In 2015 graduate students from Russia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, China, the Czech Republic, Kenya and other countries were admitted to PhD programs. This year one can apply for 20 practically-oriented courses. It is planned to enroll 270 state-sponsored students; apart from that one can study on the basis of full fee-paying.
Last year ITMO University simplified the admission process: instead of complex bureaucratic paperwork newcomers applied online using ITMOproctor system, which made it easier for international candidates and those who live in Russia but far from St. Petersburg.
“Last year more than 60 students passed the entrance tests distantly. In 2016 we plan to offer this way all newcomers; it will give an opportunity to apply easily. International student won`t have to get an invitation and come to St. P. even for passing the tests,” said Maria Skvortsova, head of International Postgraduate Office of ITMO University.
Currently one also can submit applications for grants and communicate with supervisors using modern technologies.
Recently ITMO University launched two PhD programs taught in English. According to Ms. Skvortsova, these programs will be popular with both international and Russian students who want to improve their English language skills. For this purposes the authors of these courses included writing classes and speaking trainings by native speakers.
Apart from that ITMO University provides double degree programs supported by leading universities of Europe, Australia and the USA. Thus last year Nina Sobeshchuk became one of the first students who graduated from the joint program guided by ITMO University and ENS Cachan.
“We are going to implement the academic credit system. Now we practice this way inviting international lecturers who give their classes at the University. Having completed these credit courses student receive certificates that are equivalent to the results of examination in some discipline,” noted Ms. Skvortsova.
To support young researchers the authorities enhanced the scholarships for PhD student with excellent results. One also can participate in international internships and academic mobility programs launched two times a year.
“ITMO University supports active and promising young researchers by offering extra awards for those who publish scientific papers and have highest marks. The most talented PhD students are hired by Departments and r&d centers of the University. Just a few universities in Russia offer these opportunities,” mentioned the expert.
According to the statistics, about 80 per cent of postgraduate students continue their career at ITMO University. Thanks to a flexible schedule they can start with half-time job, which gives them an opportunity to gain more experience.
