UGC directs Universities to refund fees, implement provisions of UGC Act

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher educational institutions (HEIs) to refund fees for students who have transferred to other colleges. The committee had previously asked that schools allow students to receive a complete refund of their college fees within a set time frame to pursue a course of their choice.

It has reiterated that any higher education institutions (HEIs) that violate the UGC fee refund policy will face 'punitive action'.

As per the UGC Redressal of Grievances of Students Regulation 2023, “..delay in or denial of the refund of fees due to a student who withdraws admission within the time mentioned in the prospectus, subject to guidelines, issued by the commission from time to time.”

The notification was issued after UGC received various complaints from students and parents over the non-refund of fees for cancellation or withdrawal of admission against numerous colleges and universities.

"The said notifications/ guidelines apply to undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes offered by all universities," according to the notice.

“UGC has requested all the HEls via emails and reminders to act on the complaints received from the students seeking a refund of fees paid to the Institutes after those students migrated to other institutions,” it added.