The online MCom programme offered by Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam is seeing a surge in international interest, attracting applicants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Malawi, Kenya, and other countries. So far, 35 international students have enrolled in the programme, underscoring the university's growing global reach

According to P P Noushad, Director of the Centre for Distance and Online Education under MGU, these international applicants submitted their applications through the e-Vidyabharti project, a scheme run by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations under the union government. The University, meanwhile, has also opened applications for its Ability Enhancement online courses in connection with its newly-launched four-year degree programmes, offering students the opportunity to study languages like German, French, and Tamil.

This scheme allows students to learn languages flexibly at any time and provides a weekly online interaction session with the tutors. The inclusion of Tamil is significant as the Tamil Nadu-Idukki border region falls within the jurisdiction of MG University. This course, which has already drawn around 200 applications from Idukki alone, also marks the first time a university in the state has offered Tamil as part of its curriculum.

App to prevent online cheating
With international students now participating in its online programmes, MGU has also implemented a specialised app designed to prevent cheating during exams. This app enables real-time monitoring, alerting teachers of any suspicious activity, ensuring academic integrity and a secure online examination process.