FAQs

• What admissions requirements will I need to meet?

  The full admissions requirements are provided on the individual program pages at www.bitsrmit.in. In short, you will need to meet the entrance requirements of both universities and do well in the BITSAT. Entrance requirements include minimum grades in 12th year and English language proficiency.

• Are there any English language requirements?

  Yes, in order to enrol into the program, you will need to show proof of your English language proficiency. This means obtaining an IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent test score at required levels OR completing another of RMIT’s English language requirements. To meet the English requirement, you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test – IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

• When would I have to take the English language proficiency test?

  If you need to complete an English Language test, you will need to have done so prior to applying to the Academy. These tests are held regularly in major cities across India. Depending on your current English strength, you may wish to prepare for your test. We recommend starting as soon as possible and giving yourself every chance to do well.

• Which institute will I be enrolled at?

  The Academy offers a dual degree program. You will be concurrently enrolled at both institutions from the start of your program. After completing the first half of your undergraduate degree, and obtaining an Australian Student Visa, you will transfer to RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia to complete the remainder of your studies.

• How do I apply for a visa to enter Australia?

  Before you enrol, you should review the current Australian Government requirements for student visa holders. RMIT will ask for some documents prior to enrolment which provide some assurance that you will be able to obtain a student visa later. The visa processing time guide from Department of Home Affairs gives you an indication of how long your student visa application may take to process. If it transpires that you fail to obtain a student visa, BITS will work with you to find a suitable alternative academic program that meets your needs.

• Can I switch from a BITS-RMIT Academy program to a BITS program?

  The Academy Programs are designed to be completed from enrolment to graduation. Moving from an Academy program to a BITS program is not a planned outcome for students. There may be exceptional circumstances where an alternative pathway is required for some students, and this would be treated on a case-by-case basis by BITS.

• What are the prerequisites to transfer to RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia?

  BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy students are enrolled into both RMIT and BITS Pilani programs concurrently from the start of the dual degree program. There are no other additional academic requirements to transfer to Melbourne except for obtaining of student Visa. However, throughout their study, students need to meet the requirements of satisfactory academic progression as per each institution’s criteria described in their academic policy.

• Which campuses of BITS & RMIT are involved in the programme?

  Currently, BITS-RMIT Academy programs will be taught on Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses. Your specific study journey will depend on your individual program and the campus preferences you nominate. Admission into BITS campus locations is based on your performance in the BITSAT relative to others. In Melbourne, you will experience RMIT’s city and Bundoora campuses.

• What fees are charged for the Academy programs?

  Tuition fees are described on the Academy website on the program pages. The first two years’ fees are payable to BITS and the second two years are payable to RMIT.

• What degrees will I receive when I finish?

  The program offers a dual degree. You will receive a degree from BITS Pilani and a degree from RMIT University.

• Where will I do my graduation or convocation ceremony?

  You will be able to attend RMIT’s graduation ceremony in Melbourne and a BITS convocation ceremony on a BITS campus. Your friends and family are also welcome to attend.

• Can I do UG + PG with additional years

  Yes. There are many opportunities for postgraduate study at RMIT and BITS. Your undergraduate qualification will lead into several options.

• Are there any scholarships available for the Academy programs?

  Yes, there are scholarships related to the BITS years’ tuition fees and for the RMIT years’ tuition fees. BITS has a range of scholarships that it provides to all students which are detailed on its website. RMIT is providing all students who successfully gain admission to the Academy programs with a Future Leader scholarship equal to 20% of the full international student tuition fees for years at RMIT Australia. For more information about the Future Leaders Scholarship visit the RMIT website.

• What does it cost to live in Melbourne?

  Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities; however, the cost of living is higher in comparison with other major cities across the globe. Depending on your standard of accommodation and location, and your lifestyle, it will vary dramatically. RMIT advises international students to budget for at least A$25,000 to cover accommodation, food, transport and entertainment each year. You can find more information on moving to Melbourne here.

• What are the living arrangements like in both countries?

  While studying at BITS campuses, you will live on campus at one of the residential halls. While in Melbourne, you will make your own living arrangements. RMIT can help with sourcing a place to live including taking up student accommodation at the Bundoora campus of RMIT. Useful links on accommodation:

  • Student accommodation
  • Accommodation guide
  • Accommodation

• What cultural differences should I expect in Australia?

  Australia is a multicultural country with people from all over the world living within its communities. 30% of Australians were born overseas and a further 20% have a parent who was born overseas. Young Australians often lead an active lifestyle, playing sports and getting out into the abundant open spaces. University students often balance their study with work and social activities. For more information on living in Melbourne visit the Study Melbourne Website.

• What is the Engineering Capstone Project at RMIT?

  All final year engineering students will undertake a year long Capstone Project that provides an authentic problem-solving engineering experience. Students will undertake the project in two parts, with Part A involving studying and analysing the problem, and identifying a potential solution. In Part B of the capstone project, you will plan and implement your solution (where appropriate) and test the outcomes to verify your solution. The student’s work across the capstone project is done in partnership with industry who regularly review the progress and provide feedback as required. At the end of the year, students are invited to present their project at the annual EnGenius event, where industry partners review, judge and assess the best projects. More information on EnGenius can be found here.

• Would BITS or RMIT support Placements in India / Australia?

  RMIT Engineering students complete a 12-month capstone project in the final year of their program (Year 4). These projects bring students in contact with industry and in many cases, opportunities for ongoing employment. In addition, RMIT has ranked in the top 10 in Australia for employment outcomes* in 2023, and in 2022 had 86.9% of graduates in employment #. RMIT University does not offer placement services but strongly encourages and promotes industry relevant learning and industry relevant experiences which supports strong employment outcomes. Our efforts in supporting strong employment outcomes was recently recognized at the 2023 International Educations Awards (presented by Study Melbourne) as we were awarded the “Premiers Award for International Education Provider of the Year”, and additional awards for Excellence in International Student Experience, and Excellence in International Student Employability and Career Development. More information is available here

  • BITS Pilani has committed to supporting students of the BITS-RMIT academy with placement services, should the students return to India and seek employment assistance. Further information will be shared once the appropriate processes are established.
    *2023 QS World rankings # 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey

• Will I have the opportunity to work part time while I study?

  Yes, during semester breaks in India and Melbourne is a great time to get a job to experience new things and support your lifestyle. While in Melbourne, you will be able to work restricted hours per fortnight throughout the year. For more information on student visa and work hours restriction please visit the Department of Home Affairs website

• Will I be able to work in Australia after I graduate?

  At present, according to the Australian Department of immigration, all students who graduate with select bachelor’s degree from an Australian University such as RMIT, may be eligible to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years after graduation. For more information on Post- Study Work rights please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. Please note students must check their eligibility and apply for their own Post –Study Work Visa. Universities are not responsible for the outcome of the visa application.

You can find your important dates/academic calendar on the RMIT important dates webpage.

For admin and support information, please see the following:

• RMIT student website
• BITS Pilani website

All current students can log in to RMIT systems using their RMIT ID, password and multi-factor authentication (MFA). For more information on your log in details, or to change your password, go to RMIT ID and password.

You can log in to key systems via these links:

• Canvas – (RMIT’s learning management system where you’ll access program and course materials)
• Enrolment Online
• RMIT student email

For more RMIT systems and information, see the RMIT student website.