H.R. 6282: Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act

This bill, titled the "Providing Distance Education for Foreign Institutions Act," aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to clarify the eligibility of distance education programs offered by foreign higher education institutions for federal student aid.

Key Provisions

• Eligibility Criteria:

  The bill specifies that a foreign institution can qualify its distance education programs for federal financial aid if:

  • No more than 12.5% of the program comprises courses principally offered through distance education.
  • The foreign institution is evaluated and deemed capable of delivering distance education effectively by an outside agency, such as an accrediting body or government organization.
  • Students receiving aid are physically located in the same country as the foreign institution during their distance learning.
• Calculation of Distance Education Percentage:

  When calculating the distance education components of a program, any course that requires more than 50% in-person attendance will not be classified as principally offered through distance education, even if it includes some distance learning elements.

• Effective Date:

  The changes proposed in the bill would take effect on the date it is enacted and would apply to the first semester that starts at least three months after this date.

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that qualified foreign educational institutions can offer programs that involve distance education while maintaining a level of oversight and ensuring that students are supported effectively. It reflects a growing trend toward online education and the increasing need for flexibility in educational offerings, especially in a global context.

Relevant Companies

• EDU (New Oriental Education & Technology Group) - This company provides educational services in China, including distance learning programs. If the bill is enacted, it may impact their eligibility for federal student aid under certain circumstances.
• TEDU (Tarena International, Inc.) - This educational services provider also offers distance education, potentially making their programs eligible for federal aid if they meet the new criteria outlined in the bill.