In recent years, a disturbing trend has taken root in India’s academic and social landscape: the rapid rise of “international universities” that exist more on paper than in reality, yet freely distribute honorary doctorates to anyone willing to pay. These so-called institutions made by Indians or Asians in western countries like US and Europe promise global recognition and prestigious titles, but a quick search on Google Maps often reveals the truth—they operate out of co-working spaces, rented mailboxes, or even entirely virtual addresses. Let’s get into the details of these honorary doctorates from international universities.
Honorary Doctorates from International Universities: The Business of Empty Prestige
Honorary doctorates are meant to recognize exceptional contributions to society—scientific breakthroughs, humanitarian service, or groundbreaking innovation. Unfortunately, the concept has been hijacked by profit-driven “universities” with no legitimate faculty, no credible accreditation, and no functioning campus. Their model is simple: build a flashy website, use vague international-sounding names (“Global Academy of Excellence,” “International Council of Advanced Education”), and lure ambitious professionals with the promise of an impressive new title.
Most of these so-called universities have:
- No Physical Infrastructure: Their “headquarters” are often a co-working desk rented by the hour.
- No Academic Legitimacy: They lack recognized accreditation from credible bodies or any respected international regulator.
- No Real Faculty or Curriculum: They exist solely to sell paper degrees, not to teach or conduct research.
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Why India Is a Hotspot for Honorary Doctorates from International University
India’s booming middle class, obsession with titles, and hunger for international validation create fertile ground for this scam. Many professionals—politicians, business owners, entertainers, and self-styled “motivational speakers”—fall for these offers because an “Honorary Doctorate from an International University” sounds like a quick shortcut to social credibility. In reality, it is little more than an expensive piece of paper, often priced between ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000, depending on how convincingly the scammer packages the dream.
Social media fuels the fraud. Photos of “convocation ceremonies” held in rented banquet halls or five-star hotel conference rooms are shared widely to create an illusion of legitimacy. The recipients proudly append “Dr.” to their names, unknowingly advertising the very scam they’ve fallen into.
The Hidden Dangers
While these honorary doctorates from international universities in Florida, France, Louisiana promoted and marketed by Indians might seem like harmless vanity, they carry serious consequences:
- Erosion of Academic Standards: When fake universities hand out doctorates like party favors, genuine academic achievements lose their value.
- Public Deception: Recipients often use the “Dr.” title to influence clients, voters, or followers, misleading people about their expertise.
- Legal Gray Areas: Some of these organizations operate internationally, making it hard to prosecute or shut them down.
Time to Shut the Door
It is imperative that Indian authorities , and consumer protection agencies, take swift action. Public awareness campaigns must educate people to check for:
- Accreditation: Genuine universities will always be recognized by established regulatory bodies.
- Physical Presence: A reputable international university will have a verifiable campus, not a co-working desk.
- Transparent Honor Criteria: Real honorary degrees are awarded for extraordinary contributions, never for a fee.
A Call to Integrity
The next time you see someone boasting about an “Honorary Doctorate from an International University”, ask the simplest question: Can you find their proper campus on Google Maps? If the answer is no, it’s time to question not just the university’s credibility but also the ethics of the person flaunting the title.
Education is a sacred pursuit, not a marketplace for vanity. India must wake up to this growing industry of paper prestige before it erodes the very meaning of academic honor.
Do you know such universities? If yes, please share the list.
