The Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy group, has filed a formal complaint with the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and the University of Madras against Loyola College, Chennai, accusing the institution of running an unauthorized diploma program in filmmaking in collaboration with a foreign institute, thereby violating key higher education regulations and potentially endangering the visa status of Indian students abroad.
The program in question, titled “Diploma in Filmmaking (AI) France”, was launched by Loyola College in partnership with Don Bosco International Media Academy (DBIMA) in Paris, France. According to promotional material on both institutions’ websites, the course entails eight months of training in Chennai and a one-month project residency in Paris, offering dual certification from both institutes.
However, in an RTI reply dated March 21, 2025 (Ref: PIO/RTI/2024/219), the University of Madras has categorically denied granting any affiliation, approval, or record of foreign collaboration for this diploma. The complaint also asserts that the program violates multiple clauses of the UGC (Academic Collaboration) Regulations, 2022, which govern joint academic ventures between Indian and foreign institutions.
Serious Regulatory and Immigration Violations Alleged
The LRPF alleges that:
1. The course was launched without mandatory approvals from the affiliating university or the UGC.
2. Don Bosco International Media Academy does not figure in the top 1000 rankings of QS or Times Higher Education, making the collaboration ineligible under UGC rules.
Students enrolled in the program were reportedly charged ₹15–20 lakh each, and a batch of seven students has already been sent to France.
The most alarming allegation relates to potential misuse of international student visa norms. Since the program lacks formal recognition, the visas issued to students may be subject to revocation, putting them at risk of deportation, future visa denials, and academic and financial losses.
Request For Immediate Government Action
In its complaint, LRPF has urged the UGC to:
1. Initiate a probe under Rule 8 of the UGC Academic Collaboration Regulations.
2. Take action against Loyola College under Section 14 of the UGC Act for running an unapproved program.
3. Notify the public through the official UGC website that the program is unauthorized.
4. Coordinate with the French Embassy in India to verify visa statuses and protect affected students.
5. Ensure reimbursement of fees and assistance in academic rehabilitation for the affected students.
Copies of the complaint have been marked to the Governor of Tamil Nadu, French consular authorities, and other relevant government bodies.
Loyola College Yet to Respond
As of now, Loyola College has not publicly responded to the allegations. The controversy raises serious questions about the due diligence exercised in international academic collaborations and the safeguards in place to protect students from exploitative or unrecognized programs.
