In 2023, an Internationally reputed Australian university, Deakin University established an International Branch Campus (IBC) in Gujarat International Finance Tee-City after receiving approval from the International Fina
CS Professional · IFSCA - Regulations, Listing and Compliances · PYQS · June 2026
In 2023, an Internationally reputed Australian university, Deakin University established an International Branch Campus (IBC) in Gujarat International Finance Tee-City after receiving approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority under the IFSCA (Setting up and Operation of International Branch Campuses) Regulations, 2022. The campus was initially permitted to offer the following postgraduate programs: Master of Business Analytics, Master of Cyber Security, Master of Financial Technology. The University promoted the campus as a global education hub integrated with the financial services ecosystem of GIFT City. Within three years of operations, several regulatory and legal issues emerged. In 2026, the university launched a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Media Studies without prior approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority. The university justified this decision by arguing that Global Universities require academic autonomy and interdisciplinary programs to enhance student learning. However, several stakeholders argued that such programs were not related to financial services, fintech, or technology, which are the primary focus of educational activities within GIFT City. The university also charged tuition fees in US dollars, arguing that International Branch Campuses operate within a Global Financial Ecosystem Some Indian students complained that currency fluctuations significantly increased the cost of their education. They filed a complaint before the International Financial Services Centres Authority claiming the fee structure was unfair. Students enrolled in the Master of Financial Technology program claimed that the curriculum taught at the GIFT City campus differed significantly from the program offered at the university's main campus in Australia. Students alleged that: fewer research modules were offered, certain advanced courses were omitted, faculty expertise was limited. The university also recruited several professors from Europe and the United States to teach specialized courses. During a compliance inspection, it was discovered that some faculty members were working on short-term business visas instead of employment visas. In view of the above scenario, answer the following questions: Whether the practice of university violates Indian immigration and employment regulations. Can a university do promotion of foreign courses of its parent entity in IFSC ?
Answer & Explanation:
Although universities enjoy operational autonomy under the IFSC Regulatory Framework, they must comply with national immigration laws governing foreign workers. Teaching on inappropriate visa categories may lead to non-compliance with immigration regulations. The university must regularize the employment status of foreign faculty members and ensure compliance with visa requirements. Regulation 9 of the IFSCA (Setting up and Operation of International Branch Campuses and Offshore Education Centres) Regulations, 2022 provides that an 'International Branch Campus' (IBC) or 'Offshore Education Centre' (OEC) must not act as a representative office of the Parent Entity for the purposes of undertaking promotional activities for their programmes in their home jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction outside GIFT IFSC. Accordingly, a university cannot do promotion of foreign courses of its parent entity in IFSC.
Topics: IFSC Regulations
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