BITS-RMIT PhD program

Students begin their candidature at a BITS campus, where they complete any required coursework and develop their research proposal for confirmation of candidature during the first year. As part of the programme, candidates may undertake a research visit to RMIT in Melbourne for up to 12 months, providing access to world-class research facilities, international collaboration opportunities, and a global research environment.

The programme is supported through a combination of scholarships, stipends, and tuition fee assistance. While studying at BITS, students receive a stipend and pay nominal university fees. During their time at RMIT, candidates receive a living stipend, tuition fee scholarship, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and a return economy airfare to Melbourne. Additional personal expenses such as visa application fees and incidental travel costs are the responsibility of the candidate.

View detailed information on programme structure, fees, scholarships, and stipend support.

Program duration and fees – BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy.

Minimum qualification requirements

PhD application timeline

The BITS–RMIT PhD programme brings together the academic excellence and research strengths of two leading institutions. Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree or an honours-equivalent Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic background and prior research experience. Eligibility requirements are designed to ensure candidates are well prepared to undertake advanced research and benefit from the joint supervision and global opportunities offered through the programme.

View the full eligibility criteria, qualification requirements, and academic equivalencies.

BITS-RMIT PhD Program – BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy.

Applicant quick eligibility check list

Qualification requirements

Master’s degree* from CEP S2 (“Good Institutions” with “Very Good” grade scale or “First Division/Class” or equivalent). Examples may include (not limited to) M Technology, M Engineering, M Pharmacy, MBA, MA, M.Phil

OR
Master’s degree* from CEP S2 (“Good Institutions” with “Very Good” grade scale or “First Division/Class” or equivalent). Examples may include (not limited to) MSc, MCA, MA/M. Social Sciences

OR

Bachelor’s degree* (e.g. BTech/BEng) requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study. In a relevant discipline awarded with honours, from CEP S2 (“Good Institutions” with “Very Good” grade scale or “First Division/Class” or equivalent)

Qualification requirements:
H2A (Distinction Average overall)- A Distinction for BITS RMIT PhD equates to 70% or higher; however, the same grade from another university internationally may not translate to this score due to differences in grading systems, with equivalencies determined through the Country Education Profile (CEP) in line with Australian Higher Education standards.

See What is a good university?

Examples of scores: CGPA 8/10 or CGPA of 3.2/4 or CGPA 5.6/7.0– Indian qualifications
15/20 – Iranian qualifications

• The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full time (or part time equivalent) academic year.
• The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year.
• Awarded in a relevant discipline awarded with honours

Candidates with other qualifications listed outside the above need to be dealt with by exceptions.

All documents need to be certified.

English proficiency documents

For Indian applicants: As India is not considered an English speaking country you will need to provide evidence of this proficiency.

Certified English Proficiency Certificate or other proof of English proficiency. Failure to submit a valid certificate that complies with the minimum criteria may lead to rejection of your application.

Ways in which you can meet English language proficiency requirements (Validity date for all these options need to be Valid as of the BITS program start date.)

1. Language Proficiency Test taken within the last 2 years, please view our English language proficiency test page for RMIT accepted tests. NB: To Book a test you require a passport
   OR
2. Successful completion of a postgraduate qualification from an accredited university or institution where:
   1. English was the medium of instruction and assessment of study, and
   2. the final year of university study was completed during the five years immediately prior to the commencement of study at BITS-RMIT University.(you must attach a letter from your university that clearly indicates that medium of instruction was in English)
3. Successful completion of at least two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) university study from an accredited university or institution where:
   1. English was the medium of instruction and assessment of study, and
   2. the final year of university study was undertaken during the two years immediately prior to commencement at BITS-RMIT.
      (you must attach a letter from your university that clearly indicates that medium of instruction was in English)
      OR
4. Evidence of professional experience and/or academic publications in English, such as:
   1. sustained work for two years immediately prior to commencement at BITS-RMIT in a country where English is an official language
   2. authorship or co-authorship of at least two English language peer-reviewed journal articles or a book chapter written and published in English within the three years prior to commencement at BITS-RMIT.
      (you must attach copies of your published papers)

All documents need to be certified

Detailed Eligibility requirements can be found here on the How to apply for the BITS-RMIT PhD Program apply for the BITS-RMIT PhD program page.

Develop the skills to become an independent researcher while working with leading academics, accessing cutting-edge facilities, and contributing to innovative research with local and global impact.

• Business
• Science
  Engineering
• Computer Science and IT
• Mathematics
• Health
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Design

The program awards a joint PhD from both BITS (Birla Institute of Technology and Science) and RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) — a transnational qualification recognised in both India and Australia.

The PhD program has a maximum duration of 4 years, combining research at a BITS campus in India with up to 12 months at RMIT University in Melbourne.

Students can visit RMIT for up to 12 months. This typically occurs after confirmation of candidature, in line with the agreed research plan and in consultation with supervisors at both institutions.

The program spans Business, Science, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Mathematics, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Design.

Students receive a stipend equivalent to the Australian RTP rate of AUD 35,886 per annum (2025 rate), paid pro rata for the duration of their stay in Melbourne (up to 12 months).

Applicants must have achieved 80% or higher in their final year of study. Equivalencies are assessed through the country education profile (CEP) in line with Australian higher education standards.

Eligible qualifications include a Master’s degree (e.g. MTech, MBA, MSc, MCA, MA) from a CEP S1 or S2 institution with first division or equivalent grades, or a 4-year Honours Bachelor’s degree (e.g. BTech or BEng) in a relevant discipline from a CEP S1 or S2 institution. All degrees must include a research component constituting at least 25% of a full academic year.

Yes, a valid GATE score or equivalent (UGC-NET, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR, or DST-INSPIRE) is typically required. Candidates without such a score may still be considered if they have undertaken GATE in the last five years and/or have a minimum of two years of professional work experience, provided all other criteria are met.

Applications for the August intake are generally open from February to March. Applications for the January intake open in September. All dates are approximate.

Stage 1 involves submitting an online application with required documents, followed by two rounds of interviews conducted online. The first interview is with supervisors from BITS and RMIT, and the second is with the joint selection committee. Successful candidates then receive a joint conditional offer from both universities.

Applicants may apply for up to two projects in a single application. Submitting more than one application form, or using different email addresses, may result in all applications being disqualified.

STEM college candidates must complete three compulsory courses: Doing research for engineering and computing or sciences (OENG1233 or BIOL2522), Research for impact in engineering and computing or sciences (OENG1234 or BIOL2523), and Entrepreneurship in research (OENG1160). Credit exemptions may be available for candidates who have completed equivalent BITS courses.

BITS organises and books a single return economy airfare from India or Dubai to Melbourne and back. Students are responsible for associated costs such as visa application fees, taxi fares, and additional baggage charges.

Indian applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted language proficiency test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) taken within the last two years; completion of a postgraduate qualification where English was the medium of instruction within the last five years; at least two years of university study conducted in English completed within the last two years; or two years of professional work experience in an English-speaking country, or co-authorship of at least two peer-reviewed English-language journal articles within the last three years.

RMIT provides Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) through Medibank for up to 13 months, covering students for the duration of their study visit to Australia.

Students must propose and defend their PhD research proposal by the end of Year 1 at BITS. Confirmation of candidature is a prerequisite before students can apply to transfer to RMIT Melbourne.

For BITS-related queries, applicants may write to enquiry-bitsrmitphd@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in. For RMIT-related application queries, the contact is BITSRMIT.PhD@rmit.edu.au. For candidate support at RMIT, applicants may submit a ticket through the RMIT School of Graduate Research portal.