Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar has made it unequivocally clear that the Karnataka government has no regulatory authority over foreign universities setting up campuses in the State — including on the issues of fee structure, student reservation and constitution-based quotas.

Addressing reporters on November 20, the Minister said foreign universities fall under the category of autonomous institutions, similar to private and deemed-to-be universities, and have received permissions directly from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

“We have provided the required infrastructure for these universities to operate in Karnataka. Beyond that, administrative decisions — including fees, curriculum and examinations — rest entirely with the institutions,” he asserted.

Sudhakar reiterated that the State cannot impose reservation norms for local, economically weak or meritorious students on foreign universities. However, he welcomed the voluntary decision of Lancaster University (United Kingdom), which is setting up a campus in Bengaluru, to offer reservations to poor and meritorious students.

“It would be ideal if other universities follow this model. But the government cannot mandate it,” he said.

He clarified that students studying abroad on SC/ST and other constitution-based scholarships will continue to be eligible for enrolment in foreign campuses within the State, subject to departmental approvals.

The Minister further stated that the State Education Policy (SEP) will not apply to foreign universities.
“When we lack the authority to impose SEP on private and deemed universities, how can we apply it to foreign institutions?” he questioned.

With concerns rising over student security in the event of foreign universities shutting down operations abruptly, the State will write to the UGC seeking clarity on grievance mechanisms. Sudhakar has also instructed officials to review UGC regulations governing foreign institutions and present a report.

Despite the regulatory limitations, the Minister said the entry of foreign universities will directly benefit students who cannot afford to pursue higher education abroad.

Following deliberations with a visiting delegation led by U K Minister for Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra, Sudhakar said he has requested the British government to expand Chevening scholarship slots for students from Karnataka.

He added that the State has proposed dual-degree programmes and collaborative research centres between Karnataka universities and British institutions.