Two degrees, two countries: IISER Tirupati and Melbourne launch 2+2 science programme
By TUF News Desk Ā· Published 13 October 2026 Ā· 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources Ā· Editorial policy
Two honours degrees from two countries, inside one undergraduate programme. IISER Tirupati and the University of Melbourne have launched a four-year Bachelor of Science Integrated (Honours) degree that splits study between India and Australia: the first two years at IISER Tirupati, the final two in Melbourne.
The programme was announced at the University of Melbourne’s Global Centre in New Delhi on October 12, 2026, and Melbourne published its official announcement on October 13.
Two years in Tirupati, two in Melbourne
Students can choose from majors including biotechnology, chemistry, ecosystem science, environmental science, food science, genetics, physics and plant science. Every enrolled student automatically joins Melbourne’s Science Global Scholars Program, which supports research collaboration and talent mobility between the two institutions. Graduates can move on to a master’s degree with advanced standing, which can shorten that further study.
The degree is aimed at research-oriented science students who want international exposure without leaving India for all four years.
Admission will not run through IAT
Aspirants should note that admission to this programme will not use the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) route. Professor Santanu Bhattacharya, Director of IISER Tirupati, said the institute will create a separate qualifying test for the programme, and that it will be a paid programme.
The first intake could be up to 50 students, with the final number depending on applications. Professor Moira O’Bryan, Melbourne’s Dean of Science, said she expects the programme to start small and then grow. Because it is a transnational education programme, it is exempt from the caps that limit international student numbers at Australian universities.
Students comparing options before they commit can read our guide to choosing a university in India, which explains how to weigh programmes against each other beyond brand names.
A partnership, not a branch campus
Melbourne chose to build the degree with an Indian partner rather than open its own campus in India. Professor O’Bryan said the university felt it could have more impact through the partnership model. Professor Bhattacharya said IISER Tirupati wanted to work with an excellent institute, and chose Melbourne.
Same syllabus, smaller bill
Cost is the practical argument. Professor Bhattacharya said the degree should cost significantly less than four full years of study in Australia, while the syllabus mapped to the Tirupati leg is the same as what Melbourne teaches. He added that starting at home helps students settle in: two years in Tirupati lets them get used to the system before they move abroad.
Students worried about funding should also look at our scholarships for Indian university students guide for ways to bring study costs down.
What comes next
Next month, the two institutions will jointly host a series of public events across India called Frontiers of Science for Global Advances. Keynotes and expert panels will cover biotechnology, climate science, quantum technologies, ecosystems, agriculture and sustainability, bringing researchers together with students, educators and the public.
Frequently asked questions
How does the IISER TirupatiāMelbourne 2+2 programme work?
Students complete the first two years at IISER Tirupati and the final two years at the University of Melbourne, graduating with two separate Bachelor honours degrees.
Which subjects can students major in?
Biotechnology, chemistry, ecosystem science, environmental science, food science, genetics, physics and plant science.
Will admission go through the IISER Aptitude Test?
No. IISER Tirupati will create a separate qualifying test for this programme, and it will be a paid programme.
How many students will be admitted in the first batch?
Up to 50, depending on applications. Melbourne’s Dean of Science has said the programme will start small and grow.
Frequently asked questions
How does the IISER TirupatiāMelbourne 2+2 programme work?
Students complete the first two years at IISER Tirupati and the final two years at the University of Melbourne, graduating with two separate Bachelor honours degrees.
Which subjects can students major in?
Biotechnology, chemistry, ecosystem science, environmental science, food science, genetics, physics and plant science.
Will admission go through the IISER Aptitude Test?
No. IISER Tirupati will create a separate qualifying test for this programme, and it will be a paid programme.
How many students will be admitted in the first batch?
Up to 50, depending on applications. Melbourne's Dean of Science has said the programme will start small and grow.
Sources: The Indian Express, The Tribune, University of Melbourne