Delhi University Proposes Semester Away Programme: Global Study Opportunities for UG Students

The University of Delhi (DU) is preparing to significantly expand the horizons of its undergraduate education system. In a move that aligns with the growing internationalisation of higher education in India, the university’s Academic Council is set to deliberate on a "Semester Away Programme" (SAP). This initiative aims to allow students to spend a portion of their degree at a foreign institution, fostering global connections and multidisciplinary learning.

As the academic landscape shifts toward more flexible and globally integrated models, DU’s proposal represents a major step for one of India’s most prestigious public universities. The plan, which is part of a broader agenda for the Academic Council meeting scheduled for April 15, 2026, could redefine the undergraduate experience for thousands of students.

Understanding the Semester Away Programme (SAP)

The core objective of the Semester Away Programme is to provide students with wider exposure to international pedagogy, research methodologies, and diverse cultural environments. According to official university notices, the programme is designed for students enrolled from the 2022–23 academic year onwards.

Under this proposal, undergraduate students would have the option to spend either their third, fifth, or seventh semester at a partner institution abroad. A critical aspect of this plan is that Delhi University will remain the "parent institution." This means that while students study abroad, they remain enrolled at DU, and the university will ultimately award the final degree.

The credits earned during the semester abroad will be transferred and counted toward the student’s degree completion, provided there is no significant overlap between the foreign course content and the DU curriculum. This ensures that the academic rigour of the degree is maintained while allowing for international flexibility. To stay updated on how these shifts impact the academic sector, you can follow our latest education news updates.

Partner Institution Criteria: Rankings and MoUs

Delhi University is setting high standards for its foreign partnerships. The proposal specifies that the university will primarily seek collaborations with institutions that hold a comparable or higher position than DU in global rankings. Specifically, the university will look at the following:

• QS World University Rankings: Partnerships will be prioritised with institutions ranking higher than or equal to DU.
• Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings: Similar to the QS criteria, THE rankings will serve as a benchmark for quality.
• Discipline-Specific Rankings: In cases where a foreign university’s overall ranking might not meet the threshold, DU may consider the ranking of the specific department or discipline where the student intends to study.
• Top 1,000 Global Universities: Institutions ranked within the top 1,000 globally may also qualify if they have already established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi University.

The International Relations (IR) office at DU will serve as the nodal body for these arrangements. This office will be responsible for identifying suitable foreign partners, notifying students of available seats, and managing the application process.

Selection Process and Learning Agreements

The selection of students for the Semester Away Programme will not be based solely on academic merit but will also emphasise diversity. A committee chaired by the Chairperson of International Relations will oversee the selection process.

A vital component of the programme is the "Learning Agreement." This document, signed between DU and the host university for every participating student, will detail the specific courses to be taken, the credits to be earned, and the duration of the stay.

An Academic Expert Committee—comprising the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Controller of Examinations, and various faculty deans—will vet these agreements to ensure that the courses mapped from the foreign university align with DU’s academic standards. This structured approach reflects broader current education trends where credit mobility is becoming a cornerstone of modern degrees.

Financial Support and Inclusive Scholarships

Recognising that international travel and tuition can be a significant financial burden, Delhi University has proposed a scholarship scheme to support "outstanding meritorious students." The focus of this financial aid will be on students from historically marginalised and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including:

1. Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
2. Other Backward Classes (OBC)
3. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
4. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

To fund these scholarships, the university intends to look beyond its internal budget. The proposal suggests seeking contributions from DU’s extensive alumni network and leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to ensure that global opportunities are not limited to those who can afford them.

Expansion of Online Credits and SWAYAM

Beyond international mobility, the Academic Council is also considering a proposal to increase the flexibility of credit acquisition through online platforms. The plan allows students to earn up to 5% of their total credits via approved Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) such as SWAYAM.

For a standard four-year undergraduate programme, this equates to approximately eight credits. Postgraduate students would also see similar options, with the ability to earn up to four credits in a two-year programme.

Summary of Proposed Academic Changes

Feature	Details of the Proposal
Eligible Semesters	3rd, 5th, or 7th Semester for UG students
Credit Transfer	Credits earned abroad count toward the DU degree
Ranking Benchmarks	QS and THE rankings (comparable or higher than DU)
Online Credit Limit	Up to 5% of total credits via SWAYAM/MOOCs
Scholarship Focus	Meritorious students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories

Faculty Concerns Regarding Online Learning

While the administration views the expansion of online credits as a move toward modernisation, some faculty members have expressed strong reservations. Critics argue that online platforms like SWAYAM cannot replace the "comprehensive and critical academic culture" fostered in physical classrooms.

Opponents within the Academic Council have raised concerns that substituting in-person teaching with online modules might compromise the quality of the teaching-learning process. These debates highlight the ongoing tension between digital expansion and traditional pedagogical values in Indian higher education. For those interested in how these policy debates are synthesised into reports, our news analysis tools offer deeper insights into content structure.

Structural Revisions to BA Programmes

The meeting agenda also includes revisions to the structure of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Programme. These changes aim to update course combinations to better reflect student demand and contemporary academic requirements. By streamlining these combinations, the university hopes to make the BA Programme more robust and aligned with the multidisciplinary approach encouraged by the National Education Policy (NEP).

![Placeholder: Chart showing the proposed credit distribution between core subjects, electives, and international/online credits for a 4-year DU degree]

FAQ

Who is eligible for the Semester Away Programme at DU?

Students enrolled in undergraduate programmes from the academic year 2022–23 onwards are eligible. They can opt for the programme during their third, fifth, or seventh semesters.

Will I get a degree from the foreign university?

No. Delhi University remains the parent institution and will award the final degree. The foreign university provides the credits and the international experience for one semester.

How are the foreign universities selected for the SAP?

DU will partner with institutions that have a QS or THE ranking comparable to or higher than its own. Universities in the global top 1,000 with existing MoUs may also be considered.

Is there financial aid available for studying abroad?

Yes, the university proposes to offer scholarships to meritorious students from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories, potentially funded through alumni donations and CSR funds.

Conclusion

The proposed Semester Away Programme and the expansion of online credit options signal a transformative phase for Delhi University. By bridging the gap between local curricula and global standards, DU aims to produce graduates who are better prepared for a globalised workforce. However, the successful implementation of these plans will depend on balancing academic flexibility with the traditional rigour that the university is known for.

Students and stakeholders are encouraged to verify the final minutes of the Academic Council meeting and check for official notifications on the official University of Delhi website.