study destination. This policy will also help to concentrate on accelerated academic and research collaboration with foreign Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).

The office for international affairs will be responsible for undertaking the following activities:

-To coordinate all matters relating to welcoming and supporting foreign students.

-To disseminate information related to admission process among prospective foreign students.

-To engage in promotional activities and brand building campaign abroad.

-Single point contact for carrying out all collaborative activities with foreign institutions.

-Act as a liaison body between the foreign students and the sponsoring agency.

-To address the grievances of foreign students in all matters.

-To facilitate networking with fellow students.

-To extend all possible help to foreign students to adapt to the new cultural environment and make their stay in India comfortable and enriching.