Contents

• Where and how to apply
• Rounds
• Criteria
• Deadlines

Where and how to apply

Within the Design subject area at ITMO, prospective students can opt for the Computer Technologies in Design Bachelor’s program. Starting their first semester, they will master academic drawing, digital composition, typography, 3D modeling, and web development, as well as animation, interface and game design.

To apply to the program, applicants need to provide their USE scores in Russian and a subject of their choice – literature or history. Mathematics is not required – this is the only subject field at ITMO that does not have a math exam.

Furthermore, as of this year, applicants are required to pass an additional entrance exam, a creative competition to demonstrate their readiness to master design – and in particular, drawing, typography, and so on.

“In 2026, we decided to update the list of entrance exams for several specializations, including design; the main reason being that we want to enroll students who are best prepared for these programs. It’s important for applicants to know exactly what to expect in their training and, what’s more, be both professionally and mentally prepared for the coming four years of studies," notes Alexey Itin, an executive secretary of ITMO's Admissions Office.

Rounds

The contest includes two rounds held remotely on the same day with a proctoring specialist to observe the examination. To take the exam, applicants will need a PC or a laptop with a web camera, a smartphone as a second camera, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. Importantly, applicants are required to be alone in the room for the exam. They will be asked to show their passport before and ensure their work space is visible throughout the exam.

For the Drawing round, students will receive scanned images of objects and will have 2 hours 15 minutes to create a linear and tonal still life drawing (combining construction lines and shading and volume modeling) on A3 paper. Only a simple pencil and an eraser are permitted, no other drawing tools are allowed. The main task is to convey the depth of objects, their volume, and tonal values via hatching and without distorting the specified light direction.

The Composition round will last 2 hours and 15 minutes; applicants will be asked to create a digital polychrome (colored) image on a given subject. Font usage is mandatory: the tile must be organically integrated into the composition using a chosen typeface. Students are allowed to use any graphic editor or a tablet. This round evaluates students’ ability to incorporate their knowledge of composition, stylistic unity, imagery, and color theory. 

After each round, applicants will need to photograph or export their images and send them to the email address that will be given at the beginning of the test. Drawings must be submitted in the .jpg format with a resolution of at least 1752×2479px and composition – no less than 1240×1754px. The file name must include the name of the round and the applicant’s full name (e.g., Drawing Ivan Ivanov.jpg). 

Criteria

Students can receive up to 50 points for each round; the maximum score for the contest is 100 points. The Drawing round is evaluated based on four criteria:

• Layout and composition (the choice of reference points, object layout, and balance) – up to 15 points.
• Proportions and arrangement of objects (accuracy of objects’ proportions and their proportions relative to one another, depth, and spacing) – up to 15 points.
• Linear and constructive drawing (drawing simple and complex solids of revolution, a sphere, and a prism with retained construction lines) – up to 12 points.
• Volume and technique of execution (creating realistic depth using atmospheric perspective, strokes quality, and diversity of used methods) – up to 8 points.

The criteria for the Composition round include: 

• Formal composition and concept (the choice of field proportions, integrity, a focal point, and expressiveness) – up to 20 points.
• Typography (the choice of a typeface; how it matches the composition and the hierarchy) – up to 8 points.
• Color (the choice of colors, harmony, temperature, and tonal values) – up to 8 points.
• Graphic design and style (command of techniques, stylistic unity, and relevance to the subject) – up to 14 points.

Deadlines

The contest will be held several times throughout June and July. The schedule will be available shortly on the applicant's personal page on the admissions website. Applicants can sign up for the contest and choose a convenient date for their examination via the website. A video conference link will be sent to the applicant the day before the exam. The results will be announced as applications for each round will be processed – they will appear on the personal page, as well. 

In 2026, Bachelor’s admissions at ITMO will run from June 20 to August 18. July 25 is the key date for students applying within the general competition (with their USE scores) for tuition-free positions. For applicants taking the university’s internal entrance exams, the application deadline is earlier, July 15. Applicants to tuition-based positions need to submit their applications between June 20 and August 18.

Read our detailed guide to the 2026 admissions for Bachelor’s students at ITMO here and visit the admissions website to learn more about the programs.