Are you dreaming of studying abroad but also want the strong foundation of an Indian institute? The BITS 2+2 program gives you both. This unique international dual degree program lets you study at BITS Pilani for two years and then complete your final two years at a top foreign university. At the end of four years, you earn two degrees – one from BITS and one from a global partner university.
BITS Pilani has tied up with leading universities like Iowa State University, University at Buffalo, RMIT University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. These universities are known for their strong engineering programs and global recognition. Students get a chance to explore world-class labs, experience diverse cultures, and build an international career.
If you are a student aiming for global education, this guide will help you understand the BITS 2+2 program structure, eligibility, specializations, fees, and more. Let’s start your global academic journey.
What is BITS 2+2?
The BITS 2+2 program is a special international dual degree program by BITS Pilani. It allows students to complete the first two years of their engineering degree in India and the final two years at a partner university abroad. After four years, students receive two degrees—one from BITS Pilani and one from the foreign university.
How the Program Works
Students first take admission into a regular B.E. program at BITS Pilani. They study for two years, including a mandatory summer term after the second year. During this time, they build a strong base in core engineering subjects.
After two years, eligible students transfer to a partner university in the USA or Australia. They continue studying in the same field and complete the final two years there. They also do their final year project or research at the foreign university. At the end of the four years, students receive:
- A B.E. degree from BITS Pilani
- A Bachelor’s degree from the foreign university
Partner Universities
BITS Pilani has tied up with the following top international universities:
- University at Buffalo (UB), USA
- Iowa State University (ISU), USA
- RMIT University, Australia
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), USA
These universities are well known for engineering and research. They offer advanced labs, experienced faculty, and strong academic programs.
What Makes the Program Unique
The BITS 2+2 program gives students the best of both worlds. They get the strong foundation and values of Indian education in the first two years. They also gain global exposure and international skills in the final two years.
This program is also time-efficient. Students do not lose any years or credits. They finish their engineering degree in four years, just like regular students. Students also get the chance to study abroad without starting from scratch. They do not need to apply directly to foreign universities after 12th. They first build their academic record at BITS and then move to the partner university.
Why Students Choose BITS 2+2
Many students choose this program for its dual degree benefit. It adds great value to their resume. Employers prefer candidates with global education and real-world experience.
Students also get access to:
- Research opportunities at foreign labs
- Internships with international companies
- Better chances for MS, MBA, or PhD abroad
- A chance to live and study in two different countries
- Exposure to new cultures and global thinking
In simple words, the BITS 2+2 program helps students start in India and finish strong abroad. It is perfect for those who want a strong career in engineering, both in India and globally. With the right preparation and academic performance, this program can shape your future in powerful ways.
Key Features of BITS 2+2 Programs
The BITS 2+2 program is designed to give students the best of both Indian and international education. It combines the academic strength of BITS Pilani with the global exposure of top universities abroad. Here are the key features of the program that make it stand out for students who want more than a regular engineering degree.
1) Program Structure
The BITS 2+2 program follows a simple and clear format. Students study the first two years at BITS Pilani, which includes the regular academic semesters and a mandatory summer term.
After completing the initial two years, students transfer to one of the partner universities abroad. They continue their chosen program in the same or equivalent field and complete the remaining two years. The final degree is granted by both BITS Pilani and the foreign university.
2) Dual Degree Options
The biggest attraction of this program is the dual degree outcome. At the end of four years, students receive:
- A Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) from BITS Pilani
- A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) from the partner university
This double qualification gives students a competitive edge. It shows that they have studied in two top institutions and can handle both Indian and international academic systems.
The dual degrees are offered in core engineering branches such as:
- Computer Science / Software Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Students are allowed to choose the program and university based on their interests, performance, and eligibility.
3) Global Exposure
One of the strongest features of the BITS 2+2 program is the international experience. Students live and study in two countries during their degree. In India, they start with a strong academic and cultural base. Abroad, they experience new teaching styles, advanced technologies, and cultural diversity.
This exposure helps students become more confident, independent, and adaptable. They learn to work with international peers, attend global conferences, and explore different perspectives. These skills are very important in today’s job market.
4) Career Opportunities
Students who complete the BITS 2+2 program have a strong profile for jobs and higher studies. They are preferred by recruiters because they hold two degrees and have international academic experience. They can apply for global internships, research assistant positions, and even job offers from companies in India and abroad.
Some may also choose to pursue MS, MBA, or Ph.D. programs in the same country where they complete the second half of their degree.
BITS Pilani Specializations 2+2
BITS offers several specialization options through this program. Here is a complete table:
| BITS Degree | BITS Campus | Foreign University | Foreign Degree |
| B.E. Computer Science | Hyderabad | Iowa State University (ISU) | B.S. Computer Engineering |
| Goa | RMIT University | B.E. (Software Engineering) (Hons) | |
| Pilani | University at Buffalo (UB) | B.S. Computer Engineering | |
| B.E. Electronics and Communication | Pilani | Iowa State University (ISU) | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| Goa | University at Buffalo (UB) | B.S. Electrical Engineering | |
| Hyderabad | RMIT University | B.E. (Electronic & Computer Systems Eng) (Hons) | |
| B.E. Electrical and Electronics | Goa | Iowa State University (ISU) | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| Hyderabad | RMIT University | B.E. (Electrical Engineering) (Hons) | |
| Pilani | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | B.S. Electrical Engineering | |
| B.E. Mechanical | Goa | Iowa State University (ISU) | B.S. Mechanical Engineering |
| Pilani | RMIT University | B.E. (Mechanical Engineering) (Hons) | |
| Pilani | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | B.S. Mechanical Engineering | |
| Hyderabad | University at Buffalo (UB) | B.S. Mechanical Engineering | |
| B.E. Civil | Pilani | RMIT University | B.E. (Civil and Infrastructure) (Hons) |
BITS Pilani Specializations 2+2 University Partners
BITS Pilani has partnered with leading international universities to offer the 2+2 dual degree program. These universities are recognized for their excellence in engineering education, research facilities, global rankings, and strong alumni networks. The partner universities for the BITS 2+2 Program include:
- Iowa State University (USA)
- University at Buffalo (USA)
- RMIT University (Australia)
- CentraleSupélec Paris (France)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Partnership
Below is a detailed explanation of each university, their program offerings, reputation, fee structure, and other key details.
1) Iowa State University (ISU) Partnership
Iowa State University (ISU) is a public research university located in Ames, Iowa, USA. It is known for its strong engineering programs, state-of-the-art laboratories, and industry collaborations. ISU is part of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a prestigious group of research institutions in North America.
Global Ranking and Reputation
| Indicator | Details |
| QS World University Ranking 2024 | #471 |
| U.S. News Global Ranking | #401 |
| Notable Strengths | Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, AI Research |
Dual Degree Programs Offered
| BITS Degree | ISU Degree |
| B.E. Electronics and Communication | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| B.E. Electrical and Electronics | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| B.E. Mechanical | B.S. Mechanical Engineering |
| B.E. Computer Science | B.S. Computer Engineering |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic | 75% aggregate in PCM in Class 12, with at least 60% in each subject |
| BITSAT Score | Must meet cut-off for BITS Pilani admission |
| CGPA | Minimum 5.75 after two years at BITS |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL ≥99, IELTS ≥7.5, Duolingo ≥130 |
Fee Structure
| Year | Institution | Fee |
| Year 1 | BITS Pilani | INR 7,95,000 |
| Year 2 | BITS Pilani | INR 8,34,500 |
| Year 3 | ISU | ~$33,315 |
| Year 4 | ISU | ~$33,315 |
Scholarships
| Name | Amount | Criteria |
| ISU Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship | Up to $4,500/year | Based on CGPA at BITS |
2) University at Buffalo (UB) Partnership
The University at Buffalo (UB), part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, is a premier public research university located in Buffalo, New York, USA. It is known for its comprehensive academic programs, global research impact, and modern infrastructure.
Global Ranking and Reputation
| Indicator | Details |
| QS World University Ranking 2024 | #591-600 |
| U.S. News Global Ranking | #277 |
| Notable Strengths | Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, AI, Data Science |
Dual Degree Programs Offered
| BITS Degree | UB Degree |
| B.E. Computer Science | B.S. Computer Science/Engineering |
| B.E. Electrical and Electronics | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| B.E. Electronics and Communication | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| B.E. Mechanical | B.S. Mechanical Engineering |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic | 75% aggregate in PCM in Class 12, with 60% in each subject |
| BITSAT Score | Must meet cut-off for BITS admission |
| Class 12 (for UB) | AISSC/ISC: 65%, State Boards: 70% |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL ≥70, IELTS ≥6.0, Duolingo ≥105 |
Fee Structure
| Year | Institution | Fee |
| Year 1 | BITS Pilani | INR 7,95,000 |
| Year 2 | BITS Pilani | INR 8,34,500 |
| Year 3 | UB | ~$30,571.5 |
| Year 4 | UB | ~$30,571.5 |
Scholarships
| Name | Amount | Criteria |
| UB Future Leaders Scholarship | Up to $7,000/year | Academic performance |
3) RMIT University Partnership
RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) is a globally recognized public research university in Melbourne, Australia. It is known for its practice-based learning, design innovation, and strong connections with industry.
Global Ranking and Reputation
| Indicator | Details |
| QS World University Ranking 2024 | #140 |
| Times Higher Education | #251-300 |
| Notable Strengths | Engineering, Design, Information Technology, Architecture |
Dual Degree Programs Offered
| BITS Degree | RMIT Degree |
| B.E. Civil | B.Eng. Civil and Infrastructure |
| B.E. Mechanical | B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering |
| B.E. Computer Science | B.Eng. Software Engineering |
| B.E. Electronics and Communication | B.Eng. Electronic & Computer Systems Engineering |
| B.E. Electrical and Electronics | B.Eng. Electrical Engineering |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic | 75% aggregate in PCM in Class 12 with 60% in each subject |
| BITSAT Score | Must meet cut-off |
| Class 12 (for RMIT) | AISSC/ISC: 65%, State Boards: 70% |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE (as per RMIT requirements) |
Fee Structure
| Year | Institution | Fee |
| Year 1 | BITS Pilani | INR 7,95,000 |
| Year 2 | BITS Pilani | INR 8,34,500 |
| Year 3 | RMIT | As per RMIT international student fees |
| Year 4 | RMIT | As per RMIT international student fees |
Scholarships and Support
| Support | Amount | Details |
| English Test Reimbursement | Up to INR 8,500 | 50% of English test cost reimbursed |
4) CentraleSupélec Paris (CSP) Partnership
CentraleSupélec is a top French engineering school and a founding member of the Université Paris-Saclay. Located in Paris, France, it is known for high-quality research, advanced science and engineering programs, and producing industry leaders across Europe.
Global Ranking and Reputation
| Indicator | Details |
| QS World University Ranking 2024 | Part of Paris-Saclay Alliance (#15) |
| Notable Strengths | Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics |
Dual Degree Program Offered
| BITS Degree | CSP Degree |
| B.E. Computer Science | B.E. Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic | 75% PCM in Class 12 with 60%+ in each subject |
| BITSAT Score | Must meet the required cut-off |
| Board Marks | AISSC/ISC: 65%+, State Boards: 70%+ (core subjects only) |
| Maths | At least 60% in Class 12 Mathematics |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL (95–120), IELTS (7.0–8.0), PTE (76–84), or Cambridge C1/C2 |
| Waiver | Possible for students from English-medium IB, US, or UK curricula |
Fee Structure
| Year | Institution | Fee |
| Year 1 | BITS Pilani | INR 8,42,700 + INR 1,47,500 (Summer Term) |
| Year 2 | BITS Pilani | INR 8,84,800 |
| Year 3 | CSP | €22,000 |
| Year 4 | CSP | €22,000 |
Additional Costs
| Expense | Cost Estimate |
| Health Insurance | ~€600/year |
| Living Expenses | ~€12,000/year |
| Residence Permit | Included in insurance estimate |
Scholarships
| Scholarship Tier | Amount per Year | Eligibility |
| Top 10% | €12,000 | Merit-based |
| Next 15% | €6,000 | Merit-based |
| Next 45% | €3,000 | Merit-based |
BITS students are also eligible for BITS merit and MCN scholarships during the first two years.
4) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Partnership
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a prestigious private research university located in Troy, New York, USA. Known for its cutting-edge engineering and technology programs, RPI is a leader in fields like AI, robotics, and sustainable energy. It is one of the oldest technological universities in the US and has strong industry ties with companies like IBM, GE, and NASA.
Global Ranking and Reputation
| Indicator | Details |
| QS World University Ranking 2024 | #501-510 |
| U.S. News National Ranking | #51 (Best Engineering Schools) |
| Notable Strengths | Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace |
Dual Degree Programs Offered
| BITS Degree | RPI Degree |
| B.E. Electrical and Electronics | B.S. Electrical Engineering |
| B.E. Mechanical | B.S. Mechanical Engineering |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Academic (BITS Pilani) | 75% aggregate in PCM in Class 12, with at least 60% in each subject |
| BITSAT Score | Must meet BITS Pilani cut-off for 2025 |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 4.5 CGPA after two years at BITS |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL ≥88 / IELTS ≥7.0 / Duolingo ≥115 / PTE ≥59 |
| Visa Requirements | F-1 Student Visa (USA) |
Key Notes: English test scores must be submitted by Fall of Year 2 at BITS. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (≥12 credits/semester) at RPI.
Fee Structure
| Year | Institution | Fee (Approx.) |
| Year 1 (2025) | BITS Pilani | INR 8,42,700 |
| Summer Term (2025) | BITS Pilani | INR 1,47,500 |
| Year 2 (2026) | BITS Pilani | INR 8,84,800 |
| Year 3 (2027-28) | RPI | $38,000/year (after scholarship) |
| Year 4 (2028-29) | RPI | $38,000 + 2-4% annual increase |
| Housing & Food (RPI) | ~$16,000/year |
Original Tuition at RPI: ~$63,000–$68,000/year
Scholarship Discount: $25,000–$30,000/year
Scholarships
| Name | Amount | Criteria |
| RPI Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship | Up to $30,000/year | – Awarded to top 75% of BITS-RPI cohort- Must maintain RPI GPA ≥2.0- Full-time enrollment required |
Conditions:
- Must maintain a minimum RPI GPA of 2.0.
- Scholarship is renewable yearly based on performance.
Conclusion
The BITS 2+2 program opens a clear path for students who want to combine Indian and international education. With two years at BITS Pilani and two years at a global partner university, you earn two respected degrees. This program helps you build a strong academic base in India and finish your studies in world-class institutions abroad.
Students benefit from advanced labs, top faculty, and a mix of global cultures. They also improve their career chances through international internships, research, and networking. The program is carefully designed to support bright and focused students who aim to study and succeed globally.
If you want more than just a degree and are ready to take on new academic challenges, the BITS 2+2 program is a smart choice. Use this guide to plan your steps and make the most of the opportunity. A global education journey can begin right here at BITS Pilani.
