- BITS Pilani invites applications for a jointly awarded PhD with RMIT University, Australia, offering dual supervision, international research exposure and comprehensive funding
Pilani : BITS Pilani, in collaboration with RMIT University, Australia, has invited applications for its Joint PhD Programmes, providing researchers with an opportunity to undertake doctoral research under the academic guidance of faculty from both institutions.
The programme is designed to provide international research exposure, dual supervision and access to the research ecosystems of BITS Pilani and RMIT University. Selected scholars will work towards a single, jointly awarded doctoral degree from BITS Pilani and RMIT University.
The application deadline for the programme is October 10, 2026.
BITS Pilani-RMIT Joint PhD Programme 2026: Key Highlights
The Joint PhD Programme offers several features for prospective doctoral researchers:
- A single, jointly awarded doctoral degree from BITS Pilani and RMIT University.
- Dual supervision by expert faculty members from both institutions.
- International research exposure through collaboration between the two universities.
- Access to research opportunities across multiple academic disciplines.
- Comprehensive funding support, including tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends and contingency allowance.
- Opportunity to spend up to one year conducting collaborative research in Melbourne, Australia.
- Return airfare and overseas health cover for the research stay in Australia, as specified under the programme.
- Admission at one of the BITS Pilani campuses in Pilani, KK Birla Goa or Hyderabad.
Research Areas Available
The programme offers research opportunities across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Mathematics
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Health
- Design
- Business
- Science
- Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
Applicants can explore the active project titles and identify research opportunities relevant to their academic interests.
Funding and Financial Support
The Joint PhD Programme includes comprehensive financial support for eligible scholars.
The programme information highlights:
- Full tuition fee waivers
- Monthly stipend of up to ₹42,000
- Contingency allowance
- Support for collaborative research in Melbourne
- Return airfare for the overseas research component
- Overseas health cover
The exact funding applicable to an individual scholar is subject to the programme's applicable terms and conditions.
Opportunity for Research in Melbourne
One of the international components of the programme is the opportunity for scholars to spend up to one year conducting collaborative research in Melbourne, Australia.
This component enables doctoral researchers to work within the RMIT University research environment while continuing their joint research under the collaborative PhD framework.
Return airfare and overseas health cover are provided as part of the stated support for the overseas research period.
Dual Supervision from BITS Pilani and RMIT University
A key feature of the programme is the involvement of faculty members from both institutions.
Joint PhD scholars will receive research guidance from expert faculty at BITS Pilani and RMIT University, providing an opportunity to work within two academic and research environments.
BITS Pilani Campuses for the Programme
Applicants can secure their intake at one of the following BITS Pilani campuses:
- Pilani Campus
- KK Birla Goa Campus
- Hyderabad Campus
The available campus and research project will depend on the relevant programme and active research opportunities.
Application Deadline
The last date to submit an application for the BITS Pilani-RMIT Joint PhD Programme is:
October 10, 2026
Prospective applicants should review the active project titles and detailed eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
How to Apply
Applicants interested in the Joint PhD Programme should:
- Review the available active research project titles.
- Check the eligibility requirements for the relevant programme or project.
- Identify a research opportunity matching their academic interests.
- Complete the online application through the official application portal.
- Submit the application before October 10, 2026.
- Click For Official LInk
Who Can Benefit from the Programme?
The programme is particularly relevant to applicants seeking doctoral research opportunities with an international collaborative component. It combines doctoral research at BITS Pilani with academic collaboration and research exposure at RMIT University in Australia.
Applicants should check the specific eligibility requirements associated with their selected research project before applying.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Programme: BITS Pilani-RMIT University Joint PhD Programme
- Partner institution: RMIT University, Australia
- Degree: Single, jointly awarded doctoral degree
- Supervision: Faculty from BITS Pilani and RMIT University
- Application deadline: October 10, 2026
- Monthly stipend: Up to ₹42,000
- Tuition: Full tuition fee waiver
- Overseas research: Up to one year in Melbourne
- Research areas: Mathematics, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health, Design, Business, Science, Engineering, and Computer Science & IT
- Indian campuses: Pilani, KK Birla Goa and Hyderabad
- Click For Official LInk
The BITS Pilani-RMIT University Joint PhD Programme provides an international collaborative research route for doctoral applicants across a range of disciplines. With dual supervision, a jointly awarded doctoral degree, tuition support and an opportunity for research in Melbourne, the programme is open for applications until October 10, 2026.
Applicants should review the available research projects and programme-specific eligibility requirements before completing their applications.
FAQs
1. What is the BITS Pilani-RMIT Joint PhD Programme?
It is a collaborative doctoral programme offered by BITS Pilani and RMIT University, Australia, featuring joint supervision and a jointly awarded doctoral degree.
2. What is the last date to apply for the Joint PhD Programme?
The application deadline is October 10, 2026.
3. Will students receive a degree from both universities?
The programme information states that scholars will earn a single, jointly awarded doctoral degree from BITS Pilani and RMIT University.
4. Who will supervise the PhD scholars?
Scholars will receive dual supervision from faculty members at BITS Pilani and RMIT University.
5. What funding is available under the Joint PhD Programme?
The programme includes full tuition fee waivers, a monthly stipend of up to ₹42,000 and a contingency allowance, along with specified support for the overseas research component.
6. Can PhD scholars conduct research in Australia?
Yes. The programme provides an opportunity to spend up to one year conducting collaborative research in Melbourne, Australia.
7. Is travel support available for the Melbourne research period?
The programme information states that return airfare and overseas health cover are provided for the overseas research component.
8. Which research areas are available?
Research opportunities are available across Mathematics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health, Design, Business, Science, Engineering, and Computer Science & IT.
9. At which BITS Pilani campuses can students join the programme?
The programme lists Pilani, KK Birla Goa and Hyderabad as the Indian BITS Pilani campuses for intake.
10. What should applicants check before applying?
Applicants should review the active project titles and specific eligibility requirements and then submit their online application before the October 10, 2026 deadline.
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