University of Mysore (UoM) in-charge Vice-Chancellor Dayananda Mane has said that due to a dearth of professors the varsity is unable to provide guides for foreign research students.

Speaking at the inauguration of a talk on ‘The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and World War-III: Man v/s Machine’ by Hassan Ugali from the University of Bradford, UK, Mane said that under the guidelines of University Grants Commission (UGC), a professor, an associate or assistant professor, who has enrolled to guide research students, can guide eight, six and four students, respectively.

“A professor can guide only two foreign students. Due to a shortage of guides, the varsity is facing hardships. Besides, many are on the verge of retirement,” he said.

At present, 979 students from nearly 50 countries are studying in the UoM and its affiliated colleges. Of them, 242 students are doing research on various topics, said Janardhan, Director of the International Centre of UoM.

The VC said that the strength of the foreign students has been declining in the varsity in the past three to four years and they are facing a few problems.

He called upon foreign students to be emotionally and psychologically strong to be successful in their academic career.

He pointed out that many foreign students are homesick and advised them to approach the authorities concerned when they have problems.