Chennai: The University of Madras has announced the cancellation of undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses offered through distance education for the current academic year.

This follows a recent UGC directive banning 'health care' courses—including psychology, microbiology, food and nutritional sciences, biotechnology, and nutrition/dietetics—from being offered via open, distance, or online learning.

Students who have already secured admission to these courses are advised to choose alternative programs; those who opt not to switch will be eligible for a full tuition fee refund. Approval for course changes or refunds must be submitted in writing to the Director of Distance Education by October 8, 2025. Any fee differences for alternative courses must be paid by October 10, 2025, failing which requests will not be accepted.

The University clarified that students currently enrolled in first, second, or third-year psychology programs under distance education will continue their studies until completion.

This move affects over 500 undergraduate students and an unspecified number of postgraduate students who had enrolled before the UGC order.