Goa University has announced plans to introduce nine integrated five-year master's degree programmes starting in the academic year 2026-27, despite opposition from the state government and the Forum of Principals and Representatives of Managements of Non-Government Colleges in Goa. The government has mandated that the university must obtain prior approval for any new undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, citing potential financial burdens and adverse effects on existing college enrolments. The additional director of higher education, Gervasio Mendes, emphasized the need for this approval in a letter dated February 18, 2026. In response, the Forum has written to the Governor, who is also the chancellor of Goa University, urging intervention to prevent the university from proceeding with its plans. The university has opened applications for the new programmes from April 28 to May 10, 2026, with a tuition fee of ₹40,000 for Goan students and ₹50,000 for students from other states. Each programme will have a total of 50 seats, divided between local and out-of-state candidates.