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

This section establishes eligibility for otherwise eligible programs offered in part through distance education by foreign institutions of higher education to participate in Title IV student aid programs if (1) not more than 12.5% of the program consists of courses offered principally through distance education, (2) the institution has been evaluated by an outside oversight entity (e.g., accrediting agency or government entity) as capable of effectively delivering distance education, and (3) students receiving Title IV aid are physically present in the institution's country during the distance education instruction. In calculating the 12.5% threshold, courses requiring a student's regular in-person attendance for more than 50% of the instruction (even if including distance education components) are not considered principally through distance education. The provision takes effect on the date of enactment and applies to the first semester (or equivalent) beginning thereafter, but not earlier than three months after enactment; it also makes conforming amendments to prior law.