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Dreaming of an international engineering or business education? The BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Scholarships for International Students 2026-27 provide a golden opportunity to pursue world-class First Degree (B.E., BBA Hons.), Higher Degree (M.E., M.B.A.), and Ph.D. programs in a vibrant global hub. These scholarships are largely merit-based, offering significant financial relief, primarily through up to 75-100% waivers on tuition fees (for various categories like board toppers or high achievers in qualifying exams) and even concessions on hostel fees for top performers. The benefit is designed to substantially reduce educational expenses, allowing talented international students to focus purely on their academics and professional growth.
In this blog, we provide a comprehensive, up-to-date guide on the various BITS Pilani Dubai scholarship schemes, including detailed eligibility criteria, application process, and specific benefits for the 2026-27 intake.
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Types of BITS Pilani Dubai Scholarships
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus offers a variety of scholarships and concessions primarily based on merit, for both new admissions and continuing students. These awards generally provide a waiver on the tuition fee, and in some cases, a concession on the hostel fee.
The main types of scholarships include:
| Scholarship Type (Category) | Basis of Award | Eligibility |
| New Admissions (First Year) | Merit in Qualifying Exam | Aggregate percentage in Grade 12 or equivalent. |
| New Admissions (First Year) | Merit in Competitive Exams | Score in BITSAT, JEE Main, or equivalent competitive entrance exams. |
| New Admissions (First Year) | Board Toppers Scholarship | Securing the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd rank in Class 12th Board examinations (National/International). |
| New Admissions (First Year) | UAE School Topper Scholarship | Securing a top rank in the 12th Grade examination in a UAE School. |
| Continuing Students | Academic Merit (CGPA) | Maintaining a high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in subsequent semesters. |
| Special Concessions | GCC/Arab Nationals | Concession for meritorious students who are GCC or Arab Nationals. |
| Special Concessions | Hostel Fee Concession | Concession on hostel fees, often based on Grade 12 or BITSAT scores. |
| Special Concessions | Sibling Concession | Reduced tuition fee for the second child enrolled concurrently at the campus. |
| Special Concessions | Physically Challenged | Concession on tuition fees for students with physical disabilities. |
| Special Concessions | Sports Excellence | Concession based on achievements and participation in National or International sports events. |
| Special Concessions | Sudden Bereavement | Financial aid/fee waiver for students facing sudden financial hardship. |
List of BITS Pilani Dubai Scholarships for International Students
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus offers several scholarships and concessions for both new and continuing students, including international students, based on academic merit and other specific criteria. Here is a list of important scholarships, their coverage, and eligibility, primarily focused on First Degree (Undergraduate) programs like B.E. and BBA (Hons), as these have the most specific and widely published criteria.
| Scholarship Type | Degree Level | Coverage (Waiver on Tuition Fee) | Eligibility Criteria (For First Year) |
| Merit in Qualifying Exam | First Degree (UG) | 40% | Aggregate ≥ 95% in Grade 12 or equivalent. |
| Merit in Qualifying Exam | First Degree (UG) | 25% | Aggregate 90% – 94.9% in Grade 12 or equivalent. |
| Merit in Qualifying Exam | First Degree (UG) | 15% | Aggregate 80% – 89.9% in Grade 12 or equivalent. |
| Merit in Qualifying Exam | First Degree (UG) | 10% | Aggregate 70% – 79.9% in Grade 12 or equivalent. |
| Board Toppers Scholarship | First Degree (UG) | 100% (1st Rank) | Must be the 1st Rank holder in their respective 12th Standard Board Examination (National/International). |
| Board Toppers Scholarship | First Degree (UG) | 75% (2nd Rank) | Must be the 2nd Rank holder in their respective 12th Standard Board Examination. |
| Board Toppers Scholarship | First Degree (UG) | 50% (3rd Rank) | Must be the 3rd Rank holder in their respective 12th Standard Board Examination. |
| Merit in BITSAT | First Degree (UG) | 75% | BITSAT Score ≥ 300. |
| Merit in BITSAT | First Degree (UG) | 50% | BITSAT Score 250 – 299. |
| Merit in BITSAT | First Degree (UG) | 25% | BITSAT Score 200 – 249. |
| Merit for Continuing Students | First Degree (UG) & Higher Degree (PG) | 10% – 25% (Semester Fee) | Maintain a high CGPA in subsequent semesters: ≥ 9.0 for 25%; 8.5 – 8.99 for 15%; 8.0 – 8.49 for 10%. |
Special Concessions for Specific International Categories
| Concession Type | Degree Level | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria |
| GCC/Arab Nationals | First Degree (UG) | Up to 75% on Tuition Fee | Meritorious GCC / Arab Nationals based on Grade 12 performance. Continuance requires a minimum CGPA of 6.0. |
| Hostel Fee Concession | First Degree (UG) | 25% on Hostel Fee | Aggregate ≥ 90% in Grade 12 or BITSAT Score ≥ 150. |
| Sibling Concession | All Programs | 25% on Tuition Fee | Offered to the second child enrolled concurrently at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus. |
Also Read: How to Study in Dubai for Free?
Details of Top BITS Pilani Dubai Scholarships for International Students
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus offers several merit-based scholarships and concessions for international students in its First Degree (B.E.) programs. For international students at BITS Pilani Dubai, here are the five best scholarships, along with information about each one.
Scholarship for Board Toppers
This prestigious scholarship is designed to reward exceptionally high-achieving students who secure the top positions in their Grade 12 board examinations (including recognized National, State, or International Boards). The scholarship typically provides a 100% waiver on the tuition fee for the first rank holder, a 75% waiver for the second rank holder, and a 50% waiver for the third rank holder in their respective recognized boards.
| Benefits | 50% of the first year tuition fee. |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s |
| Eligibility | Secured the top position (1st Rank) in the 12th standard in their respective recognized board (e.g., CBSE-India, UAE Ministry of Education, other national/international boards) with a minimum 90% aggregate. |
| Application Process | Generally auto-considered upon applying for admission, but may require submission of transcripts/score reports. |
| Deadlines | Typically coincides with the admission deadlines for the specific intake (e.g., Dec 15 for Feb intake). |
Merit in Qualifying Examination Scholarship
This scholarship offers a concession on the first-year tuition fee based on the student’s aggregate percentage in the Grade 12 or equivalent qualifying examination. The concession is granted on a sliding scale: a 40% tuition fee concession for students with an aggregate of 95% and above, a 25% concession for 90% to 94.9%, a 15% concession for 80% to 89.9%, and a 10% concession for 70% to 79.9%.
| Benefits | 40% for ≥95% aggregate. 25% for 90% to <95% aggregate. 15% for 80% to <90% aggregate. 10% for 70% to <80% aggregate. |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s |
| Eligibility | Based on the overall aggregate percentage in the qualifying examination (Grade 12 or equivalent). |
| Application Process | Generally auto-considered upon applying for admission. |
| Deadlines | Typically coincides with the admission deadlines for the specific intake. |
Merit in BITSAT/SAT/ACT Scholarship
Admitted students who have appeared for the BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) or standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can qualify for this scholarship, which is awarded as a tuition fee waiver for the first year. For BITSAT, candidates scoring 300 or above may receive a 75% tuition fee waiver, while scores in the 250-299 range and 200-249 range are typically eligible for a 50% and 25% waiver, respectively.
| Benefits | BITSAT Score: ≥300: 75% Tuition Fee. 250−299: 50% Tuition Fee. 200−249: 25% Tuition Fee. May also include 25% hostel fee concession. |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s |
| Eligibility | Based on score in BITSAT (BITS Admission Test) or SAT/ACT (specific scores required). |
| Application Process | Generally auto-considered if the score is submitted with the application. For BITSAT, a copy of the score report is required. |
| Deadlines | Typically coincides with the admission deadlines for the specific intake. |
Special Concession for GCC/Arab Nationals
Meritorious students who are GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) or Arab Nationals may be offered a substantial concession of up to 75% on the tuition fee for the entire normal duration of the program (8 semesters). This concession is contingent upon their performance in the qualifying examination (Grade 12 or equivalent) for the first year and requires the student to maintain a minimum CGPA of 6.00 on a 10.00 scale in subsequent semesters.
| Benefits | Up to 75% on the tuition fee for the normal duration of the programme (8 semesters). |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s |
| Eligibility | Meritorious GCC/Arab Nationals based on performance in the qualifying exam (Grade 12 or equivalent). Continuity subject to minimum CGPA (≥6.00). |
| Application Process | Application for concession may be required separately within one month of registration, though admission is via the general process. |
| Deadlines | Typically coincides with the admission deadlines for the specific intake. |
Merit Scholarship for Continuing Students
This scholarship ensures ongoing support for academic excellence by offering a tuition fee concession to students who maintain high performance while enrolled in the program. Students who achieve a cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 9.00 or above on a 10.00 scale at the end of the previous semester are typically awarded a 20% concession on the tuition fee for the current semester, promoting continuous dedication to studies.
| Benefits | 20% of the tuition fee for the current semester. |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, Higher Degree |
| Eligibility | Students with a CGPA of ≥9.00 at the end of the previous semester. |
| Application Process | Auto-considered based on semester results. No separate application needed for pure merit. |
| Deadlines | Calculated and applied every semester after results are declared. |
Tips for BITS Pilani Dubai Scholarship Application
Securing a BITS Pilani Dubai scholarship as an international student primarily depends on outstanding academic merit in your qualifying examination (Grade 12 or equivalent). The scholarships for new entrants are largely automatic, based on your scores, but here are the important tips to maximize your chances:
- Achieve High Grade 12 Scores: The primary scholarship for new students (Merit in Qualifying Examination) is automatically based on your aggregate score. Aim for 90% or above for a significant fee waiver.
- Target the Top Tier: Scoring 95% and above in your qualifying exam maximizes the tuition fee concession (e.g., 40% in the first semester).
- Be a Board Topper: If you rank in the top three positions of your respective national or international board, you qualify for the highest tuition fee waivers (50% to 100% for the first year).
- Submit Competitive Exam Scores: Include high scores from BITSAT, SAT, or ACT (if available) as these can qualify you for higher merit scholarships (up to 75%).
- Maintain High CGPA: Ensure you understand the requirement to maintain a high academic standard (typically a CGPA of 8.00 or above) to continue the scholarship in subsequent semesters.
- Apply for Other Categories: Do not miss the separate application deadline for categories like Board Toppers, Sports Achievements, or Special Concessions (e.g., GCC/Arab Nationals).
- Ensure English Proficiency: Submit a strong IELTS (min. 6.0) or TOEFL (min. 79) score, as proficiency is a foundational admission requirement.
- Target Hostel Concession: A minimum of 70% in your qualifying exam can automatically make you eligible for a 25% hostel fee concession.
- Submit All Documents Accurately: Carefully complete the online application and upload all required documents (marksheets, passport, test scores) before the deadline.
- Verify Scholarship Combination: Be aware that the total scholarship/concession amount may be capped (e.g., 50% of the tuition fee in any given semester), and you can usually only avail a hostel concession under one category.
Why Study at BITS Pilani Dubai for International Students?
Studying at BITS Pilani Dubai (BPDC) offers international students a unique blend of a highly-regarded Indian technical education with the benefits of a dynamic, global city.
Here are the important reasons why international students choose BITS Pilani Dubai:
- Earn a globally valued degree from the international campus of a premier Indian institution (BITS Pilani, an “Institution of Eminence”).
- The campus holds a 5 Star rating by KHDA/QS, confirming academic quality and overall experience.
- Benefit from the 7.5-month structured, credit-based internship for vital hands-on industry experience.
- Study in Dubai, a major, rapidly growing global hub for technology, business, and finance.
- Gain access to extensive job and networking opportunities in the UAE and the wider Middle East.
- Be part of a diverse student body from over 20 countries, fostering a global perspective.
- The institution offers high merit-based scholarships (up to 75% tuition fee waiver) for new and continuing high-achieving students.
- Tap into the established and powerful worldwide network of BITS Pilani alumni.
- Receive dedicated assistance for international students, including visa support and transition guidance.
- Enjoy a high quality of life in Dubai, a city known for its safety, modernity, and infrastructure.
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in UAE for International Students
FAQs
Yes, BITS Pilani Dubai offers extensive scholarships, primarily merit-based, to both new and continuing international students. These scholarships provide substantial tuition fee concessions, which can range significantly depending on the student’s academic performance in their qualifying examination or entrance test scores. They are a core feature for attracting high-achieving global talent.
While the BITS Pilani Dubai campus does not mandate BITSAT for admission to its undergraduate programs, you can submit your BITSAT score for consideration. Admissions for the Dubai campus are primarily based on Class 12 (or equivalent) academic merit, but a strong BITSAT score can be used to qualify for certain merit-based scholarships.
BITS Pilani Dubai is generally significantly more expensive than the Indian campuses due to its international location, with annual B.E. tuition fees typically ranging from AED 52,840 to AED 55,840 (approx. $14,400 to $15,200). The total cost of attendance, including hostel and living expenses in Dubai, makes it a premium educational option; however, substantial merit-based scholarships of up to 75% of the tuition fee are available to high-achieving international students.
The primary BITS Pilani Dubai scholarships for new international students are based on merit in the qualifying examination (Grade 12 or equivalent), requiring a minimum aggregate of 70% or above, with higher scores leading to greater tuition fee waivers. Continuing students must maintain a minimum CGPA (typically 8.00 or above) to renew their academic scholarship.
The exact deadline will be announced on the official BITS Pilani Dubai website. It typically coincides with the admission timeline, so students should apply early.
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