Are you a student from VIT or SRM Institute interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S.?
Start your academic journey by completing 3.5 years of curriculum at your home institution, followed by 1.5 years at Lehigh University in northeastern Pennsylvania. During your first semester at Lehigh, you will complete the remaining requirements for your bachelor’s degree diploma from your home institute while engaging in advanced research and receiving mentorship from world-renowned faculty. From there, you will seamlessly transition into a master’s degree program at Lehigh for your final year.
STEM-Designated Master’s Degree Options
Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience
For more information, contact Nicole DiRado
phone: (610) 758-4010 nid523@lehigh.edu
Chemical Engineering
For more information, contact Megan Roth
phone: (610) 758-4261 mtr523@lehigh.edu
Civil Engineering
For more information, contact Julie DeMotte
phone: (610) 758-3530 jud200@lehigh.edu
Mechanical Engineering
For more information, contact Ali Marsteller
phone: (610) 758-4107 alm513@lehigh.edu"Coming to Lehigh from SRM University has been a really meaningful experience for me. I’ve learned a lot through the Bioengineering program, but what I value most is how approachable and supportive the professors and people here have been, it made adjusting to a new country and a new academic environment much easier than I expected."
Abhiram Babu,
SRM University, BioE MS Student
"The SAP [Semester Abroad Program] was an extremely valuable experience for me. It gave me a much clearer vision of what I wanted to pursue academically and professionally, while also providing hands-on laboratory experience and opportunities for one on one discussions with faculty. I especially appreciated the chance to interact with professors and researchers through seminars, which helped me build meaningful connections and gain a broader perspective on opportunities in Bioengineering".
Chehal Minocha,
VIT-Bhopal University, SAP student, Admit to BioE MS for Spring 2027
“Lehigh University has held up my dreams and made me dream bigger. We had incredible professional guidance as well as life changing opportunities ever since we started our journey.“
Arjita Nandi,
VIT-Bhopal University, BioE MS Student
"Studying at Lehigh has given me a new perspective, both in academics and in life outside the classroom. Coming here through the SAP [Semester Abroad Program] pushed me to become more independent, adapt to a new environment, and grow both as a student and as a person, which ultimately made me want to return to Lehigh for my graduate studies in Bioengineering.”
SreeVyasa Anbazhagan,
SRM University, BioE MS Student
My experience at Lehigh, first as a SAP [Semester Abroad Program] student and now as a master’s student, has been really great. As an international student, I’ve met people from so many different cultures and learned a lot from them. Everyone here is very friendly, understanding, and always willing to help. I never hesitate to reach out to professors, staff or other students when I need help and that support has made my experience at Lehigh feel comfortable and welcoming.
Meera Madhavan,
SRM University, BioE MS Student
Tuition Benefits
- ICAPE: Capstone development and professional presentation skills, along with Academic Literacies workshops for all students.
- Graduate Student Life: Access to student activities and opportunities to engage with the graduate student community.
- OISS: Activities and resources specifically designed for international students.
- Graduate Student Experience in the U.S.: Mentorship and guidance through faculty hosts, lab mates, and graduate student hosts.
- Welcome Dinner & End-of-Semester Celebration: Welcome dinner and end-of-research-semester celebration with College of Engineering staff and faculty.
Degree Pathways, Immigration Journey & Key Dates
Immigration Journey: Phase 1
J-1 and F-1 Visa ProcessThe international student immigration process at Lehigh University begins online through the OISS iHome portal. Admitted students use this portal to provide their personal information and begin the visa process.
J-1 Visa Pathway (0.5-Year Research & Bachelor's Phase): Designed for your first semester at Lehigh, where you complete your home institution's bachelor's requirements and engage in advanced research. This track is initiated by your Lehigh host academic department. You must submit your funding and immigration documents to receive your DS-2019 and DS-7002 forms, apply for your J-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate overseas, and enter the U.S. within 30 days of your program start date.
F-1 Visa Pathway (1-Year Master's Program Phase): Designed for your final year as a Master's degree student. To transition your immigration status for graduate studies, you will request an I-20 form by uploading your master's admission letter, proof of funding, and passport via iHome to process a Change of Status (CoS) to F-1.
Immigration Journey: Phase 2
From J-1 to F-1To change your status from a J-1 visa to an F-1 visa, you have two options:
- Option A: Apply for a Change of Status within the United States
Remain in the United States and hire an immigration attorney to assist with submitting a Change of Status application from J-1 to F-1. The student is responsible for selecting the attorney and covering all associated legal fees. - Option B: Apply for an F-1 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Abroad
After completing the research semester, return to your home country and schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for an F-1 visa.
Additional Resources & Contacts
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
For immigration advising and resources for international students
Office of Global Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
For questions about on-campus living
stb206@lehigh.edu