Students of IIT Bombay interested in participating in Exchange programs of IIT Bombay with international universities need to start preparing for it well in advance. Students can do course work and/or project work at an Institution with whom IIT Bombay has an MoU.
There are separate schemes for student exchanges and research work, the details of which are available under list of MoUs. For doing project/research work at a Host institution the onus of finding a guide rests with the student. They also need the concurrence of the project guide at IIT Bombay if they wish to submit their work done abroad towards their degree and get credits for it.
The exchange program offers a unique opportunity to experience different teaching methodologies, research facilities, and cultural environments while maintaining your academic progress at IIT Bombay. Planning and preparation are key to a successful exchange experience.
Programs we offer admissions:
For Students Planning Course Work / Project Work
Duration & Timeline
Program Duration
Number of semesters that can be spent abroad:
- One Semester~4-6 months
- Two Semesters~8-12 months
Important: You must ensure your exchange period aligns with IIT Bombay's academic calendar. Consult with your Faculty Advisor before finalizing dates.
Appplication Template
Download the official exchange application template to begin your application process. This template includes:
- All necessary application fields
- Required documents checklist
- Submission guidelines
- Sample filled application
Dropping Out Policy
Important Warning: Student dropping out of the exchange program, after the application has been processed and nominationsent to the host university, will be debarred from participating in exchange programs in the subsequent semesters.
Steps to Follow
Click on each step to expand and view detailed instructions
- Review the list of MoUs and partner universities available for exchange programs
- Plan your visit to align with IIT Bombay's academic calendar
- Check eligibility criteria including minimum CPI requirements
- Prepare required documents: transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose
- Submit your application through the International Relations Office portal
- Identify courses at the host university that align with your academic plan
- Get pre-approval from your Faculty Advisor and Department
- Ensure courses meet credit transfer requirements
- Submit the Learning Agreement with proposed course list
- Maintain regular academic standing (no backlogs or academic issues)
- Find a research guide at the host institution in your area of interest
- Obtain concurrence from your project guide at IIT Bombay
- Prepare a detailed project proposal outlining objectives and deliverables
- Ensure the project can be submitted towards your degree requirements
- Get approval from the Dean Academic Programme office
- Sign the Declaration form (PDF, DOC)and submit it to Dean IR office.
- Submit a photocopy of the offer letter from the foreign University to the Dean IR office, for our record.
- You need to discuss with the Hostel Hall Manager if you would like to retain / vacate your Hostel room while you are away on the exchange visit.
- Pay the fees for the semester at IIT Bombay.
- Check with Academic office for any other formalities required – Application for Leave during exchange, next semester registrations, etc.
- In case of any variations in the course plan approved, please consult your faculty advisor and obtain the necessary approvals through the Dept. This should then be sent to the Academic office.
- If you are abroad during the period of payment of fees, make arrangements to pay the fees within the time limit.
- Give the address of the Dean (IR) office for receiving a copy of the grade card. If you wish to receive the grade card directly, you need not give the IR office address. However, please submit a copy of the grade card to us for records.
- Write to the Head of Department requesting credit transfer within 2 weeks of return
- Enclose your official grade card/transcript from the foreign university and a copy of the earlier course approval
- Download and fill the Grade Conversion Template for submission
- Department will forward the completed Grade Conversion Form to UGAPEC/PGAPEC Convener for processing
- Submit post-exchange feedback form to the International Relations Office
Finances
Under most exchange agreements, students are responsible for the following costs:
- Travel expenses: Round-trip airfare, visa fees, and local transportation
- Living expenses: Accommodation, food, and daily necessities
- Insurance: Health insurance and travel insurance
- IIT Bombay fees: Continue to pay semester fees to IIT Bombay
Note: Tuition fees at the host university are typically waived under exchange agreements. However, confirm this with the specific partner university.
Some exchange agreements include free or subsidized accommodation at the host university. Check the specific MoU terms for your chosen university.
Available Scholarships
MHRD Scholarship for International Students: Government funding for selected exchange programs
Partner University Scholarships: Some universities offer merit-based funding
IIT Bombay Alumni Fund: Limited financial assistance for economically disadvantaged students
Part-time Work
Part-time work opportunities depend on the visa regulations of the host country. Common options include:
- On-campus jobs (library, cafeteria, student services)
- Teaching/Research assistantships (subject to approval)
- Tutoring services (if permitted by visa)
PhD Research Scholar Exchanges
Most MoUs have a provision for the exchange of research scholars. However, MoUs with some institutions may be specific to certain areas of research. Please go through the MoU to see if it is intended for specific areas. If not mentioned, it is open for all areas. Some MoUs may have finances committed to the exchange of research scholars and these may be availed by writing to Dean IR through HOD, with the approval of the PhD guide, to proceed for research work in a partner institution.
Your research plan MUST be approved by your PhD guide. The onus of finding a co-guide from the host institution rests with the PhD student and must have the approval of the PhD guide at IIT Bombay. The PhD guide will also need to get a formal approval from the Dean AP to include the faculty member at the Host institution as a co-guide, if so desired.
Last but not the least, enjoy your exchange visit. And feel free to get in touch with our office for any questions not addressed here. We wish you Good Luck!
Point of Contact
Chandrika Naik, International Relations Office
Office: +91-22-2576-7000
Timing: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Student Experiences Outbound
Ayushi Pangal
Exchange @ Kaist University, South Korea | 4th Year Student @ Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Material Sciences, IIT Bombay
I always wanted to explore the Korean culture; hence Kaist became the perfect opportunity for me. With more than 150 exchange students from different parts of the world, I interacted with people from different backgrounds and cultures and also made friends for life! Everyone had a different story, different aspirations and different desires. Balancing the competent academics, I managed to travel across the beautiful country, with the ever changing city vibe, calm islands and their warmly welcoming, kind and harmonious culture, made me feel at home in Korea just by myself. Through the solo escapades, hikings, temple stays and biking trips, I could see myself being more enthusiastic and trying new things and even appreciating the things I already have. Life's a full circle and I'm back to institute again, but I'm definitely not the same person anymore and the experiences gained will be etched in my heart forever. Gamsahamnida korea!
Devyani Verma
Exchange @ Universidad Carlos III de Madrid | 4th Year Student @ Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Bombay
On 29th May, a day before my birthday, I got a mail saying I've been accepted by the A4U university. I confirmed the news once again and went on to embark on one of the most beautiful and influencing journey of my life so far. I wish I could say staying alone in a new country with a language you barely spoke, all alone for the very first time out of India was easy but it wasn't. But this proved to be one of the out of world experiences. I am not sure if I will ever have gotten something like this if I hadn't applied for an exchange.
I made so many memories here, met so many people, accepting and appreciating the differences, learning to be okay all by myself and most importantly the confidence I gained in the process was priceless. I have made friends here, collaborated with a couple of them for projects, gone to explore Spain with them and exchanged crazy stories while embracing the Spanish culture. I stayed here with a warm Spanish family to integrate into the culture better and it had been one hell of an experience! I think my exchange has made me understand beyond the borders, the people and their culture, where they are different than us and where they are just like all of us. This exchange also enlightened spirits of nationalism in me that I barely knew existed before. I would recommend everyone to go embark on their own journey to find themselves and even if they didn't, you're sure to make the memories you'll always hold dear! I thank god, A4U and my institute to have given me such a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'll forever be grateful! Couldn't have asked for a better exchange!