Visvesvaraya Technological University to seek govt approval to expand abroad, recognize foreign engineering colleges

Bengaluru: Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) will write to the state govt to permit it to expand its footprint to other countries. Once approved, engineering colleges under its affiliation can also be established abroad.The move follows requests from colleges in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai and South Africa, which submitted requests seeking recognition from VTU, said vice-chancellor S Vidyashankar. "However, this requires permission from the department of higher education as the Act under which VTU is established permits it to grant recognition to colleges only within the state."Currently, VTU has 220 engineering colleges under its ambit, all within Karnataka, with approximately 300,000 students. It is one of the universities with the highest number of engineering colleges in the country.Established in 1998, the university has 46 autonomous engineering colleges. It set up constituent colleges in Gokak, Chintamani and Davanagere. VTU also has regional offices and postgraduate centres in Muddenahalli, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Mysuru and Talakal. The university offers seven BE courses, BTech, as well as MBA and MTech programmes."The university has gained international recognition. It delivered exam results within just one hour of completion. It has well-equipped hostels and libraries. The curriculum is updated regularly to meet contemporary needs..." he said.Once govt gives approval, the university will have to write to All India Council of Technical Education, statutory body for technical education. "If permission is granted, the university will gain greater popularity at the international level," he said.While many private universities have campuses outside Karnataka, it is rare of public varsities to grant recognition to institutions outside the state.