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DOCTORAL PROGRAMS (Ph.D.)

Research is an integral component in an institute of higher learning. BITS Pilani Dubai campus with its state-of the-art research facilities offers Ph.D. programmes with strong emphasis laid on interdisciplinary, mission oriented and relevant research. Topics of Research can be chosen from any of the disciplines in which the Institute offers the First Degree and Higher Degree programmes or any interdisciplinary or allied areas.

BITS Pilani Dubai offers Ph.D. programme under the following scheme:

Full-Time Ph.D.

Candidates registered for the Full-Time programmes will undergo the entire pursuit of their thesis on campus. Candidates admitted under this scheme will work full time towards their Ph.D. research and will not take any other assignment till the submission of the final thesis. The required components for Full-Time Programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Teaching Practice, Research Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral Thesis.

Overseas Student Doctoral Programme (OSDP) - (Full-Time Ph.D)

Overseas Students Doctoral Programme provides opportunity for the overseas students to pursue doctoral studies at BITS Pilani, Dubai campus. The required components are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Teaching Practice, Research Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral Thesis.

Part-Time Ph.D.

This unique opportunity is offered for employed professionals working in Industries, Academic Institutes and R&D organizations and having long experience and proven competence in various fields to work towards the Ph.D. degree. Candidates meeting the input qualifications and working in an organization, which encourages and facilitates research and situated preferably in the close vicinity of the BITS Pilani campus are eligible to apply for admission in “Part-Time” Ph.D. programmes. The required components for Part time Doctoral programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Practice Lecture Series, Research Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral Thesis.

Ph D Aspirant scheme - (Part-Time Ph.D)

  • Industries and R & D Organizations collaborating with BITS Pilani, Dubai campus can sponsor candidates to work for Ph.D under the Ph.D Aspirants Scheme. Under this Scheme such employed professionals working in Industries and R&D Organizations having long experience and proven competence aspiring for Ph.D. programme will be considered and will be allowed to pursue their research at their own locations of work. They will choose one BITS faculty as supervisor and or as co-supervisor. The required components for Ph D Aspirant Doctoral programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Practice Lecture Series, Research Methodology, Independent Study and Doctoral Thesis.

Ph.D. IMPACT (Industry Mentored PhD in Advanced and Cutting-edge Technologies) - (Part-Time Ph.D)

PhD IMPACT programme is for working professionals, highly motivated to pursue high impact research at their workplace leading to a PhD degree in collaboration with BITS Pilani. The PhD IMPACT aspirant will need to identify (a) problem statements that are relevant to his/her work which are challenging and will generate new knowledge (b) mentor from the company to guide him/her for PhD along with BITS faculty (c) sources of funding, if required to pursue the project from within the company. The key advantages of this programme are (i) Mentorship from both BITS Pilani Dubai campus faculty and scientists at the workplace (ii) Utilize state-of-the-art resources available at any BITS Pilani Campus (iii) Be a part of world class PhD programme at BITS Pilani (iv) Focused programme to complete project work in a defined time frame. The required components for Part time Doctoral programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Practice Lecture Series, Research Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral Thesis.

Apart from the regular Ph.D. programmes, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus offers the following programmes based on specific projects obtained by the faculty members in different schemes. The Ph.D. scholars will be recruited across all the campuses for the following programmes centrally and guided by a team of faculty members involved in the project. The projects will be announced twice in a year in the respective portals. The recruited scholars will be provided attractive stipends and fee concessions.

The BITS-RMIT PhD Programme (Full-Time Ph.D)

a. The BITS-RMIT PhD Programme (Full-Time Ph.D) is a unique transnational programme
that allows to obtain a joint PhD, from two leading universities BITS (Birla Institute of
Technology and Science) and RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology). The scholars
will have an opportunity to spend a year in RMIT. The required components for Full-Time
Programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Teaching Practice, Research
Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral Thesis. (For details, refer the link: https://bitsrmit.in/).

b. The School of Interdisciplinary Research and Entrepreneurship (SIRE) – BITS Pilani aims
to promote interdisciplinarity in Research and Innovation, to carry out breakthrough
research with high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

Flagship Programmes:

  • Research: CDRF (Cross Disciplinary Research Fellow)
  • Entrepreneurship: Ph.D. DRIVE.

CDRF (Cross Disciplinary Research Fellow) - (Full-Time Ph.D)

The Cross-Disciplinary Research Framework (CDRF) of BITS Pilani supports intramural
research projects that offer Cross-Disciplinary Research Fellowship and Ph.D. programme
enrolment. The required components for Full-Time programmes are: Qualifying

Examination, Course Work, Teaching Practice, Research Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral
Thesis.

PhD DRIVE (Deep-tech Research, Innovation, Value generation & Entrepreneurship) - (Full- Time Ph.D)

PhD DRIVE programme is expected to result in the creation of a start-up based on research
conducted during the PhD. This program focuses on the creation of deep tech and deep
science start-up ventures, that will solve some of the most critical societal and business
challenges. The core of the program will also include course work on venture creation, and
mentoring by entrepreneurs and investors. The required components for Full-Time
programmes are: Qualifying Examination, Course Work, Teaching Practice, Research
Methodology, Seminar and Doctoral Thesis. (For details, refer the link: https://sire.bits-
pilani.ac.in/).
Apply Now

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria For Ph.D.

The following eligibility criteria is applicable for admission to BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus:
M.E./M.S./M.B.A./M.Phil. of BITS Pilani or its equivalent with a minimum of 60% aggregate.

Eligible Candidates will be required to take a written test and interview. The admission will be based on the performance in the qualifying degree, experience, test and interview.

Application procedure

Application Procedure For Ph.D.

The Application procedure for admission is listed in detail. Please ensure that you read the instructions carefully and submit all of the documents to avoid disqualification.

  1.  Read the Admission Bulletin 2026-27 carefully.
  2.  Application for Admission must be filled online.
    • Visit admission.bitspilanidubai.ae
    • If you are a candidate for admission to On Campus Ph.D. Programme, sign up as a new user and select the “ Apply Now” link under the Programme “Ph.D. On Campus”
    • If you are a candidate for admission to Part Time/Off Campus Ph.D. Programme, sign up as a new user and Select the “ Apply Now” link under the Programme “Ph.D. Part Time”
    • Enter all the information required carefully and correctly in the online form.
    • Ensure the correctness of all entered data before submission. Once you confirm the correctness of the entered information and submit the form, the entered data will be recorded and you will not be able to change it.
    • On starting the application, you will be allotted a unique reference number and you will be directed to proceed for Application fee payment.
    • You have the option of paying the fee online through Debit or Credit Card or paying offline either by Cash or Bank Transfer.
    • Upon successful completion of online application fee payment, you will be allotted a unique application number and you will be instructed to upload your documents.
    • In the event you opt for offline application fee payment (Cash or Bank Transfer), print the filled application form and attach the documents required. (Refer section 4 below) send the proof of fee payment along with Applicant’s name and Application reference number by email to admission@bitspilanidubai.ae for the allotment of unique application number.
    • Upon receipt of the unique application number, you can proceed to upload the required documents (jpeg or pdf format) and your submission will be complete.
  3. For candidates submitting the application and fee online, the system will generate a unique application number. You may note down the number for all future references. For those candidates who are opting for offline submission or payment, a unique  application number will be allotted and informed to the candidate by the institute on receipt of the application and fee. In all subsequent correspondence with the Institute, the candidate must quote this application number.
  4. Following enclosures must accompany the Application form:
    • Copy of Degree certificate and Transcript/Mark sheets of the first degree programme.
    • Copy of Degree certificate and Transcript/Mark sheets of the higher degree programme.
    • List of courses and syllabus of each course prescribed for the fulfillment of the Higher degree programme.
    • List of prescribed text books for each course.
    • Final examination question papers for each course.
    • Passport copy.
  5. Candidates applying as off-campus or part-time students must also add the following enclosures to the above:
    • Outline of Proposed Topic of Research.
    • Profile of your organization.
    • Employment Certificate is required by the employer /organization.
    • Consent or No-Objection Certificate from Parent Organization from Part-time candidates.
    • Proposed supervisor’s consent and his biodata (for off-campus only).
    • Consent of supervisor’s organization permitting him to act as a supervisor (for offcampus only).
    • Nature of his association with the candidate’s organization if working in a different organization (for off-campus only).
  6. Application Fee to be paid at the time of submission of application form:
    • An amount of AED 220.00 only (Arab Emirates Dirhams Two hundred and twenty only) payable online by Debit/Credit Card or offline either by Cash or Bank Transfer (refer page 28 of Admission bulletin for details).
    • Application received without application fee will not be considered.
  7. The application must be submitted before the deadline.
  8. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Fee Structure

Fee Structure - Ph.D.

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus offers a very competitive fee structure.

A. One-time Fee (payable at the time of Admission)
Application Fee** AED. 220/-
Admission Fee* AED. 2,000/-
Activity Fee* AED. 1,200/-
Caution Deposit$ AED. 2,000/-
B. Tuition Fee
On-campus per semester* AED. 2400/-
(Payable in 2 installments)
Off-campus/Part-Time per semester* AED 6000/-
(Payable in 2 installments)
Thesis Submission fee* AED 1000/-
C. Visa and Insurance Fee (For students availing Visa/Insurance)
Visa Fee (For Students on Visa provided by the institute)
Fresh Visa Fee** AED. 2,900/-
Visa Renewal Fee** AED. 2,150/-
Medical Insurance Fee* AED. 3,250/-
(Currently prevailing Visa & Insurance Fee, subject to change)
D. Hostel Fee (For students availing Hostel)
Hostel Fee Per Semester* AED. 15500/-
Mess Fee Per Semester* AED. 4500/-
Hostel Caution Deposit* AED. 2000/-
Facility Fee* AED. 850/-
Summer Term If Availing
Hostel Fee* AED. 6200/-
Mess Fee* AED. 900/-
Laundry charges and Service charge for using refrigerator in room are additional
Currently prevailing hostel and mess fee subject to change
E. Transport Fee** (For Day Scholars availing Institute Transport)
For Dubai AED. 2,500/-
For Sharjah & Ajman AED. 2,800/-
(Currently prevailing Transport Fee, subject to change)

Note:
* VAT of 5% is applicable on this fee ; **VAT of 5% is included in this fee; ***VAT of 5% will be charged on the food cost of this fee;
$ Refundable on graduation or on leaving the institute, after due adjustment for damages, breakages caused by the student, if any.

*Self-funded Scholars: For the full-time scholars, 80% concession has been provided on their tuition fee of AED 12000 (VAT excluded)/ semester whereas 50% concession will be given on their tuition fee for the part time scholars and aspirants. This is subject to the allotment of duties in the respective departments 6-8 hrs. per week. Self-funded full-time scholars may apply for Research Assistantships after 1 year. The award of the research assistantships is based on their excellence in the performance after joining the programme.

  • Research Assistants: Applicants with prior research experience and excellent academic credentials will be awarded research assistantships up to AED 2000 per month for 4 years maximum. The tuition fee concession as specified above is also applicable. Research Assistants have to support the institute in teaching theory and lab classes.

 

Fee Payment Instructions

The admission fees can be paid by any one of the modes given below:

  • Payment by Cash: The fee can be paid by Cash in AED or USD at the Fee counter in the Institute.
  • Payment by Cheque: Payment by cheque will be accepted only if the cheque is from a bank based in UAE. All Cheques should be drawn in favor of “BITS Pilani FZ LLC” and payable in AED at a bank in Dubai. There should be no corrections or alterations on the cheque.
  • E-payment: We offer a secure e-payment facility to pay your fee. For e-payment click here.
  • Payment by Telex/Bank transfer: Payment can be made directly to one of our bank accounts given below through your bank along with collection charges if any. The TT advice/receipt copy received from your bank must be sent to the Accounts department, by email (accounts@dubai.bits-pilani.ac.in), mentioning the name & application number of the student.
  • Payment by Demand Draft: All Demand Drafts should be drawn in favor of “BITS Pilani FZ LLC” and payable in AED at a bank in Dubai.
BANK DETAILS
BANK HSBC Bank CitiBank
Account Title BITS PILANI FZ LLC BITS PILANI FZ LLC
Account No. 026-307181-001 011-068-6617
IBAN AE450200000026307181 001 AE790211000000110686617
SWIFT Code BBMEAEAD CITIAEAD
Branch P.O. Box: 66,
Main Branch, Dubai, UAE.		 P.O Box 749, Oud Metha Road,

Dubai, UAE

Please note that the fee must be paid in full and any charges towards collection or clearance of DD/TT must be borne by the students. The Institute will give credit only to the Net Amount credited in its bank account.

Refund Policy

  1. One-Time fee:
    • Application fee and Admission Fee are non-refundable.
    • Activity fee is fully refundable if the student withdraws before the date of registration. If the student withdraws within four weeks from the date of registration, whether the student registers or not, 75% of the Activity fee is refundable. If the student withdraws after four weeks from the date of registration, the entire Activity fee is non-refundable.
  2. Tuition Fee:
    • If a student accepts the admission offer and completes the admission formalities but withdraws before the date of registration, 80% of the first installment of first semester tuition fee is refundable.
    • If a student withdraws within one week of the date of registration irrespective of whether the student registers or not, 50% of the first installment of first semester tuition fee is refundable.
    • If a student withdraws after one week of the date of registration irrespective of whether the student registers or not, the first installment of first semester tuition fee is non- refundable.
  3. Hostel Fee and Mess Fee:
    • If a student opts not to avail the hostel facility after paying the hostel fee and if the request for the same is received before the commencement of the semester, 90% of the semester’s hostel fee, mess fee and facility fee is refundable.
    • If request for not availing the hostel facility is received within one week of the commencement of the semester, 50% of the semester’s hostel fee and facility fee is refundable.
    • If request for not availing the hostel facility is received after one week of the commencement of the semester, the entire first semester’s hostel fee and facility fee is non-refundable.
  4. Visa and Medical Insurance fee:
    • Visa fee and Medical Insurance fee is non-refundable, if the same has been applied.
  5.  Transport Fee:
    • If a student opts not to avail the transport facility after paying the transport fee and if the request for the same is received before the commencement of the semester, 90% of the semester’s transport fee paid is refundable.
    • If request for not availing the transport facility is received within two weeks of the commencement of the semester, 50% of the semester’s transport fee is refundable.
    • If request for not availing the transport facility is received after two weeks of the commencement of the semester, the entire first semester’s transport fee is non refundable.

    Note: All refunds will take a minimum of 4 weeks from the date of withdrawal.

Visa Information

Visa Terms & Conditions

Student Residence Visa – Terms and Conditions

  1. It is mandatory for all students to hold a valid U.A.E. Residence Visa to study at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus (BPDC). 
  2. If a parent or guardian is unable to sponsor the student, or if the student is a non-resident of the UAE, BPDC can facilitate a U.A.E. Student Residence Visa under the sponsorship of the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) through Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), subject to the submission and approval of the required documents specified in the Student Residence Visa Application Form (Visa Form), and in accordance with the rules and regulations of BPDC and the Government of the U.A.E. (Government).
    As a facilitator, BPDC only coordinates between DDA and the student for obtaining the visa. 
  3. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable annually. Issuance of a new visa and renewal of an existing visa are subject to submission of the required documents and compliance with the rules and regulations of BPDC, DDA, DIAC, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Government. BPDC is not responsible for any delay, non-issuance, or rejection of a new or renewed visa by the Government authorities. 
  4. The rules and regulations governing visa issuance by GDRFAD, MOH, and the Government may change from time to time. 
  5. All mandatory documents mentioned in the Visa Form must be submitted to the BPDC Admissions Department and/or International Student Services (ISS) on or before the scheduled date. 
  6. For visa renewal, students must submit the required documents to ISS at least 8 weeks prior to the residence visa expiry date or on or before the scheduled date communicated by ISS. Students must not travel outside the UAE while the visa renewal process is underway. Visa renewal can only be completed if the student is physically present in the UAE. Any consequences arising from non-compliance shall be borne by the student. 
  7. Submission of invalid documents, non-submission of required documents, late submission, or delay in completing visa medical and/or related formalities beyond the scheduled date as stipulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) / Emirates ID Authority, or the Institute may result in immigration fines and penalties. The student shall be solely responsible for such fines and penalties. 
  8. Valid health insurance is mandatory. Students must undergo a medical examination as prescribed by MOH/GDRFAD at designated government hospitals after arrival in the UAE for issuance of the student e-residence visa. The medical examination and related processes generally take 3–5 weeks. If a student is declared medically unfit by MOH/GDRFAD, the residence visa will not be issued or renewed, and the student must leave the country immediately after cancellation of the visa. 
  9. After issuance of the e-residence visa, students may travel outside the UAE multiple times. However, students must not remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. If a student stays outside the UAE beyond 180 consecutive days, the residence visa will become invalid, and re-entry into the UAE will not be permitted on that visa. 
  10. The visa facilitated by BPDC is strictly for educational purposes. Students are not permitted to undertake employment under this visa. 
  11. Students must contact ISS at least one month prior to visa expiry for renewal procedures. 
  12. Students are required to pay AED 2,900/-* towards fresh visa and related service charges. The amount paid towards fresh visa and related service charges is non-refundable. 
  13. Students who are residents of the UAE under their own sponsorship and wish to transfer to the visa facilitated by the Institute through in-country/local status amendment must pay AED 4,700/-* towards fresh visa and related service charges. In such cases, students must submit the original passport and visa cancellation document immediately after cancellation of the existing visa, along with all other required documents, for processing of the student visa. 
  14. Students must pay AED 2,150/-* per year towards visa renewal and related service charges. 
  15. The visa and related service charges include AED 280/- towards the mandatory Emirates ID (EIDA) card issued by the Government. 
  16. Visa renewal and related service charges must be paid prior to applying for renewal for the subsequent year. 
  17. Visa cancellation can only be processed within the UAE by DDA through BPDC. Upon completion of the programme and/or prior to leaving the Institute, the student residence visa must be cancelled through BPDC ISS, irrespective of the visa’s validity period.
    Students must complete all necessary formalities, including submission of the original passport, EIDA card, and payment of cancellation fees. The cancellation fee is AED 1,850/-, of which AED 1,000/- is a refundable visa deposit. The normal processing time for cancellation is 10–15 working days.
    Students who have remained outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days must also cancel their visa through ISS, even if the visa has become invalid. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Institute, DDA, GDRFAD, and the Government. 
  18. Students must remain informed and updated regarding the rules and regulations governing their residence visa as stipulated by GDRFAD. 
  19. Students must comply with all rules and regulations of BPDC, DDA, GDRFAD, and the Government. Non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations may result in penalties, including deportation, for which BPDC shall not be held responsible. 
  20. Cancellation of an entry permit requires a minimum of 10–15 working days. 

* All visa and related service charges mentioned above are indicative and subject to change in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Institute, DDA, DIAC, GDRFAD, and the Government. 

** For information regarding the Emirates ID, please visit: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/emirates-id 

Students must notify ISS of any changes in the information provided in the Visa Form and/or passport details.

Important Dates

Important Dates for Ph.D.

 

IMPORTANT DATES FOR HIGHER DEGREE ADMISSION 2026-27

Event First Semester Second Semester
Last Date for receipt of Application 01-May-26 05-November-26
Admission Test and Interview 20-May-26 09 December 26
Registration & Orientation 28-August-26 22-January-27
Classwork Begins 31-August-26 25-January-27

Contact Us

Admissions Office
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
Dubai International Academic City
P.O. Box: 345055,
Dubai, UAE
Admission Office (Direct): +9714 2753 711
Admission Office (Board): +9714 2753 700 Extn. 122 / 123 /124 / 138
Office Timings (Dubai)
Monday to Friday– 7:30 am – 3:45 pm
India Office:
Address: 1008,
Floor: 10th Gowra Fountain Head,
Patrika Nagar, Madhapur,
Hitech City
Hyderabad- 500081
Telangana.
Office Timings (India)
Monday to Friday– 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday– 9:00 am – 1 pm

Call us  on: +9714 2753 711 (Dubai)
+91 63 09 88 3904 (India) +91 72 07 89 9869 (India) +91 91 21 90 7799 (India)

Write to us: admission@bitspilanidubai.ae

Useful Links:

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)

Master of Engineering (M.E.)

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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