The BITS 2+2 Dual Degree Program offers students a chance to study in India and abroad within a single engineering course. In this program, students complete the first two years at BITS Pilani and the final two years at a top international partner university. After four years, students receive two degrees—one from BITS and another from the foreign university.
This program is designed for students who want strong academic training along with global exposure. It helps students gain international experience, improve their skills, and access better career opportunities. Some of the well-known partner universities include Iowa State University, University at Buffalo, RMIT Australia, and CentraleSupélec in France.
This article explains everything about the BITS 2+2 program in simple terms. It covers the structure, benefits, eligibility, exam requirements, partner universities, fees, and scholarships. If you are a student planning your future, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
BITS 2+2 Program Canadian Universities
BITS does not offer any 2+2 program collaborations with Canadian universities. Instead, the program partners with globally recognized institutions such as Iowa State University (USA), RMIT University (Australia), University at Buffalo (USA), and CentraleSupélec Paris (France) for international exposure and dual degree opportunities in engineering and technology fields.
BITS 2+2 Program University-Specific Details
1) Iowa State University (ISU) – USA
| Category | Requirement |
| BITS CGPA | Minimum 5.75 |
| Class 12 Requirement | PCM with 75% aggregate and 60% in each |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL 99 / IELTS 7.5 / Others |
| Visa Type | F-1 Student Visa |
| Issued by ISU | I-20 form for visa |
Students must first join the BITS-ISU 2+2 Engineering Cohort during their admission at BITS Pilani. After completing the first two years at BITS, students can transfer to Iowa State University for the final two years.
To be eligible:
- You must have a minimum CGPA of 5.75 after two years at BITS.
- You should show consistent academic performance.
- You must meet ISU’s English proficiency standards.
- You must apply through BITS Pilani’s International Program Office.
BITS will verify all academic and personal documents. Then, Iowa State University will issue the I-20 document, which is necessary to apply for a U.S. student visa.
English Proficiency Requirements
Students must meet any one of the following scores:
| Test | Minimum Required Score |
| TOEFL iBT | 99 |
| IELTS | 7.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 |
| PTE Academic | 72 |
| SAT (Reading/Writing) | 600 |
| ACT (English Section) | 26 |
Note: Students should take these tests well in advance, preferably by the middle of Year 2.
Visa Requirements
- Apply for the F-1 Student Visa.
- Use the I-20 form issued by ISU for visa purposes.
- Attend an interview at the U.S. embassy.
- You must show proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
ISU’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) helps with:
- Visa documentation.
- Pre-departure orientation.
- Accommodation guidance.
Important Tips
- Maintain a CGPA above 6.0 for better scholarship chances.
- Start preparing for English tests by the beginning of Year 2.
- Track application deadlines via the BITS-ISU program page.
2) University at Buffalo (UB) – USA
| Category | Requirement |
| BITS CGPA | Good standing |
| Class 12 Scores | 65% (AISSC/ISC) or 70% (State Board) |
| Mathematics (Class 12) | Minimum 60% |
| English Test (Any one) | TOEFL 70, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 105 |
| Visa | F-1 Visa with I-20 from UB |
Students enrolled in the BITS-UB 2+2 Engineering Cohort can transfer after completing Year 2 at BITS Pilani.
To be eligible: Your Class 12 marks should be:
- AISSC/ISC: Minimum 65%
- State Board: Minimum 70%
- You should have scored at least 60% in Mathematics.
- You must maintain satisfactory academic performance at BITS.
The transfer process is coordinated by BITS International Program Office in collaboration with UB’s admissions team.
English Proficiency Requirements
You must meet one of these scores:
| Test Type | Minimum Score Required |
| TOEFL iBT | 70 |
| TOEFL PBT | 523 |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 50 |
| Duolingo | 105 |
| SAT ERWS | 500 |
| ACT English | 18 |
For ELI 105 Course Placement:
| Component | Required Score |
| TOEFL Reading | 21 |
| TOEFL Listening | 21 |
| TOEFL Speaking | 23 |
| TOEFL Writing | 24 |
| IELTS (each section) | 6.5 |
| Duolingo Comprehension | 125 |
| Duolingo Conversation | 130 |
| Duolingo Literacy | 140 |
| Duolingo Production | 145 |
Visa Requirements
- Apply for an F-1 visa after receiving the I-20 form from UB.
- Submit proof of funds for tuition and living expenses.
- Attend the visa interview and prepare necessary documents like academic records and admission letters.
Important Tips
- Focus on achieving required sub-scores to avoid extra English courses at UB.
- Plan financial documentation early.
- Practice visa interview questions.
3) RMIT University – Australia
| Category | Requirement |
| Class 12 Board Score | 65% (AISSC/ISC), 70% (State Board) |
| Math Requirement | Minimum 60% |
| English Test (any one) | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79, PTE 58 |
| Reimbursement Offer | ₹8,500 for 2024 intake |
| Visa Type | Subclass 500 Student Visa |
Students apply during Year 2 for admission into RMIT’s BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy program.
Eligibility includes:
- 65% in AISSC or ISC OR 70% in State Board in Class 12.
- Minimum 60% in Mathematics.
- Satisfactory academic performance in Years 1 and 2 at BITS.
BITS helps with document verification and coordination with RMIT admissions.
English Proficiency Requirements
Students must submit scores from any of the following:
| Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS | 6.5 (no band < 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Duolingo | Accepted (Refer RMIT) |
Reimbursement Offer: Students in 2024 intake may get 50% reimbursement (up to ₹8,500) for their English test fees.
Visa Requirements: Apply for the Australian Subclass 500 Student Visa.
Required documents:
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from RMIT.
- English test scores.
- Proof of funds.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Application is made through the official Australian immigration website.
Important Tips
- Apply early to secure the CoE.
- Arrange health insurance before applying for the visa.
- Track updates on the BITS-RMIT program page.
4) CentraleSupélec Paris – France
| Category | Requirement |
| Class 12 Score | 65% (AISSC/ISC), 70% (State Board) |
| Math Requirement | Minimum 60% |
| English Test (C1 level) | IELTS 7.0+, TOEFL 95+, Cambridge C1 |
| Visa Route | Campus France |
| Living Expense Proof | ~€12,000/year |
Admission to CentraleSupélec Paris begins in Year 1 at BITS. Students must express interest early and fulfill academic and English language requirements.
Eligibility:
- AISSC or ISC: Minimum 65%
- State Board: Minimum 70%
- Minimum 60% in Mathematics.
- C1 level English language proficiency.
- Preference is given to students from top-performing BITS cohorts.
English Proficiency Requirements
Students must show strong English skills. Accepted test scores:
| Test | Required Score |
| IELTS | 7.0 or higher |
| TOEFL iBT | 95 or higher |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 180+ |
Exemptions: Students from IB, British, or American boards with English-medium instruction may get a waiver.
Visa Requirements
- Apply through the Campus France process.
Required documents:
- Letter of Admission from CentraleSupélec.
- Class 12 mark sheet and BITS transcripts.
- Proof of funds (~€12,000 per year).
- Valid passport and travel insurance.
BITS 2+2 Program Fees Structure
The total cost of the BITS 2+2 program includes:
- Tuition and other fees at BITS Pilani during Years 1 and 2.
- Tuition and living expenses at the foreign university during Years 3 and 4.
The fees vary by year, university, and currency. Students must also budget for travel, visa, and health insurance. The following sections provide a detailed fee structure.
BITS Pilani Fees (Years 1 & 2)
All students, regardless of their chosen partner university, must pay BITS Pilani fees for the first two years.
| Academic Period | Fees (INR) |
| Year 1 (2024-25) | ₹7,95,000 |
| Summer Term after Year 1 | ₹1,39,100 |
| Year 2 (2025-26) | ₹8,34,500 |
These fees are only for tuition. They do not include hostel, mess, or other campus services.
Non-Tuition Charges:
| Charge Type | Estimated Amount (INR) |
| Hostel Fee (per semester) | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Mess Charges | ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Student Union/Exam Fees | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Internet & Lab Fees | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
All charges are subject to change each academic year.
Fee Increases:
- Year-on-year increase: 5% annually (standard).
- Year 1 tuition may go up by 6% for new batches.
Tip: Students must refer to the official BITS Pilani admissions portal each year for the latest updates.
Partner University Fees (Years 3 & 4)
Students pay tuition and other expenses directly to the partner university after transferring in Year 3.
1) Iowa State University (ISU), USA
| Year | Tuition Fee (USD) | Notes |
| Year 3 (2025-26) | $33,315 | Rate based on 2023–24 data |
| Year 4 (2026-27) | $33,315 | Annual hike: 3–4% |
Other Costs:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (USD/year) |
| Living Expenses | $10,000 – $13,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 – $1,200 |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 – $2,400 |
| Amenities/Facility Fees | $1,000 – $1,200 |
Note: Engineering majors may have higher tuition. Exact fees depend on course selection.
2) University at Buffalo (UB), USA
| Year | Tuition Fee (USD) | Notes |
| Year 3 (2025-26) | $30,571.50 | Rate based on 2023–24 data |
| Year 4 (2026-27) | $30,571.50 | Annual hike: 2–4% |
Other Costs:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (USD/year) |
| Living Expenses | $9,000 – $11,000 |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 – $2,200 |
| Facility/Activity Fees | $1,000 |
| Course Materials | $600 – $900 |
| Summer Enrollment | Extra charges per course |
Note: Students must pay for summer courses if required.
3) RMIT University, Australia
| Year | Tuition Fee (AUD) | Notes |
| Year 3 (2026) | AUD 43,200 | 2024 rate |
| Year 4 (2027) | AUD 43,200 | Max 7.5% increase per year |
Other Costs:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (AUD/year) |
| Living Expenses | AUD 21,000 – AUD 25,000 |
| Overseas Health Insurance | AUD 600 – AUD 800 |
| Student Amenities Fees | AUD 300 – AUD 500 |
| Transport & Other Costs | AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,000 |
Tip: Some programs may have additional equipment fees.
4) CentraleSupélec Paris, France
| Year | Tuition Fee (EUR) | Notes |
| Year 3 (2027) | €22,000 | Based on current structure |
| Year 4 (2028) | €22,000 | May increase by 1–2% |
Other Costs:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (EUR/year) |
| Living Expenses | €10,000 – €12,000 |
| Health Insurance | €500 – €800 |
| Student Visa/Permit | €300 – €400 |
| Books, Supplies, etc. | €600 – €1,000 |
Note: CentraleSupélec is one of Europe’s top engineering schools. Students must budget accordingly.
Visa Requirement: Must follow Campus France process.
FEE Comparison of Each University
| University | Tuition (Local Currency) | Annual Increase | Est. Living Cost (LC) | Health Insurance (LC) |
| ISU (USA) | $33,315 | 3–4% | $10,000–13,000 | $2,000–2,400 |
| UB (USA) | $30,571.5 | 2–4% | $9,000–11,000 | $2,000–2,200 |
| RMIT (Australia) | AUD 43,200 | Up to 7.5% | AUD 21,000–25,000 | AUD 600–800 |
| CentraleSupélec (FR) | €22,000 | 1–2% | €10,000–12,000 | €500–800 |
Note: LC = Local Currency
BITS 2+2 Program Scholarship Opportunities
BITS Pilani’s 2+2 program allows students to study for two years in India and two years at a foreign university. The program is valuable but can be costly. To support students, BITS and its partner universities offer multiple scholarships. These awards help reduce tuition fees and encourage high academic performance.
Scholarships are merit-based and vary by university. Each university sets its own eligibility rules, award amounts, and continuation conditions. Some scholarships cover a fixed amount, while others offer percentage reductions in tuition.
| University | Top Scholarship / Year | Min CGPA or Rank | Coverage Type |
| ISU (USA) | $4,500 | CGPA ≥ 9.0 | Fixed amount by CGPA |
| UB (USA) | $7,000 | Top 10% | Fixed amount by percentile |
| RMIT (Australia) | AUD 8,640 | Admitted students | 20% tuition fee waiver |
| CSP (France) | €12,000 | Top 10% | Fixed amount by percentile |
1) Iowa State University (ISU) Scholarships
Iowa State University offers the ISU Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship to students from BITS Pilani who join the BITS-ISU 2+2 Engineering Program.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolled in the BITS-ISU 2+2 Engineering program.
- Academic performance in the first 2 years at BITS determines scholarship level.
- English proficiency must meet ISU’s standards.
English Language Requirements (Any one is accepted)
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL | 99 |
| IELTS | 7.5 |
| Duolingo | 130 |
| PTE | 72 |
| SAT (RW) | 600 |
| ACT (English) | 26 |
Scholarship Amount Based on CGPA
| BITS CGPA Range | Scholarship per Year (USD) |
| ≥ 9.0 | $4,500 |
| 8.0 – 8.99 | $4,000 |
| 7.0 – 7.99 | $3,500 |
| 6.0 – 6.99 | $3,000 |
| < 6.0 | No Scholarship |
Continuation Requirements
- ISU GPA must be at least 2.5.
- Must remain a full-time engineering student.
- Enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours of engineering courses each semester.
2) University at Buffalo (UB) Scholarships
UB provides the UB Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship for BITS Pilani students in the 2+2 program.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be part of the BITS-UB 2+2 program.
- Selection is based on the CGPA at the end of Year 2 at BITS.
- Only students in the Engineering stream are eligible.
Scholarship Tier Based on Performance
| Student Group | Scholarship per Year (USD) |
| Top 10% of students | $7,000 |
| Next 15% | $5,000 |
| Next 45% | $3,000 |
| Bottom 30% | No Scholarship |
Additional Information
- Around 70% of BITS-UB students receive scholarships.
- The scholarship is granted for both Year 3 and Year 4.
- Students must maintain good academic standing at UB.
Note: UB may ask for further documents during scholarship review, especially proof of grades and English test scores.
3) RMIT University Scholarships
RMIT Australia offers the RMIT Future Leaders Scholarship to eligible BITS Pilani students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be part of the BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy program.
- Students should meet all admission and English language requirements.
- No separate scholarship application is required.
Scholarship Benefits
| Type | Value |
| Tuition Fee Reduction | 20% off for 2 years |
| Duration | Year 3 and Year 4 |
Estimated Savings (AUD)
| Tuition Year | Standard Fee (AUD) | 20% Reduction (AUD) | Final Fee (AUD) |
| Year 3 | 43,200 | 8,640 | 34,560 |
| Year 4 | 43,200 | 8,640 | 34,560 |
Total Savings Over 2 Years: AUD 17,280
Note: This is a fixed scholarship for eligible students. It helps significantly reduce the overall study cost in Australia.
4) CentraleSupélec Paris (CSP) Scholarships
CentraleSupélec, France, offers Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarships for students who meet academic excellence standards.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be enrolled in the BITS-CSP 2+2 program.
- Selection is based on academic ranking after Year 2.
- Top-performing students receive higher scholarship amounts.
Scholarship Distribution
| Performance Group | Annual Scholarship (€) |
| Top 10% of students | €12,000 |
| Next 15% | €6,000 |
| Next 45% | €3,000 |
| Remaining 30% | No Scholarship |
Continuation Rules
- Maintain a GPA of ≥ 2.5 at CentraleSupélec.
- Remain a full-time student throughout the program.
Other Notes
- Around 70% of students at CSP receive scholarships.
- These scholarships can reduce the total cost by nearly €24,000 over two years.
Tips for Students
- Try to maintain a CGPA above 8.0 to be eligible for most scholarships.
- Check university websites for updates on award policies.
- Prepare well for English proficiency tests to qualify.
- Submit all documents before deadlines to avoid delays.
- Use scholarships to manage cost and reduce financial stress.
Conclusion
The BITS 2+2 Dual Degree Program is a great choice for students who want to study both in India and abroad. It gives you the chance to learn from two top institutions and earn two degrees in just four years. You will begin your journey at BITS Pilani and complete your final two years at a partner university like Iowa State University, University at Buffalo, RMIT Australia, or CentraleSupélec.
This program offers strong academic support, international exposure, and better job opportunities. It also provides scholarships based on your performance. The admission process is clear, and if you meet the eligibility and English language requirements, you can benefit greatly.
Whether you aim to work in India or abroad, this program can give you a strong advantage. If you are serious about your studies and career, the BITS 2+2 program can be the right step toward a successful future.
