The BITS Computer Science 2+2 program offers students a unique chance to earn two degrees. Students spend the first two years at BITS Pilani campuses in India. Then, they spend the next two years at one of BITS’s partner universities abroad. This program is also called the BITS Dual Degree International Program or simply the 2+2 structure.
The dual degree program gives students global exposure. It also adds value to their career because they study at both Indian and foreign universities. They get to learn from top professors and get real industry experience. Graduates have good career prospects in India and overseas.
BITS Pilani has tied up with three top universities for this program. They are Iowa State University in the USA, University at Buffalo in the USA, and RMIT University in Australia. Each partner university offers specialized computer science or software engineering degrees.
This article explains all important details about the BITS Computer Science 2+2 program. It covers eligibility, partner universities, fees, scholarships, and admission processes. This guide will help students who want to join this prestigious program.
BITS Computer Science 2+2 Program Partner Universities
Currently, BITS Pilani has partnered with three well-known international universities. These are Iowa State University in the USA, University at Buffalo (part of the State University of New York system), and RMIT University in Australia. Each university offers a strong program in Computer Science or a related field. The foreign degrees are recognized and aligned with industry standards, helping students to pursue careers or higher education abroad.
Each BITS campus is linked with a specific foreign university. For example, BITS Hyderabad students can transfer to Iowa State University. BITS Goa students have the option to go to RMIT in Australia. BITS Pilani campus students can transfer to the University at Buffalo starting from the academic year 2025–26. The program structure, curriculum mapping, and credit transfers are already established between BITS and the partner universities, making the transition smooth.
Here is a summary of the BITS Computer Science 2+2 program with details of the campuses and universities involved:
| BITS Degree | BITS Campus | Foreign University | Foreign Degree | Program Start |
| B.E. Computer Science | Hyderabad | Iowa State University (USA) | B.S. Computer Engineering | AY 2024–25 |
| Goa | RMIT University (Australia) | B.E. (Software Engineering) (Hons) | AY 2024–25 | |
| Pilani | University at Buffalo (USA) | B.S. Computer Engineering | AY 2025–26 |
BITS Computer Science 2+2 Program Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the BITS Computer Science 2+2 Program, students must meet certain eligibility conditions. These include academic qualifications, BITSAT exam performance, and English language proficiency. You must also meet the admission requirements of both BITS Pilani and the foreign partner universities. Each step in the process is important and requires careful planning.
This section explains all the eligibility criteria in simple words. We will also look at the requirements of each partner university: Iowa State University (ISU), University at Buffalo (UB), and RMIT University in Australia.
BITS Pilani Admission Requirements
You must first get admission to BITS Pilani through the regular process. The 2+2 program is only available to students already enrolled at BITS Pilani. This means you must appear for the BITSAT exam and perform well.
Academic Eligibility for Admission to BITS Pilani
| Requirement | Details |
| 12th Grade Stream | PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) |
| Minimum Aggregate Marks | 75% in PCM subjects (Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics) |
| Minimum Marks in Each Subject | At least 60% in Physics, 60% in Chemistry, and 60% in Mathematics |
| English Proficiency | Must have studied English as a subject in 12th grade |
You must pass your 12th board exams with the required marks. Your board must be a recognized central or state board like CBSE, ICSE, or a state board of education.
BITSAT Exam – Important for Admission
BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test) is a computer-based entrance test. You must take BITSAT and score above the cut-off to secure admission to BITS Pilani.
| Item | Details |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Proficiency, and Logical Reasoning |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 130 |
| Total Marks | 390 |
BITSAT scores are important not just for admission to BITS but also for shortlisting students for the 2+2 international program. The cut-off varies every year based on the competition and seat availability.
Tips to Prepare for BITSAT
- Focus on NCERT books for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Practice previous year BITSAT papers.
- Work on speed and accuracy since the exam is time-bound.
- Improve your English vocabulary and logical reasoning skills.
- Take regular mock tests to track progress.
Partner University-Specific Eligibility & Requirements
After completing your first two years at BITS Pilani, you can apply to one of the partner universities. Each university has its own academic and English language requirements. Let us now look at these in detail.
1) Iowa State University (ISU) – USA
To transfer to ISU under the BITS 2+2 program, students must meet specific academic and English proficiency criteria. Admission Requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
| CGPA at BITS | Minimum CGPA of 5.75 after first two years |
| Program | Must be part of BITS-ISU 2+2 program |
English Proficiency (Any one of the following)
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL | 99 (iBT) |
| IELTS | 7.5 |
| Duolingo | 130 |
| PTE | 72 |
| SAT (Reading & Writing) | 600 |
| ACT (English) | 26 |
You can choose any one test. Make sure your scores meet or exceed the minimum requirement.
Visa Requirements
- You must apply for an F-1 student visa.
- ISU’s International Student Office (ISSO) helps you through the visa process.
- You will receive an I-20 form from ISU to apply for the visa.
2) University at Buffalo (UB) – USA
University at Buffalo is another popular choice for BITS students. The admission requirements here are slightly different.
Admission Process (During Year 2 at BITS)
| Requirement | Details |
| 12th Grade Qualification | AISSC/ISC: Minimum 65%State Board: Minimum 70% |
| Mathematics | Minimum 60% in Mathematics |
| CGPA at BITS | Must meet UB’s minimum academic standards (usually >5.5) |
English Proficiency (Any one of the following)
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL iBT | 70 |
| TOEFL PBT | 523 |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| PTE | 50 |
| Duolingo | 105 |
| SAT (ERWS) | 500 |
| ACT (English) | 18 |
Additional Requirements for English Placement (For ELI 105 course)
If your scores are near the minimum, you may be placed in an English support course (ELI 105). To avoid this, you must meet the following sub-scores:
| Test | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
| TOEFL | 21 | 21 | 23 | 24 |
| IELTS | 6.5 in each section | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 125 (Comprehension) | 130 (Conversation) | 140 (Literacy) | 145 (Production) |
Visa Process
- Apply for an F-1 visa.
- You will receive an I-20 document from UB to start your visa application.
- UB provides support through its International Student Services.
3) RMIT University – Australia
RMIT University is the Australian partner of BITS Pilani. It has a separate admission process and academic requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
| 12th Grade Qualification | AISSC/ISC: Minimum 65%State Board: Minimum 70% |
| Mathematics | Minimum 60% |
| CGPA at BITS | Satisfactory academic record (usually >5.5) |
English Proficiency
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | Usually 6.5+ |
| TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo | Acceptable scores vary – check RMIT website |
| Fee Reimbursement | RMIT offers 50% reimbursement (up to ₹8,500) on English test fees for 2024 intake |
RMIT allows several test options. You must check the latest score requirements on the official RMIT website or the BITS-RMIT program guide.
Visa Process
- Apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
- You must provide documents such as the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from RMIT.
- Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) is required for all international students.
Summary of Key Eligibility Criteria
Below is a summary table to help you compare the eligibility for each university:
| University | CGPA at BITS | 12th % (PCM) | English Test (Any one) | Visa |
| ISU | ≥ 5.75 | 75% in PCM (BITS requirement) | TOEFL ≥ 99, IELTS ≥ 7.5, Duolingo ≥ 130, PTE ≥ 72, SAT ≥ 600 (R/W), ACT ≥ 26 | F-1 Visa (USA) |
| UB | Satisfactory (usually >5.5) | AISSC/ISC: 65%, State Board: 70%, Math ≥ 60% | TOEFL ≥ 70, IELTS ≥ 6.0, Duolingo ≥ 105, PTE ≥ 50, SAT ≥ 500 (ERWS), ACT ≥ 18 | F-1 Visa (USA) |
| RMIT | Satisfactory (usually >5.5) | AISSC/ISC: 65%, State Board: 70%, Math ≥ 60% | IELTS 6.5+, others vary (check RMIT site) | Student Visa (Subclass 500) |
Meeting these criteria is very important for a smooth transfer to the international university. Prepare early, score well in BITSAT, and maintain a good CGPA in your first two years. Also, plan your English test and visa application in advance. If you stay focused and organized, you can make the most of this international program and build a successful future.
BITS Computer Science 2+2 Program Fees Structure
The BITS Computer Science 2+2 Program allows students to complete the first two years at BITS Pilani and the final two years at a partner university abroad. This program offers global exposure, but it also involves different types of fees. You will need to pay tuition fees at both BITS Pilani and the foreign university. In addition, there are other costs like visa, health insurance, flight tickets, and living expenses.
This section explains the full fee structure of the 2+2 program in a clear and student-friendly way.
Tuition Fees at BITS Pilani (First Two Years)
Students pay the regular BITS Pilani tuition fees during the first two years of the program. These are the same as for any other B.E. student at BITS.
BITS Pilani Fee Structure (2024–25)
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) per Semester |
| Tuition Fee | ₹2,45,000 |
| Hostel Fee | ₹17,800 |
| Mess & Electricity | ₹10,000 (approx.) |
| Admission Fees (One-time) | ₹53,900 |
| Students’ Union, Library, Lab, etc. | ₹15,000 (approx.) |
Total per year (approx.): ₹5,26,600
Total for 2 years (approx.): ₹10,53,200
Note: The fees may increase slightly every year. The official BITS Pilani website will have the most updated fee structure.
Tuition Fees at International Partner Universities (Last Two Years)
After completing two years at BITS Pilani, students move to the international university for the next two years. The tuition fee at each university depends on the course and location.
Let’s look at the fees at each university.
1) Iowa State University (ISU), USA
ISU offers discounted tuition rates to BITS students under this program.
| Fee Component | Amount per Year (USD) | Amount in INR (Approx.) |
| Tuition & Fees | $28,000 | ₹23,52,000 |
| Living Expenses (on-campus) | $12,000 | ₹10,08,000 |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 | ₹1,68,000 |
Total per year (approx.): $42,000 or ₹35,28,000
Total for 2 years: ₹70,56,000
Note: Exchange rate used here is $1 = ₹84. The actual cost may vary based on currency changes.
2) University at Buffalo (UB), USA
UB also offers a discounted tuition structure for BITS students under the 2+2 program.
| Fee Component | Amount per Year (USD) | Amount in INR (Approx.) |
| Tuition & Fees | $27,000 | ₹22,68,000 |
| Living Expenses (on-campus) | $13,000 | ₹10,92,000 |
| Health Insurance | $2,500 | ₹2,10,000 |
Total per year (approx.): $42,500 or ₹35,70,000
Total for 2 years: ₹71,40,000
Note: Living expenses may include housing, food, transportation, and personal items.
3) RMIT University, Australia
RMIT charges tuition fees based on the course selected. The average international tuition fee is:
| Fee Component | Amount per Year (AUD) | Amount in INR (Approx.) |
| Tuition & Fees | AUD 38,400 | ₹21,12,000 |
| Living Expenses | AUD 25,000 | ₹13,75,000 |
| Health Insurance | AUD 700 | ₹38,500 |
Total per year (approx.): AUD 64,100 or ₹35,25,500
Total for 2 years: ₹70,51,000
Note: Exchange rate used is 1 AUD = ₹55. Actual fees depend on the chosen engineering stream and exchange rate fluctuations.
Other Expenses
Besides tuition and living costs, there are some additional expenses for all students.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Flight Tickets (round trip) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Visa Application | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Local Transportation | ₹50,000 – ₹75,000 per year |
| Study Materials & Books | ₹40,000 per year |
| Personal Expenses | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 per year |
You should plan for at least ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs for these additional costs over two years.
Final Fee Summary (Approximate Cost for Full Program)
| Stage | Institution | Duration | Total Cost (INR) |
| First 2 Years | BITS Pilani | 2 years | ₹10,53,200 |
| Final 2 Years | ISU (USA) | 2 years | ₹70,56,000 |
| Final 2 Years | UB (USA) | 2 years | ₹71,40,000 |
| Final 2 Years | RMIT (Australia) | 2 years | ₹70,51,000 |
| Other Expenses | Travel, visa, etc. | — | ₹3–5 lakhs |
Scholarship Opportunities for BITS Computer Science 2+2 Program Fees Structure
The BITS Dual Degree International Program gives students the chance to study at top universities abroad. However, the total cost of the program can be high, especially during the final two years at the international partner university. To help students manage the financial burden, BITS Pilani and the partner universities offer some scholarship opportunities. There are also external scholarships that Indian students can apply for. This section explains the available scholarships and funding options for students in the 2+2 program.
1) Scholarships from Partner Universities
Some international universities provide partial tuition fee waivers to BITS students who meet their merit requirements.
| University | Type of Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit |
| Iowa State University (ISU) | Merit-based Tuition Discount | Based on BITS CGPA | Up to 20–25% tuition fee reduction |
| University at Buffalo (UB) | International Student Scholarships | Academic performance + essay | Variable (up to $5,000/year) |
| RMIT University | Global Merit Scholarship | Minimum GPA + English score | 10–20% fee waiver |
Each university may also have department-level scholarships based on the engineering stream you choose. Students must apply directly through the university’s scholarship portal during admission.
2) BITS Pilani Merit Scholarships (For First Two Years)
BITS Pilani offers scholarships to its regular students based on merit and financial need. These may apply during the first two years of the dual degree program.
| Type | Eligibility | Benefit |
| Merit Scholarship | Top 1% students based on CGPA | 20–25% tuition fee waiver |
| Merit-cum-Need Scholarship | Based on CGPA + family income (< ₹8L/year) | 25% to 80% tuition fee waiver |
| Hostel Concession | Family income < ₹8L/year | 25% concession on hostel fee |
These scholarships are reviewed each semester and may change based on performance.
3) English Language Test Reimbursement (RMIT Only)
To study at RMIT, students need to take an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL. RMIT offers partial reimbursement of this test fee.
| University | Reimbursement Offered | Max Limit | Conditions |
| RMIT | 50% of English test fee | Up to ₹8,500 | Must submit original receipt during admission |
This is a one-time benefit and helps reduce the initial cost of applying to RMIT.
Conclusion
The BITS Computer Science 2+2 program is a great opportunity for students who want to earn two degrees. It combines education from BITS Pilani campuses in India and top universities abroad. Students gain knowledge, skills, and global exposure.
The program offers flexible partner universities with strong computer science and software engineering degrees. Students must meet clear eligibility criteria at BITS and partner universities. Fees are higher in the foreign universities, but scholarships help reduce the cost.
Good preparation for BITSAT and English proficiency tests is essential. The visa process is straightforward with support from partner universities.
Overall, the BITS 2+2 program prepares students well for a global career in computer science and related fields. Students get the chance to study in India and abroad with strong academic and industry links. This program is worth considering for students seeking a global education experience.
