New Delhi, 28 March 2022: On 25 March 2022, a joint notice was issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) advising Indian students to “exercise due diligence” with regard to higher education in China since the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed by the Government of China. 
Announcement Overview
| Announcement by UGC and AICTE | Indian students need to be cautious while applying for degree courses in any university/institution in China. |
| Cause for Announcement | Due to strict travel restrictions imposed by the Government of China, all Indian student visas remain suspended and UGC/AICTE does not recognise online degrees from China without prior approval. |
| Response of AICTE and UGC | AICTE and UGC have issued a joint notice, informing students to not pursue online education from China and to also check travel restrictions before applying to Chinese universities. |
Why did UGC and AICTE issue the notice?
The authorities further addressed that Indian students need to be aware of the fact that the Government of the People’s Republic of China has suspended all visas since November 2020 due to the threat of COVID-19. With regard to this, a large number of Indian students enrolled in numerous universities in China could not return to complete their studies. Until now, there has been no relaxation issued on the travel restrictions on behalf of the Government of China.
Earlier, various universities in China have conveyed that degree courses will be conducted via online mode. However, AICTE and UGC have stated that any such courses would not be recognised by the Indian education regulatory authorities without prior approval from them. Henceforth, as per UGC and AICTE, “students are advised to exercise due diligence in choosing where to pursue their higher education from, to avoid further problems in employment”.
UGC and AICTE Issue Notice – What Happened Before?
Last month, the National Medical Commission (NCM) issued a similar notice that warned students applying to various universities in China about the strict travel restrictions imposed by the Government of China on all Indian visas, including students’ visas.
The Foreign Minister of the Chinese Government, Wang YI, has assured Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India, concerning the return of Indian students pursuing medicine that “he will speak to the relevant authorities”.
In a media briefing, Dr Jaishankar further commented that “I also took up strongly the predicament of Indian students studying in China who have not been allowed to return, citing Covid restrictions. We hope that China will take a non-discriminatory approach since it involves the future of so many young people.”
Since the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Indian students have returned back to their home country and are currently pursuing education in online mode. This is a matter of grave concern for students enrolled in medical courses due to the nature of their work and the practical aspects of their respective studies. Students have been pushing the Indian government to resolve this matter with the Government of China as soon as possible.
Note: Indian students are advised to refer to the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) regulations before applying or planning to seek admission to any universities/institutions in China or any other country.
UGC and AICTE Issue Notice – FAQs
Can Indian students still apply for degree courses in China?
Indian students may still apply for degree courses in China but they must ensure that the institution they are applying to is recognized by the UGC and the AICTE.
Why did the AICTE and UGC warn Indian students from applying for higher education in China?
The AICTE and UGC have issued a notice for Indian students to inform them about the strict travel restrictions imposed by the Government of China, due to which all students’ visas are suspended.
