Lehigh-VIT

Building upon the strategic partnership established between Lehigh University and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), this exclusive 3.5+1.5 pathway offers high-achieving students a streamlined transition from undergraduate studies in India to an advanced degree in the United States.

VIT students have the unique opportunity to join Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for their Study Abroad Program (SAP) in their final semester and apply to select Lehigh masters programs. Students engage in high-impact research within a specialized laboratory setting under the mentorship of Lehigh’s world-class faculty and apply for a participating Lehigh graduate programs. Admitted students are eligible for a Partnerships Scholarship, equivalent to 30% of tuition. 

This multimodal pathway is designed to align academic rigor with professional immersion, offering two distinct tracks during the initial semester at Lehigh:

• Research-Focused Placement: Engage in high-impact research within a specialized laboratory setting under the mentorship of Lehigh’s world-class faculty.
• Academic-Focused Track: Enroll in graduate-level coursework that earns credit toward a Lehigh Master’s degree, accelerating your timeline to completion.

This pathway supports master’s degree attainment in high-growth disciplines that address complex global challenges:

• Bioengineering
• Data Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Flex MBA (College of Business)

Lehigh is committed to providing a supportive administrative experience to ensure students can focus on their academic and research objectives.

• Visa Coordination: Students initially join the Lehigh community on a J-1 visa. While on campus, students may apply for formal admission to the Master’s program.
• Expedited Admission: For qualified VIT students, the application fee is waived, and files receive expedited review.
• Status Adjustment: Once admitted, students work directly with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) to transition to an F-1 visa status while remaining at Lehigh.
• Explore graduate research, engage with world class faculty, gain international experience, and streamline the application and admissions process for a top US graduate programs.

As part of this pathway, students join a distinct cohort of scholars supported by a dedicated faculty advisor. They receive full access to Lehigh’s robust ecosystem of graduate programming, professional development opportunities, and campus activities.

At Lehigh, students are more than visiting participants; they are members of a diverse global community, collaborating alongside researchers and graduate students from around the world to drive innovation and leadership in their fields.

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