On 2 May 2022, the Indian University Grants Commission (UGC) gazetted regulations that will allow Indian and foreign universities, including Australian universities, to offer twinning, joint and dual degrees.
These regulations will implement the Indian Government’s commitment under the National Education Policy 2020 and apply to Australian universities in the top 1000 of Times Higher Education or QS World University rankings. They allow Indian and foreign universities to offer twinning, joint and dual degrees in the same disciplines or subject areas at the same qualification level.
Programs delivered through online or distance learning are not currently recognised under these new arrangements. Delivery through these modes is a priority for discussions for the Australia-India Education Qualifications Recognition Taskforce announced during the Virtual Leaders Meeting between the Prime Ministers of Australia and India on 21 March 2022.
The department’s staff at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi has drafted a Note on the UGC regulations, outlining the important details of these arrangements.
The department in New Delhi continues to liaise with UGC to understand these arrangements in detail and will organise an information session for interested Australian universities in the near future. Email IndiaandSouthAsia@education.gov.au to register interest in participating.