Are you a student at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) or SRM Institute of Science & Technology interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S.?
STEM-Designated Master’s Degree Options
Student Resources & Opportunities
- Financial Support: Each of the departments listed above provides scholarships for tuition to students who are accepted into the program. For specific information about scholarship amounts or percentages, please reach out to the person listed as the main contact for the respective program.
Research: All accepted students engage in hands-on research and receive personalized mentorship from world-renowned faculty. Each student will work alongside graduate researchers in active lab groups.
Beyond rigorous academics and research with world-renowned faculty, your tuition includes access to immersive cultural and campus activities designed to enrich your international experience. Examples below:
- 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 from faculty, 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 Process BeginsThe 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
Office of Global Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
For questions about on-campus living
stb206@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
