What are the requirements for taking up courses abroad?

Students have the option to take up courses at foreign universities which have an MoU with BITS or which are ranked among the top 400 global universities in QS or TIMES rankings. Students who have received acceptance from a university must submit the prescribed credit transfer form to their respective HOD, who will confirm the course equivalence of the courses they wish to pursue at the foreign university.

The required form is available on the IPCD web page.

 

Can the semester abroad program (SAP) be done in 3rd year?

A - It is necessary to complete all the compulsory courses (CDCs) to apply for the semester abroad program. As CDCs cannot be completed by 3rd year, it is not possible to apply for a semester abroad program in 3rd year.

 

Will the BITS Alumni Association (BITSAA) provide funding for a semester abroad program?

A - There is a provision to provide funding through BITSAA, the details of which can be found on their website.

 

When is the correct time to contact professors in foreign universities for off campus thesis?

A - Acceptance by a professor will be based on the courses taken and the practical skill set of the student. It is better to work on your resume till 3rd year and start applying from 4th year 1st semester.

 

How to exploit a MoU?

A - Explore the website of the organization to get an idea about the opportunities offered by the organization. MoUs are signed for three purposes – first, to submit a joint research grant under bilateral calls for proposal. Second, to facilitate university immersion programs for BITS faculty. Third, at the initiative of the foreign university.

 

Can MoU be used for summer internships?

A - While applying to a university, if the student mentions the existence of an MoU, it may increase his/her chances to receive an acceptance from the university.

 

Why should there be a co-supervisor from BITS for off-campus thesis?

A - This is done so as to provide a foothold for faculty to connect to their foreign peers through the students. By doing so, we can improve our collaborations with foreign universities and also sign new MOUs in the process. Moreover, this is a protocol devised by AUGSD/AGSRD.

 

Should the semester abroad program fee be paid only to the concerned foreign university?

A –It is required to pay the fee at both the universities but students can apply for a partial fee waiver at BITS through the SWD.

 

When should we start applying for off campus thesis?

A - Applications should be submitted at least 2 months prior to the end of the previous semester.

It is recommended that students start applying to foreign universities at least 4 months prior to the submission deadline. The deadline for submission is provided on the AUGSD/AGSRD webpage (guidelines).

 

I am interested in going to a particular foreign university, but BITS has no existing MOU with that university. What should be the course of action?

A- If a student is interested to go to a particular foreign university for first or higher degree thesis or summer internships he/she can bring it to the notice of IPCD, through the Associate Deans on individual campus. IPCD will make efforts to enable the student to undertake the thesis.

 

What are the advantages of doing a summer internship in a university BITS has signed MoU with?

A - Write to the HOD and international relations department of the partner foreign university and inform them that you are accepted at that university for internship and need assistance.

 

Can approaching faculty in foreign universities for research collaboration, be done by individual faculty or through IPCD?

A - Both ways are fine. If you are directly trying to connect with a faculty whose affiliation is with a university with which BITS has signed MoU then, please incorporate the link containing the list of MOUs in your email. This will serve as a proof of an existing MOU with the concerned university.