Are you dreaming of studying abroad while earning two degrees at the same time? The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program might be the perfect path for you. This unique program allows students to spend two years at BITS Pilani and two years at a prestigious partner university overseas. At the end of four years, you graduate with two degrees — one from BITS and one from the international university.
Why choose this program? It offers global exposure, a chance to study in world-class institutions, and better career opportunities. You can build a strong academic foundation at BITS and then expand your skills and network abroad.
With top-tier partnerships, including Iowa State University, University at Buffalo, and RMIT University, the BITS 2+2 program opens doors to a world of possibilities. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity.
What is the BITS 2+2 Program?
The BITS 2+2 program follows a dual-degree structure. Students spend the first two years at BITS Pilani, focusing on core subjects and foundational courses. After completing these two years, they transfer to one of BITS’ partner universities overseas for the remaining two years of study. At the end of the four years, students graduate with two degrees:
- One from BITS Pilani
- One from the partner university
How Does the Dual-Degree Structure Work?
The program is structured in a way that ensures students get the best of both worlds:
Years 1 and 2 at BITS Pilani:
- Students take core engineering courses and build a strong academic base.
- They follow the same curriculum as other BITS students during this time.
- A minimum CGPA must be maintained to qualify for the transfer.
Years 3 and 4 at Partner University:
- Students transfer to their chosen partner university.
- They study specialized courses aligned with their major.
- They earn a degree from the partner university upon completion.
The degrees awarded complement each other, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. For example, a student might earn a B.E. in Computer Science from BITS Pilani and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Iowa State University.
Key Benefits of the BITS 2+2 Program
This program offers several advantages for students:
1) Global Exposure: Students get the opportunity to study in two different academic environments. They experience diverse teaching methods, interact with international peers, and build a global network. This exposure helps students develop skills that are valuable in today’s job market, such as cross-cultural communication and adaptability.
2) Dual Degrees: Graduating with two degrees adds significant value to a student’s academic portfolio. It shows employers that the student has received education from two reputed institutions and has gained both a strong foundation at BITS and specialized knowledge from an international university.
3) Enhanced Career Opportunities: A dual degree can open doors to global job markets. Since students graduate with a degree from a university in the USA or Australia, they are better positioned to apply for jobs or internships in those countries. The program also strengthens a student’s resume for higher studies, such as master’s programs or research opportunities.
4) Specialized Learning: The first two years at BITS focus on core subjects, while the last two years at the partner university dive deeper into specializations. This structured learning path ensures that students build a strong foundation before advancing to complex, industry-relevant topics.
5) Scholarships and Financial Aid: Several partner universities offer scholarships based on academic performance. For example:
- Iowa State University offers the Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship of up to $4,500 per year.
- University at Buffalo provides the Future Leaders Scholarship worth up to $7,000 per year.
- RMIT University offers English Test Reimbursements to ease financial pressure.
Is the BITS 2+2 Program Right for You?
This program is ideal for students who:
- Want to earn a degree from both BITS Pilani and a globally recognized university.
- Are open to studying and living abroad for two years.
- Aim for career opportunities or higher studies in the USA or Australia.
- Are ready to meet the academic and English proficiency requirements set by both BITS and the partner universities.
BITS 2+2 University Partners
The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program partners with some of the world’s top universities to offer students a unique academic experience. Through these partnerships, students spend their first two years at BITS Pilani and then transfer to a partner university abroad for the remaining two years. At the end of the program, they earn dual degrees — one from BITS and another from the partner university.
Currently, BITS Pilani has partnered with three prestigious universities:
- Iowa State University (ISU), USA
- University at Buffalo (UB), USA
- RMIT University, Australia
Let’s dive into each partner university and what they offer.
1) Iowa State University (ISU) Partnership
The partnership between BITS Pilani and Iowa State University (ISU) offers students a unique opportunity to earn dual degrees while studying in two countries. Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is one of the top public research universities in the United States. Known for its strong engineering programs and emphasis on innovation, ISU provides BITS students with an excellent platform to build technical skills, gain global exposure, and boost their career prospects.
Program Overview
The BITS-ISU partnership allows students to pursue dual-degree programs in various engineering fields. Students spend the first two years at BITS Pilani, completing core courses, and then transfer to ISU for the final two years, specializing in their chosen field.
At the end of the program, students graduate with:
- A B.E. degree from BITS Pilani
- A B.S. degree from Iowa State University
The available dual-degree combinations are:
- B.E. Electronics and Communication (BITS) + B.S. Electrical Engineering (ISU)
- B.E. Electrical and Electronics (BITS) + B.S. Electrical Engineering (ISU)
- B.E. Mechanical (BITS) + B.S. Mechanical Engineering (ISU)
- B.E. Computer Science (BITS) + B.S. Computer Engineering (ISU)
Program Duration:
- 2 years at BITS Pilani
- 2 years at Iowa State University
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the BITS-ISU 2+2 program, students must meet the academic and language requirements of both BITS Pilani and Iowa State University.
BITS Pilani Requirements:
- 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- 75% aggregate in PCM, with at least 60% in each subject.
- A qualifying BITSAT score that meets the cut-off for the program.
ISU Requirements: Maintain a BITS CGPA of 5.75 or higher after the first two years. English proficiency:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 99.
- IELTS: Minimum score of 7.5.
- Duolingo: Minimum score of 130.
Students must clear both BITS and ISU criteria to successfully transfer after their second year.
Admission Process
Applying to the BITS-ISU 2+2 program involves a clear step-by-step process:
- Appear for BITSAT: Students must register for and qualify in BITSAT-2024.
- Apply for the BITS-ISU Program: Once admitted to BITS Pilani, students submit a separate application for the BITS-ISU 2+2 program after completing their first two years.
- Provide Academic Records: Students submit their 12th-grade marks, BITS academic transcripts, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
- Acceptance by ISU: Upon meeting the CGPA and language requirements, students receive an offer letter from Iowa State University.
Fee Structure of Iowa State University
The program involves paying tuition fees at both BITS Pilani and Iowa State University:
BITS Pilani fees:
- Year 1: INR 7,95,000
- Year 2: INR 8,34,500
Iowa State University fees:
- ~$33,315 per year (as per 2023-24 rates) for the last two years.
Scholarships: ISU offers financial aid to support international students such as ISU Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship:
- Award: Up to $4,500 per year.
- Criteria: Based on BITS CGPA after the first two years.
This scholarship helps reduce the financial burden and encourages students to maintain strong academic performance.
Is ISU the Right Choice for You?
The BITS-ISU program is ideal for students who:
- Want to specialize in electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering.
- Aim to build a career in the USA’s tech or engineering sectors.
- Are ready to maintain a strong CGPA at BITS and meet TOEFL or IELTS requirements.
- Seek internship and job opportunities in the United States after graduation.
2) University at Buffalo (UB) Partnership
The partnership between BITS Pilani and the University at Buffalo (UB) offers students a unique chance to earn dual degrees while studying in two countries. The University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, is one of the top public research universities in the United States. Known for its strong focus on engineering, computer science, and research, UB provides BITS students with global exposure, cutting-edge facilities, and exciting career opportunities.
Let’s break down the key details of the BITS-UB 2+2 program, including available courses, eligibility, fees, and why UB is a great choice for aspiring engineers.
Program Overview
The BITS-UB 2+2 program is designed to give students the best of both worlds — two years of foundational learning at BITS Pilani followed by two years of specialized study at the University at Buffalo. At the end of the program, students receive:
- A B.E. degree from BITS Pilani
- A B.S. degree from the University at Buffalo
The available dual-degree combinations are:
- B.E. Computer Science (BITS) + B.S. Computer Science/Engineering (UB)
- B.E. Electrical and Electronics (BITS) + B.S. Electrical Engineering (UB)
- B.E. Electronics and Communication (BITS) + B.S. Electrical Engineering (UB)
- B.E. Mechanical (BITS) + B.S. Mechanical Engineering (UB)
Program Duration:
- 2 years at BITS Pilani
- 2 years at the University at Buffalo
This collaboration allows students to build a strong academic foundation at BITS and then transition to advanced coursework and research at UB.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the BITS-UB 2+2 program, students must meet both BITS Pilani and UB’s academic and language requirements.
BITS Pilani Requirements:
- 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- 75% aggregate in PCM, with at least 60% in each subject.
- A BITSAT score that meets the program’s cut-off.
UB Requirements: 12th grade with 65% aggregate (AISSC/ISC) or 70% aggregate (State Boards). English proficiency:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 70.
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0.
- Duolingo: Minimum score of 105.
Maintaining a good CGPA during the first two years at BITS is crucial for securing the transfer to UB.
Admission Process
The BITS-UB 2+2 admission process involves the following steps:
1) Appear for BITSAT: Register for and qualify in BITSAT-2024 to secure admission to BITS Pilani.
2) Apply for the BITS-UB Program: After completing two years at BITS, submit a separate application for the UBITS 2+2 program.
3) Submit Academic Records: Provide 12th-grade marks, BITS transcripts, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
4) Acceptance by UB: Students meeting all academic and language requirements receive an offer letter from the University at Buffalo.
Fee Structure of University at Buffalo
The cost of the BITS-UB program includes fees at both institutions:
BITS Pilani fees:
- Year 1: INR 7,95,000
- Year 2: INR 8,34,500
University at Buffalo fees:
- ~$30,571.5 per year (as per 2023-24 rates).
Scholarships: UB Future Leaders Scholarship:
- Award: Up to $7,000 per year.
- Criteria: Based on academic performance at BITS.
This scholarship encourages students to maintain strong grades and reduces their financial burden during their time at UB.
Is UB the Right Choice for You?
The BITS-UB program is ideal for students who:
- Want to specialize in computer science, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
- Aim to build a career in the USA with access to tech internships and job opportunities.
- Are confident about meeting the academic and English proficiency requirements set by both BITS and UB.
- Seek a research-driven environment to explore innovation and technology.
RMIT University Partnership
The BITS Pilani 2+2 collaboration with RMIT University offers students an exciting pathway to earn dual degrees while gaining international experience in Australia. RMIT University, located in Melbourne, is a global leader in technology, design, and innovation. Known for its strong industry connections and practical approach to education, RMIT gives BITS students the chance to enhance their technical knowledge and build valuable career skills. Let’s break down the details of the BITS-RMIT 2+2 program, including the available courses, eligibility criteria, fees, and what makes this partnership a great choice for engineering students.
Program Overview
The BITS-RMIT 2+2 program allows students to split their four-year engineering degree between two universities. Students spend the first two years at BITS Pilani, focusing on foundational courses, and then transfer to RMIT University for the final two years, where they specialize in their chosen field. At the end of the program, students graduate with:
- A B.E. degree from BITS Pilani
- A Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from RMIT University
The available dual-degree combinations are:
- B.E. Civil (BITS) + Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (RMIT)
- B.E. Mechanical (BITS) + Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (RMIT)
- B.E. Computer Science (BITS) + Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (RMIT)
- B.E. Electronics and Communication (BITS) + Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic & Computer Systems Engineering) (RMIT) Please specify campus at which the specific branch is available, like computer science is available in goa but not in hyderabad for rmit program please check this for all branches and all universities and do changes.
- B.E. Electrical and Electronics (BITS) + Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) (RMIT)
Program Duration:
- 2 years at BITS Pilani
- 2 years at RMIT University
This dual-degree program helps students build strong technical skills and gain international academic and professional exposure.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the BITS-RMIT 2+2 program, students must meet both BITS Pilani’s and RMIT University’s academic and language requirements.
BITS Pilani Requirements:
- 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- 75% aggregate in PCM, with at least 60% in each subject.
- A qualifying BITSAT score as per the program’s cut-off.
RMIT Requirements: 12th grade with 65% aggregate (AISSC/ISC) or 70% aggregate (State Boards). English proficiency:
- TOEFL: Check RMIT website for the latest minimum scores.
- IELTS: Score as per RMIT’s admission criteria.
- PTE: Accepted by RMIT for non-native English speakers.
Students must maintain a strong CGPA at BITS and clear the English language test to be eligible for the transfer.
Admission Process
The admission process for the BITS-RMIT 2+2 program involves several steps:
1) Appear for BITSAT: Students must first qualify for BITSAT-2024 and secure admission to BITS Pilani.
2) Apply for the RMIT 2+2 Program: After completing the first two years at BITS, students submit a separate application for the BITS-RMIT program.
3) Submit Academic Records: Students provide their 12th-grade marks, BITS transcripts, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE).
4) Acceptance by RMIT: RMIT reviews applications, and students who meet the academic and language criteria receive an official offer letter.
Fee Structure of RMIT 2+2 Program
The BITS-RMIT program includes tuition fees for both universities:
BITS Pilani fees:
- Year 1: INR 7,95,000
- Year 2: INR 8,34,500
RMIT fees:
- Fees depend on the chosen program and RMIT’s international student fee structure.
- Approximate tuition fees can range from AUD 39,000 to AUD 45,000 per year.
Scholarships: RMIT English Test Reimbursement:
- Covers 50% of the English test cost (up to INR 8,500).
- Available to students who enroll in the BITS-RMIT program.
Scholarships are limited, so students are encouraged to maintain high grades and apply early.
Is RMIT the Right Choice for You?
The BITS-RMIT program is ideal for students who:
- Want to specialize in civil, mechanical, software, or electronic engineering.
- Are interested in practical, industry-focused learning.
- Aim to build a career or gain work experience in Australia after graduation.
- Meet the academic and English proficiency requirements set by both BITS and RMIT.
Conclusion
The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program is a great choice for students who want to earn dual degrees and study abroad. It combines strong academics at BITS with global learning experiences at top universities like Iowa State University, University at Buffalo, and RMIT University.
This program not only boosts your qualifications but also opens up career opportunities in the USA, Australia, and beyond. With scholarships, international exposure, and a clear path to success, it gives you an edge in the competitive job market.
If you’re ready to take your education to the next level, start preparing for BITSAT, research the partner universities, and plan your application carefully. Your journey to earning two degrees and building an international career starts here.
Make the most of this opportunity and set your sights high. The world is waiting for you.
