BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus Vs University of Southern California: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus Vs University of Southern California based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus Vs University of Southern California on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus Vs University of Southern California based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus Vs University of Southern California on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
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BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern CaliforniaStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.2/5
49 Verified Reviews
4 Internships- 3.5 Part time work
- 3.8 Post study jobs
- 4.4 Quality of faculty
- 4.3 Student Life
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3.6/5
19 Verified Reviews- 3.4 Internships
- 3.5 Part time work
- 3.6 Post study jobs
- 4.4 Quality of faculty
- 4.3 Student Life
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BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern CaliforniaCourse Comparison
3 Popular courses in colleges
BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern California B.E. / B.Tech
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BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern California MBA/PGDM
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BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern California BBA
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Other courses
- MEng (5 courses)
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- B.A. (52 courses)
- PG Diploma (1 course)
- B.Arch (3 courses)
- Executive MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
- LL.B. (1 course)
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BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern CaliforniaCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
2000
Number of Campus
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Number of Scholarships
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Campus Size
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Accepted Exams
TOEFL+1 More
Established Year
1880
Number of Campus
2
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
229 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
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Accepted Exams
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BITS Pilani Dubai V/s University of Southern CaliforniaCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
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#1. University Park Campus
#1. University Park Campus
#2. Health Sciences Campus
USC Village: A Visual Tour
USC-India: Partner The Future
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Aerial View
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USC Great Lawn
USC Cromwell Field
Classroom
Classroom
McCarthy Honors College
USC Village Dinning Hall
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Country Facts
Study in UAE
Top Universities
Home to some of the best universities in the Gulf region.- University programmes are regularly reviewed to provide the best education.
English is Widely Used- Higher Education system in the UAE is in English and influenced by the West
- English is widely spoken among the diverse population of the country.
Plenty of Jobs- The country is a strong international hub for work.
- Home to many exciting job opportunities for graduates across industries.
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities- Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
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Student’s views on campus
Views on BITS Pilani Dubai campus
A
Anonymous
B.E. Chemicalwith specializationin Energy, Environment & Sustainability - Batch of 2028
3.5
BITS Dubai, could be better.
Tips: BITS Dubai is mostly just an Indian university, just located outside India. If you came here expecting it to be like a foreign university, you would be left disappointed since most of the students and faculty consist of our people only. If you came here for BITS' name that's famous in India you probably better off going to the Indian campuses. The university has its ups and downs. The faculty can range from excellent to not great, the latter being more common. The campus could be much better considering the amount of students they take in and the fees they charge them. The education quality varies astronomically depending on the professors you get. Dubai as a whole is okay-ish, if you have the money to spend, you'll have fun. If not, it's alright. The most annoying part is the transport, since if you don't have a car, it's a nightmare to go anywhere in Dubai, and the public transport leaves much to be desired. Overall, BITS Dubai is slightly lacklustre compared to its other campuses back in India, but it's a good option if you wanna experience Dubai.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2350
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
A
Anonymous
Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2027
3.9
The Night shift reality of BITS Pilani dubai
Tips: There is a transition phase, as there are many strict rules with heavy fines, but slowly we get adapted to the city and its rules. Yeah, there are scholarships for PG based on your UG degree's CGPA, which is directly discounted on semester feels in hostel and tuition.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Faculty members are friendly and available most of the time. Teaching quality is good, and they also use Harvard business case studies in our MBA course, so the class is more interactive. The teaching faculty is mostly from India, but there are also a few professors from Egypt, England, Iran, etc.
Dislikes (Part time work): There are no part-time jobs for students, but students can work as interns in internships with NOC from the college itself, which are very easy tasks, even the college helps with the placement division to find internships for students (only MBA). But finding an internship with the proper desired role is a little difficult, but you can.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 4000
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
A
Anonymous
Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2027
3.9
The balanced reality of BITS pilani evening life
Tips: There are rules to be followed in Dubai, so there was a transition phase, but it is pretty easy to adapt. Yes, the scholarship for PG here is based on your UG degree’s CGPA, which is directly deducted from semester fees. Pretty decent course and good country.
Likes (Safety): As everyone knows, it's Dubai, so it's always safe here, and we need not worry about safety, 24/7 cameras and quick responses from emergency teams, including doctors on campus, etc. There is no such incident but yea once in class a student got fainted during an evening class and professor arranged on campus nurse and also an ambulance to make sure the student get the proper treatment also the most expenses for treatment are covered in medical insurance from college.
Dislikes (Student Life): Mostly evening classes are from 6:30 to 9:40 pm for MBA students so they can focus on internships in the morning time. Some events are organised, and many clubs are also there to participate, like the Wall Street Club. And there are random cricket matches played in MBA batches themselves for fun.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2000
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
H
Haripriya Sukumar
B.E. Biotechnology - Batch of 2028
3.8
an absolute average to decent experience in BPDC dubai
Tips: It's definitely a new experience, meeting ppl from diverse ethnic backgrounds can be quite exciting, definitely something that takes getting used to for the initial few weeks or so. I got a 25% scholarship through my CBSE board exam and BITS scores. On a scale of 1-10 (from least to most satisfactory), I'd say about a 7
Likes (Safety): Dubai, especially from a woman's perspective, is very safe. ppl are really approachable and friendly for the most part, and hence, even if you find yourself alone or out late at night or at any time, literally, you'll still feel safe. during new years eve tho, ppl have to be a little safe while going out. In my first year, I had a bad experience with a random guy touching me inappropriately in the crowd, but don't hesitate to seek help.
Dislikes (Part time work): On-campus part-time jobs are pretty average for the amount of hours you're investing, like lab assistant roles, and the pay is pretty good, however, slots get filled up fast, so not all get the opportunity to sign up for part-time work. Off-campus opportunities are also pretty limited, especially for ppl with a student visa. UAE residents, however, have countless part-time opportunities bounded by their resident visa
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 500
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
A
Anonymous
B.E. Electrical and Electronics Engineering - Batch of 2027
4.5
Great college, would recommend!
Tips: Feels almost exactly like India, with almost minimal / zero cultural shock. Availed scholarship through board marks. You can find more information about this through the official website. I am very satisfied with the education received. It has put me on a great path to getting admitted to a top-tier university in the United States & Europe.
Likes (Indian Food): Great food options from the catering services with a good rotation on the menu! The locality has great restaurant options with decent pricing as well. However, most restaurants are situated outside Dubai Academic City (where the college is located). I prefer to eat outside.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Bad public transport facilities from Dubai's RTA. Poor connectivity, especially if you're accommodation is not within the university-provided hostel or accommodation provisions. Try to make sure you stay within the limits of the university (within Academic City or DSO) for good connectivity if you do decide to stay outside the university's accommodation provisions.
0Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026Read more
A
Anonymous
Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2027
4.7
GREAT EXPERIENCE AT BITS DUBAI!
Tips: It has been an awesome experience overall, both academically and socially. The teaching faculty is encouraging, and the student body is very diverse, making it quite easy to interact with students from varied backgrounds. I specifically admire the practical way of learning.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 5050
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 62075
A
Anonymous
Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2027
4.4
Very good for value for money and well know in india. Quality of professor is top notch
Tips: You should not expect a lot of salary, as this institute is still not very well known in the UAE compared to Middlesex and other companies. Scholarship is provided based on your marks and also if you maintain a 9 CGPA during semester exams. An MBA from this university is still a gamble but is value for money.
Likes (Safety): The hostel is connected to the campus, and the other hostel is within a 1 km range of the campus; therefore, transportation from the campus to the hostel is also provided by the university. Hostels are safe, but the catch here is food, as non-vegetarian food is not as tasty as you expect.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Every company here sponsors visas for work, but the catch is that the jobs are mostly entry level, and you can't expect a lot from the salary package. An internship is usually provided by the university in the 4th semester of an MBA, and internships are usually provided according to your CGPA.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 3500
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 90600
A
Anonymous
B.E. Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2029
4.3
A Little Bit Of Everything
Tips: Transition won't be easy since the college is far from the city and there is not much to do around; academics can be stressful, and yes, scholarships are offered. I got 15% on my tuition fee and 25% on my accommodation. I am not completely satisfied by my university, but again, every college has its ups and downs.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): Dubai is a place where Indians can settle down easily with no problem regarding the visa and stay and can also expect a permanent job after college. I would like to immigrate, but again, it depends on the stipend and external factors since it is not cheap living in Dubai.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): Our college does not offer post-study jobs. Many jobs in different roles are offered, from data analytics to something in finance. its as per the type of work a student is looking for. People have been places in Danube, Lulu, and many other companies; the minimum is 1000, but again, it depends on your work and CV.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 4000
Prepping time for classes38 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
S
Sheryl John
B.E. Biotechnology - Batch of 2026
3.6
All in one college experience.
Tips: You can avail yourself of the scholarships based on your 12th-grade board marks. Based on your CGPA every year, fees will differ for the next year. Being a hosteler helps you to explore more opportunities and events in uni than a day scholar. The faculty are friendly and supportive academically.
Likes (Safety): In terms of safety, I rate BITS a 5/5. Even during college events, when the number of students becomes overwhelmingly higher, we have several students, committee members, and professionals to help with the crowd management and any disputes. I havent had any bad experiences till now
Dislikes (Post study jobs): They do offer internships, but it may not always be specific to my degree. There are a lot of CS-based roles offered for the CS students. But for biotech students, it is a lot trickier to arrange internships specific to our field, but they do try their best to provide them. BITS has career fair events where many companies are invited to provide internships as well as full-time opportunities for students.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2475
Prepping time for classes23 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
A
Anonymous
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
3.4
some tips about coming to uni
Tips: Look, you can’t judge the whole university by a few people, because every single batch that rolls into BITS Dubai has a completely different dynamic. It’s a massive mix—you’ll find absolute geniuses who lock themselves in the library, and you’ll find people who just want to goof off or end up misbehaving and causing drama. You just have to find your own crowd and not judge the entire student body based on a few bad apples. Outside the university gates, Dubai is literally insanely safe. You never have to worry about looking over your shoulder, which means you can just channel all your energy into not drowning in the BITS engineering workload.
Likes (Safety): I gave safety a top rating because Dubai is easily one of the safest places in the world. You can literally walk around the city or the DIAC campus area at 3 AM without a single worry, and you can leave your laptop or phone on a food court table without anyone touching it. The peace of mind here is completely unmatched.
However, you need to know the reality of the job scene before coming to BITS Dubai. The placement department isn't going to hand you a corporate role on a silver platter. A lot of the companies coming for campus drives are just early-stage startups offering pretty mediocre, low-paying roles. On top of that, UAE visa laws are incredibly strict—your student visa does not give you the right to just go out and grab a normal part-time job. To work legally, you have to jump through major hoops with MOHRE permits and get an official university NOC. Do not expect to fund your daily life with casual side gigs here; make sure you sort out your finances beforehand.
Dislikes (Part time work): No internships with actual value are offered; most of them are just startups by college universities. The jobs are mediocre, and the college dept. doesn't actually help to land a job. Before joining, please confirm your terms first; you are not allowed to have a part-time job as per your visa.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 10000
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
M
Malavika Manoj
Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) - Batch of 2028
3.8
I feel very satistfied to be here in dubai and studying in BITS Pilani dubai
Tips: Honestly, there isn’t a massive checklist of things you need to do before showing up—just keep an open mind and prepare yourself for the fact that college life is a completely different ball game compared to school. Academically, it’s a big step up. I managed to score a 94.2% on my CBSE 12th boards, which actually bagged me a 20% merit scholarship for my very first semester, and that took a decent bite out of the initial tuition fees. Overall, I’m seriously happy with the engineering course, the whole Dubai vibe, and how the university operates. Moving countries was a big jump, but it’s been completely worth it.
Likes (Safety): I can see how they take initiatives to maintain our safety. Recently, unfortunately, our bus had an accident, but the driver took care of us really, really well. He made sure to get us to a safe location, and my friends and I were then picked up by my dad, and until then the driver was there to make sure we were safe even though he himself was injured and we weren't.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): I just finished second year, so I'm not sure about it. Maybe once I reach the 3rd or 4th year, I'll have a better idea of this, but I had a bad experience with college placement recently, so I don't think their post-study jobs are necessarily that great. But again, this is my opinion from my limited experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 300
Prepping time for classes36 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED
A
Anonymous
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
4.1
Genuinely enjoy the experience of a college life balancing, grades and fun.
Tips: See, be prepared for it to definitely be more expensive than the raw figures call for. Secondly, it's a great exposure and a great environment to explore and find things you love to do so be proactive in it. Also, the campus and everything are much cleaner and better than Indian college campuses and all.
Likes (Safety): Dubai is a super safe place to be; you don't need to worry at all about leaving college or forgetting things anywhere at all, as they won't be stolen. Also, you can be roaming alone on the road at 4 am, completely knowing that nothing is going to happen to you and that you'd be safe.
Dislikes (Value for money): Because Dubai is an expensive place to be, and like we all can agree, we're still in an Indian college here, again, it depends on what you gain from it and what placement you get later, but you would definitely be needing a good amount of income to be paying and living here.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 8025
Prepping time for classes18 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 50000
A
Anonymous
B.E. Electronics and Communications Engineering - Batch of 2028
4.2
Excellent Academic Experience with Room for Better Post-Study Career Opportunities
Tips: The main thing to know about BITS Dubai is that the academic setup is solid, the professors genuinely know their stuff, and the campus facilities are fully up to date. There are always clubs, tech competitions, and random events happening to get involved in. Moving here was an incredibly smooth transition for me because Dubai is a massive melting pot anyway, so you never really feel like an outsider and adapting is a breeze.
On the money side, I didn't get a scholarship myself, but the uni does hand out merit-based fee waivers if your grades are top-tier, so definitely aim for those. Overall, I’ve had a really great experience with the course and living out here. But if I can give you one blunt warning: do not expect a post-study job to just fall into your lap. The UAE market is tough, so you need to look into employment realities early on and spend your entire degree aggressively networking, building up your skills, and locking down internships if you want a real shot at staying after graduation.
Likes (Safety): I gave safety a 5 because honestly, Dubai is easily one of the safest places you could ever live. Whether you're hanging around the BITS campus or out exploring the city, you just never feel like you're in any kind of danger. Campus security is always around, but the whole city itself is just incredibly secure with great lighting, cameras everywhere, and a culture where people actually respect the law. I’ve personally never run into a single sketchy situation here. I have zero issues taking a cab or walking around late at night by myself because you always feel totally comfortable. It’s just a massively welcoming and safe environment for international students.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): I gave post-study jobs a 3 because honestly, trying to figure out what happens after you graduate from the Dubai campus feels like a total guessing game. The uni is pretty vague about where international students actually end up landing roles. It would save everyone a massive headache if the career services team just laid out the cold hard facts—like showing us an actual list of UAE companies that are actively willing to sponsor work visas, what the real starting salaries look like out here, and how many graduates actually get hired full-time each year. Right now, it feels like you're completely left in the dark. We desperately need more career fairs featuring employers who can actually provide visa sponsorship, and a much heavier push on placement support so we aren't just blindly sending out resumes on LinkedIn hoping for a break.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 700
Prepping time for classes18 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 61950
A
Anonymous
Master of Business Administration - Batch of 2027
5.0
Best learning experience
Tips: I'm quite satisfied with my academic progress, and college generally seems to position students well. I got 20% as a basis that my Bachelors academic scores are above 8 CGPA. Based on the courses I'm learning, it is really helpful for my career and job life.
Likes (Post study jobs): Because, as if you still don't have any experience, college always shows you how to get a placement. I go to my internship in the morning, which is paid, and college is in the evening so that I can manage my time accordingly. You have none of the clubs here to join.
Dislikes (Quality of faculty): The faculty is always available to provide guidance. The teaching is very interactive, and you will get a lot of practical experience. I can say the faculty here are from different countries and are very friendly and interactive. It is fun to study here.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2025
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 60000
T
Tanishq Tibrewala
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
4.2
My thoughts on bits pilani dubai
Tips: Bits Dubai is a fun place to be. The people are nice to interact with; there is zero discrimination. The academics are challenging, but not so challenging that they take away from the important things about college. If you come here, you will learn about yourself as a person. It's a transformative experience.
Likes (Public transportation): Dubai RTA buses are very accessible for short- to medium-distance travel. Services like buses on demand make it very convenient for students to travel to most day-to-day important parts of the city whenever required. A bus stop right outside the campus makes everything very seamless.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Food options outside the campus are plentiful but often require a trip into more residential parts of Dubai. Ordering food is the most convenient option that people usually go for. Mess options (while decent) are limited. I prefer ordering in most of the time.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 8475
Prepping time for classes13 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 122800
L
Lavanya Loganathan
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
4.1
Chill place. Love the vibes and people. Good pick
Tips: Students coming from India have to respect the culture here and not act like whatever back home because for the people living here all their lives, we call it home and truly respect and are grateful to call this home. The scholarships are great; you get flexible scholarships. But they are a bit stingy with fee dues. Like if u don't pay on time they close registration, etc.
Likes (Safety): Love the country and the safety it provides, and the university itself has good security. The hostels are great but the food not so much. Could work on their menu and make the food a little more edible. And the mess staff are very stingy and don't have enough quantities of food sometimes.
Dislikes (Part time work): It's very hard to find part-time work on campus due to availability and criteria. I feel it would be manageable, but it's just that I haven't gotten an opportunity to do so. But I've heard from my seniors that it could be fun, and you actually learn a lot in the role, be it marketing or scholarship or even teachers' assistant in labs.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2400
Prepping time for classes6 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 24875
A
Anonymous
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
3.8
INDIAN COLLEGE WITH A FOREIGN CULTURE
Tips: The biggest thing to realize before coming here is that the student crowd is overwhelmingly Indian, but it's a crazy mix because people are flying in from literally all over the world—you've got NRIs from the Gulf, kids straight from India, and expats from everywhere else. You really have to put yourself out there and be open to just talking to anyone to build a solid friend circle. Financially, they actually have a ton of different scholarship tracks you can look into, whether you're a sports person, an academic topper, or whatever else. Honestly, my time here has been amazing, so I'd 100% tell anyone thinking about it to just go for it. Plus, getting to experience the whole Dubai lifestyle while studying is a massive flex in itself.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2550
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 77500
A
Anonymous
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
4.0
A Diverse and Rewarding Learning Experience
Tips: Look, if you’re heading to the Dubai campus, the biggest reality check is that the BITS brand name opens doors, but nobody is going to hand you success on a silver platter. The student body is incredibly diverse and you're surrounded by people from all over, but you absolutely have to be a hustler from day one. You need to actively hunt for internships in the local UAE market, network with companies at the campus fests, and jump into the student clubs immediately. The academic grind here is no joke—the grading can be brutal—so if you don't learn how to manage your time between heavy lab assignments and campus life, you'll burn out fast. The resources and the corporate connections are right there, but you have to be the one to grab them if you actually want a rewarding career out of this place.
Likes (Safety): I gave safety a high rating because, let’s be real, Dubai is probably one of the safest places you could ever live as a student. The BITS campus is located inside Academic City, and the security setup here is completely airtight. You honestly don't have to deal with the kind of street crime or sketchy situations you might worry about in other major student hubs around the world. It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably walk back to the hostels or catch a cab at 2:00 AM without feeling on edge at all. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect 5/5 is just standard common sense—you still want to look after your own wallet or phone when you're out in crowded areas in the main city, but on and around campus, the environment is incredibly secure and stress-free
Dislikes (Student Life): Look, I gave student life a 4 out of 5—which honestly feels a bit low compared to the main BITS campuses back in India—mostly because of the unique vibe out here in Dubai. Don't get me wrong, the campus itself is super friendly and the cultural diversity is wild, so you meet people from literally everywhere. There's always some club meeting or a fest happening, but it definitely feels like there's a cap on how crazy student engagement gets. A huge chunk of the crowd here are day scholars who just commute in for classes and head straight back home to Dubai or Sharjah right after. Because of that, the campus can empty out pretty fast in the evenings, which leaves the recreational facilities and weekend events feeling a little quiet. It’s an active and decent experience overall, but if you're expecting that 24/7 hyper-intense hostel culture like Pilani or Goa, the Dubai campus is just a different, slightly more laid-back beast.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2550
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 5000
A
Anonymous
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2029
3.2
I am satisfied by the university as I learned so many things cross cultural and clubs
Tips: Look, you should only really consider this place if your family has the financial backing and you’re specifically hunting for a prestigious degree while wanting to experience that whole international, global culture vibe in the UAE. Let's be real—it is incredibly expensive. I was lucky enough to snag an institutional scholarship provided by BITS itself, which is a massive help, but the way they do it is they directly deduct that amount from your tuition starting from the second semester onwards. Even with that discount locked in, the whole thing still ended up costing me around 18 lakhs. If you don't manage to qualify for one of their scholarships, you are going to have to pay a seriously heavy price for your education out here, so you definitely need to crunch the numbers before signing up.
Likes (Safety): Dubai is the safest city I have seen; you roam around 3 In the morning to have a McDonald's or Starbucks, no one will bother you or give you security, and the nightlife in Dubai is crazy. The most favorite part of safety is that every college has a lost and found section where you can literally find your lost belongings on campus.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The UAE doesn't offer a permanent offer, and it only gives 1 month of time post-study for job searching, so you have to come to the UAE with the exception of only earning a lifestyle and money. If the UAE gives a chance for permanent residence, I am 200 percent gone and will take it; it literally has a completely different lifestyle and people interaction than India does. The people there are so friendly; this is mainly possible due to rules, safety, and finesse by the country.
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 2275
Prepping time for classes26 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 6000
A
Anonymous
B.E. Computer Science - Batch of 2028
4.2
Good experience, good facilities
Tips: If you're looking at BITS Dubai, it's honestly a solid ride as far as tech institutes go. A huge plus right off the bat is that they actually pour money back into the campus—the labs just got a major face-lift with brand new equipment, and the hostels are surprisingly clean and well-kept, which is a massive relief if you're moving away from home. On the financial side, they've got a bunch of different scholarships up for grabs if your grades are sharp enough. It's definitely not just a place where you stare at a textbook all day either; the student culture is incredibly active. There are tons of student-run clubs for literally any interest you have, and the campus fests throughout the year are huge. It just gives you a really balanced, well-rounded engineering experience without making you feel like you're trapped in an academic bubble
Total Monthly ExpenseAED 1550
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryAED 85975
Views on University of Southern California campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Southern California
4.1
Great opportunities and valuable insights.
Tips: Be accurate, be precise and be manageable. Better chances to get a job which helps to survive in the system and go through the immigration process. The University of Southern California also helps with immigration during the study time also guiding students step by step to be safe and careful about the laws and updates regarding the same.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): There is a strong opportunity for getting a job once you have the name of the University of Southern California on your profile, which helps to go through the best career unlock for the same and manage between the opportunities to go for the best rewards to select.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 7625
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87675
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Southern California
3.7
Challenging and transformative.
Tips: Before joining USC students should know it's very fast paced and competitive. The coursework especially in CS, is intense and very project heavy. You really need strong fundamentals in data structures and algorithms and system design. Time management is important.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6100
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77100
A
Anonymous
M.A in Occupational Therapy - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Southern California
4.0
It has been an amazing and very promising experience.
Tips: The campus is beautiful, the classes are interesting, and the university has some courses that allow you to re-attempt tests where you haven't done your best. You will be required to stay up-to-date with a lot of extensive background reading, which can affect your work-life balance. Otherwise, it is a very open and friendly space to learn. The faculty are easily accessible so you can reach out to them. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the course and country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2400
Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 73650
A
Abhinav Gupta
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
3.5
Opportunity for those who seek it.
Tips: Before joining this college, students should be ready to take on coursework as soon as they start. Competition is tough because there is a big batch size. You will need to fight for your place. Make sure to learn how to cook because eating out is going to be expensive. Stop covering everything to the Dollar because you won't be able to survive.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is great because the college is very supportive. There are a lot of sports and advanced facilities. The campus has good food and a good vibe. LA as a city is amazing, there is so much to do. There is a little for everyone, city life, beaches, mountains, desert, culture, food and so much more.
Dislikes (Safety): LA as a city is very unsafe. There are homeless people everywhere on the street and even in public transport who come close to you and even try to engage unless you are careful. Travelling alone at night is very difficult and scary. There are crimes happening around every day.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1050
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 110000
A
Anonymous
M.S. in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
Grateful for the experience and lesson.
Tips: The campus is very friendly and welcoming and the student body is diverse so you'll be sure to fit in. The infrastructure is well made and living in California is great for Indians. If there is something to be cautious about, it is the amount of crime happening around the university.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4575
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 89075
G
Ganpati Goel
MS in Engineering Management (MSEMT) - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Southern California
4.1
The University is awesome, there is a lot of competition, sports, extracurriculars and party house.
Tips: Complete assignments on time, make sure to clear all subjects, and join extracurriculars like Table tennis, triathlon club and cycling etc., if you are not into all of this then don't bother coming to USC and save some money. USC is not merely for education but for the holistic development of self if you have missed that in Indian colleges.
Likes (Public transportation): I personally learnt skateboarding and life was so much easier than to walk the whole campus. So skateboarding + public transport I could travel anywhere in the city. USC also has unlimited free Lyft in 2 mile radius around the campus from 6 pm to 2 am. You can get the tap card at a discount for college students.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): In USA:
1. Post study jobs matter on the following:
a. Location of University. If you have done college from East Cost you will get a company call back from East Cost majorly and vice versa- the name of the college doesn't matter as much.
b. Experience: Your own experience matters. People with prior experience are more likely to secure jobs.
c. On campus companies: Very few companies that come on campus sponsor, so it is pretty much useless.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
A
Agraj Khare
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.9
This place has a lot to offer. Student life is happening.
Tips: One should definitely do their due diligence with which course they plan on taking UPAT USC. It is definitely a great leap and transition coming to a new country and it will take some time to get yourself adjusted in the system. Getting habitual of doing everything on your own can also prove to be challenging. With time you will definitely find an on-campus job to support your living expenses and things will improve for the better. The key is to remain patient and stay consistent. USC as a university has a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to grab onto opportunities and get as involved as you can! Make the most of it and have a great time. Striking a balance between fun and work is equally important.
Likes (Student Life): There is always something going around in campus. The campus is forever hustling and bustling. I honestly feel the people you'll meet at USC will be great, I am sure there are exceptions but the student population is diverse and has a lot to offer. There are ample events conducted by AIS (Association of Indian Students) so you don't miss your key festivals away from home.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety is definitely a concern in Downtown Los Angeles. Even though USC makes more than sufficient efforts to keep its students safe, you will come across instances of crime a little too frequently for comfort. But I still feel safety is a matter of personal choices as well. So always make sure you're cautious and taking the right precautions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1425
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.1
Great but also expensive
Tips: As someone who is from Mumbai, moving to LA feels like a huge change. The city is huge but it is difficult to explore without a car. The people here are welcoming, and there are a lot of international students, especially from India. But it is expensive without a scholarship, and USC discontinued the Honours Scholarship programme so it is more difficult to fund your education now.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at USC is really good. In the courses that I took, the faculty had a thorough understanding of all the topics and were super friendly and welcoming during their office hours. Even if you aren't able to reach the professors, there are TAs who are also really helpful most of the time.
Dislikes (Value for money): Although USC is a good school, it is quite expensive. There are a lot of students in some courses, and for those courses, the quality drops. I believe other universities that are less expensive have the same level of courses and an equal number of opportunities for internship and full-time jobs.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
4.2
Go with an open-mind to experience the best.
Tips: Very satisfied with my university, course and country. The first 2 months are the hardest but after that, you settle in and it only gets better. Do not create any opinions based on what seniors say, Experience everything and form your own opinions. Your masters experience depends on how you make it. Do not have preconceived notions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
No complaints, great network for better opportunities.
Tips: Apply early for a chance at a scholarship. Culture is very open-minded but there are ethnic and religious events happening year-round. Extremely satisfied with my course, nothing to complain about. I am currently specializing in ML maybe a bit more practical courses could have been better.
Likes (Student Life): Great fun, lot of people to network with, strong alumni network. This creates a strong bond between people. I really liked the atmosphere which was present at the place.
It is very open minded, people can be what they want, express themselves. And also you can still connected to your culture and tradition through various clubs
Dislikes (Internships): The job market was bad in 2023, thus finding an internship was bad. Otherwise, it has been fine. USC has a decent track record of students landing good internships. But 2023 was such a year that only 700 new tech jobs was created. That caused problems mainly.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1225
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100750
O
OMKAR VERMA
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.2
Expensive college, stressful course
Tips: You will have to be mentally strong before coming to the US, as it gets stressful at times. You have to do all things yourself like cooking, on-campus job, studies, finding full time employment. My course in VLSI is very stressful. It is fairly difficult and keeps you on your toes for at least 2 semesters. At the time of writing this review, markets are not that good, so finding a job is getting very difficult and stressful. I wish I had relevant experience before coming here.
Likes (Indian Food): In Los Angeles, there are numerous Indian restaurants. Some of them are decently priced and some are expensive, based on the ambiance. Generally, you can find good restaurants without any issues. As a reference, Chicken Biryani at a good restaurant typically ranges from USD 18 to USD 25. I try to save money by cooking my own food.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The immigration backlog for Indians coming to this country is extensive. The expected time for permanent residency is more than 100 years, so it is not possible for permanent settlement. Also, opportunities in India are growing exponentially. I plan to go back after my studies. I would be living peacefully in my country without any daily stress of losing a job and having to leave the country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 950
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 120000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.2
It is a good university but only if you can afford it.
Tips: You can consider joining this college only if you can manage the expenses. Avoid taking a loan as it is not justified for this university given that you are responsible for your placements and there is always the possibility of a recession or layoffs in the country. It is advisable to keep expenses minimal. On campus jobs are not very common but attainable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1325
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85225
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.1
The rich sporty college.
Tips: I feel that my university is expensive and because of the current job market, the investment was not worth it. Other than that, everything seemed fine. They encourage co-curricular activities. The environment here is very diverse and you can make good friends.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Professors over here are really knowledgeable. They know what they teach. They have office hours and encourage students to be interactive. PhD is something that professors here support. Overall I feel that it's great academically. That would be it.
Dislikes (Part time work): The number of students In USC is humongous, and the part-time job openings are relatively fewer. It's kind of hard to get a part-time on-campus job. I would recommend students to hunt for jobs at the lab. Even though it's difficult, it would be worth it.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
K
Kaushal Ganesh Binjola
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
3.7
University of Southern California is safe choice.
Tips: The courses are heavy, and the university is quite academically oriented. It is also a very expensive university, so you should take courses that suit you well (these courses are competitive and difficult). It is also an expensive endeavour to live off campus, but there are great student housing and security measures like free Lyft, and security is provided by the university.
Likes (Student Life): There are many on-campus events for students. Other than that, there are hundreds of student-run clubs catering to any hobby you might have. The campus is pretty big as well brimming with things happening any time you go to campus. There is also an app for you to stay up to date with all events.
Dislikes (Safety): Los Angeles is notorious for being an unsafe city. There are constant reports of assault or robbery. But the college has noted this and has free Lyft and security patrol zones. Other than that, the public transport is shady, filled with people who are most probably high.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Akshay Jain
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
4.0
Exceptionally qualified teaching faculty.
Tips: Before joining any college in the US, students should be aware that they will struggle at some point. They will make bad decisions, lose track of time, don't get enough time to cook and might even get bad grades. However, they have to motivate and keep on trying. USC has taught me a lot and groomed my entire personality. This is a continuous learning process and it takes time to reach the goals set.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Most of the Computer Science faculty on campus are exceptionally qualified and willing to help students in every possible manner. They take student feedback into consideration and offer make-up assignments as well. Teaching methodology involves theory + practical application with a focus on clearing fundamentals. Classes are fun but that depends upon student interest. The teaching faculty is diverse and understanding.
Dislikes (Safety): USC has partnered with DPS (Depth. Of Public Safety, under LAPD) to ensure patrolling of areas around the campus during night time. There are security personnel (USC Yellow Jackets) placed at strategic locations to monitor the area. However, students sometimes face incidents related to cycle theft, burglary, fondling, etc. due to negligence and the homeless population around the area.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 100
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
A
Abhimanyu Sharma
BA in Cinema and Media Studies - Batch of 2021
Offered by University of Southern California
4.0
Excellent faculty at the film school.
Tips: There is a culture shock for sure, despite assuming that I know everything cause I saw all the TV shows so couldn't be more wrong. The film course is under the school of cinematic arts, which is known to be quite competitive. The faculty of the film school includes renowned names in the industry, and they train you to keep up with the industry standard.
Likes (Student Life): There are clubs, societies, and networking for everyone if you seek it out. It is centrally located so you have access to various necessities and leisure. They have sports facilities for those that are inclined towards that. I joined several clubs and ended up meeting a lot of like-minded people, which definitely helps in adjusting to a new country.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration options are easier for STEM majors, although there are plenty of options for other fields as well all across the spectrum. I personally wanted to get back to India and pursue filmmaking in Bombay, although if you network well enough, there are collaborative opportunities that you can pursue with other international students.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1223
Prepping time for classes17 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
L
Lasya Vadapalli
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2022
Offered by University of Southern California
2.2
USC is very expensive, try public universities.
Tips: USC is very expensive. Apart from that, the university boosts a number of labs which provide ample research opportunities. The student population is very diverse. It also has a huge Indian population. Courses are difficult to register for because of the large class size.
Likes (Public transportation): I found public transport non-reliable due to erratic schedule and it is not very safe. The campus shuttle is not very frequent. Most students use personal means to travel to the campus. Hence, it is important that you stay close to the campus.
Dislikes (Internships): We received very limited help from the university. The Office of International Services (OIS) sometimes does not provide enough support to international students. The career services do not provide personalized help. The career fairs are also not that great.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1170
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 129176
A
Astha Tewatia
MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
Mental peace and health are given importance at University of Southern California
Tips: Students should not get intimidated by the fee expenses. They should be willing for hard-core multitasking and should be at their best in time management. If not, they will miss out on some serious opportunities organized by the university for students. Students should be willing to come out of their comfort zone and should actively participate in activities for making the most of this university.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The quality of faculty is 5/5. They make your efforts count in every possible manner. It is very easy to reach out to the professors and they are always willing to help students out of their domain as well. Mental peace and health are given importance. Professors are always ready to listen to students which is all that an international student needs sometimes.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety in Los Angeles has been quite an issue for students over here. Public transportation is not the first option for many students when traveling alone. I have witnessed incidents where safety of people in LA is compromised. Homelessness is a major concern over here.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 904
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
P
Parul Gupta
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2021
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
USC rocks! One should take admission here.
Tips: Hard work is the key and try to connect with Alumni and get suggestions for subjects. Prepare LeetCode for technical interviews. Talk to the professors before getting enrolled in a subject regarding which you are doubtful, as every course has its own fees and structure.
Likes (Safety): The university has its own team to take care of it. They have free Lyft app for certain areas and cruise availability for students. They have security people in the campus to watch over students' activities during off hours and at nights, they make sure that nothing wrong happens.
Dislikes (Value for money): Other cheaper universities can provide the same experience and better education in some subjects. Also, other universities might have more flexible syllabus to do what you want in a particular field. Assignments are pretty hectic for some courses.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1194
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101667
A
Anonymous
BS in Business Administration - Batch of 2028
Offered by University of Southern California
4.1
Unwavering success and collaboration.
Tips: There is always a bit of a culture shift when you migrate to a different country. Though USC is so diverse in its student body, it still feels like home. There is no other place I'd want to be at. There are multiple scholarships that you can apply for, and if you're merit enough, you might end up getting them. Public transportation is not really convenient because it does not connect a lot of places that anyone wants to go to. And even if it does, it is not really that safe to use alone or in a small group. The public transportation is technically very affordable but given that it is not that safe or easy to use, its affordability doesn't add much to its benefits.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty here is excellent. They are approachable, even if you are not taking a class with them. It is very diverse and the faculty represents multiple nationalities from multiple countries. The teaching methodology is very practical and very much inclined towards the emphasis of group work and team spirit and collaboration.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes5 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
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