What if you could earn degrees from both BITS Pilani and a top international university, all while studying in two different countries? The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program makes this possible. It allows you to spend two years at BITS Pilani and the next two at a partner university like Iowa State University (ISU), University at Buffalo (UB), or RMIT University.
This program offers global academic exposure, access to renowned faculty, and the chance to build an international network. With merit-based scholarships available, it’s a smart way to gain a world-class education without starting entirely from scratch abroad. If you’re aiming for a future filled with global opportunities, this dual degree program could be the perfect next step.
Let’s dive into the program structure, fees, and scholarships, so you can plan your academic journey with clarity and confidence.
Overview of BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Programs
The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program is a unique academic initiative designed for students who aspire to earn a dual degree by studying in both India and abroad. This program is structured to provide global exposure, high-quality education, and an opportunity to build an international academic profile. Through partnerships with top global universities, the program allows students to complete two years at BITS Pilani and then transfer to a partner university for the final two years, earning degrees from both institutions.
Dual Degree Programs with Partner Universities
BITS Pilani has collaborated with three prestigious international universities for the 2+2 program:
- Iowa State University (ISU), USA
- University at Buffalo (UB), USA
- RMIT University, Australia
These partnerships enable students to pursue a dual degree, combining the solid academic foundation provided by BITS Pilani with specialized, globally recognized programs at the partner universities. This combination strengthens both academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for a competitive global job market.
Program Structure
The BITS Pilani 2+2 program follows a simple yet effective structure:
Years 1 & 2: Students start their academic journey at BITS Pilani, completing foundational and core courses related to their chosen field of study. During this time, they build a strong theoretical base and develop the necessary skills to succeed at the partner university.
Years 3 & 4: After successfully completing the first two years, students transfer to their selected partner university — ISU, UB, or RMIT — to complete their degree. The final two years focus on advanced coursework, research projects, and practical training specific to the partner university’s curriculum.
Upon completion, students earn degrees from both BITS Pilani and the partner university, giving them an academic edge and broader career opportunities.
This program is ideal for students who are considering an international education but want to start their journey with the strong academic reputation of BITS Pilani. It caters to those who:
- Aspire to earn a dual degree from both an Indian and a global university.
- Want to experience academic life in two different countries.
- Are interested in global research opportunities and cross-border collaborations.
- Seek to enhance their employability with international qualifications and global exposure.
Key Benefits
The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program offers several advantages:
- Global Exposure: Students gain valuable international experience by studying in two countries, interacting with global peers, and learning from diverse faculty.
- Academic Collaboration: The program combines BITS Pilani’s strong academic curriculum with the specialized courses and research opportunities at partner universities, enriching students’ learning experiences.
- Scholarship Opportunities: All three partner universities offer merit-based scholarships, helping students manage tuition costs. These scholarships are often tied to academic performance at BITS Pilani, motivating students to excel in their studies.
- Enhanced Career Prospects: With degrees from both BITS Pilani and a reputed global university, graduates stand out in job markets worldwide. The program also opens doors to further study and research opportunities abroad.
BITS Pilani 2+2 Fees Structure
Understanding the fee structure for the BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program is crucial for students planning to pursue this unique dual degree opportunity. The fees are divided into two parts — tuition and non-tuition fees for the first two years at BITS Pilani and the final two years at the partner universities. Let’s break down the costs clearly so that students and their families can plan accordingly.
BITS Pilani Fees (Years 1 & 2)
For the first two years, students are enrolled at BITS Pilani, paying fees as per the institute’s guidelines. The tuition fees for students starting in 2024 are as follows:
- Year 1 (2024): INR 7,95,000
- Summer Term after Year 1 (2024): INR 1,39,100
- Year 2 (2025): INR 8,34,500
The fees for Year 2 reflect an approximate 5% annual increase, a standard adjustment made by BITS Pilani. It’s important to note that the Year 1 fee may be revised upwards by up to 6% for fresh intakes each year, so students planning to join later should factor in this possibility.
Non-Tuition Fees
In addition to tuition fees, there are non-tuition charges that cover various facilities and services. These include:
- Hostel Fees: Charges for on-campus accommodation.
- Amenities Fees: Costs for utilities, internet, and other campus resources.
- Mess Fees: Meal plans for dining at BITS Pilani’s hostels.
- Library and Lab Fees: Access to labs, libraries, and research facilities.
The exact non-tuition charges are available on the BITS Admission website and can vary slightly each year. Students are encouraged to regularly check the official site for the latest updates.
Partner University Fees (Years 3 & 4)
Once students complete their first two years at BITS Pilani, they transfer to a partner university — Iowa State University (ISU), University at Buffalo (UB), or RMIT University — for the final two years of their dual degree. Each university has its own tuition structure, with additional costs for living, health insurance, and amenities. Let’s break down the details clearly.
1) Iowa State University (ISU)
The tuition fees for ISU are based on the 2023-24 academic year rates and are subject to an annual increase of around 3-4%.
- Year 3 (2025): 33,315 USD
- Year 4 (2026): 33,315 USD (plus estimated 3-4% increase)
Annual Fee Adjustments: ISU reviews its fees at the start of each calendar year. Historically, the annual increase ranges between 3-4%, so students must plan for a slight rise in tuition for Year 4. For example, if the fees increase by 3%, the Year 4 tuition could be approximately 34,314 USD.
Other Costs: Apart from tuition, students need to account for other expenses:
- Living expenses: Estimated at 1,200-1,500 USD per month, covering housing, meals, transportation, and personal costs.
- Amenities fees: Charges for student services, libraries, and recreational facilities.
- Health insurance: Mandatory for international students, with an average cost of 2,000-2,500 USD per year.
- Course-specific fees: Engineering majors may have additional lab fees or material costs.
Housing Options: ISU offers both on-campus and off-campus housing:
- On-campus housing ranges from 900-1,200 USD per month depending on the type of accommodation.
- Off-campus options may be cheaper but come with additional utility costs.
To get a complete breakdown of expenses, students are encouraged to visit ISU’s Cost of Attendance page.
2) University at Buffalo (UB)
UB’s tuition fees for the 2023-24 academic year are as follows:
- Year 3 (2025): 30,571.5 USD
- Year 4 (2026): 30,571.5 USD (with a possible 2-4% increase)
Annual Fee Adjustments: UB usually revises its fees annually, with an increase of around 2-4%. If fees rise by 3%, Year 4 tuition could be around 31,488 USD.
Other Costs: Students should budget for additional expenses:
- Living expenses: Typically between 1,100-1,400 USD per month, depending on housing and lifestyle.
- Health insurance: UB mandates health coverage for international students, costing approximately 2,000 USD per year.
- Summer enrollment: If students take summer courses, they incur extra charges, usually calculated on a per-course basis.
- Technology fees: UB charges an annual technology fee of about 500 USD for internet access, software licenses, and IT support.
Housing Options: UB provides both on-campus and off-campus accommodations:
- On-campus: Costs range from 1,000-1,300 USD per month, including meal plans.
- Off-campus: Rent varies but generally falls between 800-1,100 USD per month, excluding utilities.
UB’s program guide outlines all these costs in detail, and students should regularly check the official BITS-UB page for updates.
3) RMIT University
RMIT’s fees are calculated using 2024 rates, with annual increases capped at 7.5%.
- Year 3 (2026): 43,200 AUD
- Year 4 (2027): 43,200 AUD (plus up to 7.5% increase)
Annual Fee Adjustments: RMIT’s tuition increases are capped at 7.5%, but the actual rise may be lower depending on university policies. If the full 7.5% increase applies, Year 4 tuition could reach 46,440 AUD.
Other Costs: RMIT students need to account for additional expenses such as:
- Living expenses: Estimated at 1,500-2,000 AUD per month for rent, food, transportation, and daily needs.
- Overseas Health Insurance (OSHC): Required for all international students in Australia, costing around 600-700 AUD per year.
- Student amenities fees: Around 300 AUD annually for campus facilities and support services.
- Course materials: Engineering and design programs may have extra fees for lab equipment, software licenses, or art supplies.
Housing Options: Students can choose between on-campus or off-campus housing:
- On-campus: Accommodation costs range from 1,400-1,800 AUD per month, depending on the type of room and included services. More information about these costs is available in the RMIT program guide and the BITS-RMIT page.
- Off-campus: Shared apartments and rental homes cost 1,200-1,600 AUD per month, with additional utility charges.
Summary of Partner University Fees
Here’s a quick comparison of estimated tuition fees for Years 3 and 4:
| University | Year 3 Fees (2025) | Year 4 Fees (2026/27) | Annual Increase Rate |
| Iowa State University (ISU) | 33,315 USD | ~34,314 USD | 3-4% |
| University at Buffalo (UB) | 30,571.5 USD | ~31,488 USD | 2-4% |
| RMIT University | 43,200 AUD | ~46,440 AUD | Up to 7.5% |
In addition to tuition, students must also factor in living expenses, health insurance, and program-specific fees. The total cost will depend on personal lifestyle choices and any additional academic requirements.
By carefully reviewing these fees and budgeting for annual increases, students can better prepare for their academic journey in the BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program. It is always a good idea to visit the official university pages and program guides for the most up-to-date information.
BITS Pilani 2+2 Scholarships
The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Programs offer various scholarship opportunities for students transferring to partner universities — Iowa State University (ISU), University at Buffalo (UB), and RMIT University. These scholarships are based on academic performance at BITS Pilani during the first two years of the program and provide financial support for the final two years abroad. Let’s explore the scholarship details for each partner university.
1) Iowa State University (ISU) Scholarships
Students enrolled in the BITS-ISU 2+2 Engineering Cohort Program are eligible for the ISU Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded based on the student’s academic performance during their first two years at BITS Pilani.
Scholarship levels per academic year for 2 years at ISU:
| CGPA Range | ISU Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship (Per Year) |
| Above 9.0 | $4,500 |
| 8.0 to 8.99 | $4,000 |
| 7.0 to 7.99 | $3,500 |
| 6.0 to 6.99 | $3,000 |
| Below 6.0 | No scholarship |
Continuation criteria: To maintain the scholarship for both years at ISU, students must:
- Be fully admitted to Iowa State University
- Major in an engineering discipline at ISU
- Maintain full-time enrollment, with at least 9 credit hours of engineering coursework each semester
- Keep a minimum ISU GPA of 2.5
Meet the English proficiency requirements by achieving any of the following scores:
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
| TOEFL | ≥ 99 |
| IELTS | ≥ 7.5 |
| Duolingo | ≥ 130 |
| PTE | ≥ 72 |
| SAT (Reading/Writing) | ≥ 600 |
| ACT (English) | ≥ 26 |
2) University at Buffalo (UB) Scholarships
Students in the BITS-UB 2+2 Engineering Cohort Program can receive the UB Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded based on academic performance during the first two years at BITS Pilani.
Scholarship levels per academic year for 2 years at UB:
| Student Ranking | UB Engineering Cohort Merit Scholarship (Per Year) |
| Top 10% of students | $7,000 |
| Next 15% of students | $5,000 |
| Next 45% of students | $3,000 |
| Remaining 30% of students | No scholarship |
Around 70% of students admitted under the BITS-UB 2+2 program receive annual scholarships ranging between $3,000 and $7,000. The scholarship amount is determined by the student’s CGPA at the end of the first two years at BITS.
3) RMIT University Scholarships
BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy students are eligible for the RMIT Future Leaders Scholarship during their time at RMIT Australia. This scholarship provides financial support by reducing tuition fees.
Scholarship value: 20% tuition fee reduction for the duration of studies at RMIT (Years 3 & 4)
The scholarship value is reflected in the student’s offer letter and applies only to courses delivered at RMIT in Melbourne. To continue receiving the scholarship, students must meet RMIT’s academic performance requirements.
Key Points to Consider
Eligibility Based on Academic Performance: Scholarships from all three partner universities are awarded based on CGPA during the first two years at BITS Pilani. Higher academic performance increases the chances of securing more substantial financial aid.
Continuation Requirements: Students must maintain specific academic standards at the partner universities to continue receiving their scholarships. This ensures ongoing support for both years abroad.
Financial Impact: These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs. For example:
- An ISU student with a CGPA above 9.0 could receive $9,000 over two years.
- A UB student in the top 10% could get $14,000 in total.
- An RMIT student would save 20% on both Year 3 and Year 4 tuition fees.
Application Process: Students do not need to submit separate applications for these scholarships. Eligibility is automatically considered based on their academic records at BITS Pilani.
By understanding these scholarship opportunities, students can plan their finances better and work towards maintaining strong academic records during their first two years at BITS Pilani. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also recognize and reward academic excellence, motivating students to excel in their studies.
Conclusion
The BITS Pilani 2+2 International Collaborative Program opens doors to a world of academic and career opportunities. By earning degrees from both BITS Pilani and a prestigious international university, you gain valuable global exposure and build a strong foundation for your future. With clear pathways to Iowa State University (ISU), University at Buffalo (UB), and RMIT University, along with merit-based scholarships, this program offers a smart way to study abroad without starting from scratch.
As you plan your next steps, remember that strong academic performance in the first two years at BITS Pilani plays a key role in securing scholarships and managing costs. If you are ready to pursue an international degree and expand your horizons, the BITS Pilani 2+2 program could be your stepping stone to success. Research thoroughly, stay focused, and take the leap toward a global academic experience.
