How to choose your specialization

PhD applicants can choose out of 53 scientific specializations in 11 subject areas: information technology, AI, cybersecurity, physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, engineering sciences, robotics, humanities, biotechnology, and foodtech. Furthermore, the university has 15 operating Academic Degree Councils in 33 specializations.

In total, ITMO offers 258 tuition-free and 141 fee-based positions, along with 91 spots within the target quota.

How to choose your study format

Nearly all specializations at ITMO include two tracks – industrial and academic. Students are free to change their track over the course of their studies.

The industrial track is for those who want to combine theory and practice and become technological leaders. Beginning their first year, students of this track start to work with PEs (principal engineers) who understand market needs, manage versatile teams, and know how to test ideas and attract investments.

Under their supervision, PhD students get to take part in R&D projects for one of the university’s 30 industrial partners: VK, Sberbank, Samolet Group, Gazprom Neft, Russian Railways, MTS, EuroChem Group, Yadro, and others. Students complete industrial internships, receive stipends from partner companies, and work on products and technologies that will then be launched into the market. 

ITMO PhD graduates have less trouble finding a job and may easily continue working at the company of their choice as they are already familiar with their inner workings and have experience working together on real-world fundamental projects.  

The academic track will suit those who would like to improve their research skills and pursue an academic career. In this track, students are engaged in frontier research, publish their papers in world-famous journals, participate in grant competitions, and intern at Russian and international laboratories. 

Generally, PhD programs take three to four years to complete. PhD students can combine work with their studies; classes are typically held remotely in the evenings. Meetings with supervisors, conferences, and other events take place according to an individual plan.

How to apply

Select your supervisor. By making your choice in advance, you can make sure you are on the same academic wavelength with your supervisor. Moreover, a letter of recommendation from your supervisor can get you additional points when applying for the program. 

To select your supervisor, you need to:

• Study the list of academic supervisors on the website, as well as learn more about their scientific interests, thesis topics, and ongoing projects;

• Contact the supervisor of your choice via email, attach your CV and future thesis topic, and set up a meeting or a call; 

• Make sure your supervisor agrees to work with you;

• When filling out your application, choose your supervisor from the list and indicate your thesis topic;

• Wait for a response from your supervisor. 

Register on the admissions website. You can pick up to three specializations for a tuition-free position and up to three more for a fee-based position. Afterwards, you will need to fill out an application and upload scanned copies of your documents.

Pass entrance exams. Exams are held remotely and are based on the five-point (specialization) and three-point (foreign language) scales. Regardless of the number of chosen specializations, you will take a foreign language exam only once. Winners of the Enroll at ITMO with English contest have the right to opt out of taking an English exam. 

During your entrance exam, you will be asked about the topic of your future PhD thesis. This question largely determines your enrollment chances. Therefore, it's better to select your supervisor and thesis topic beforehand, as well as have a prepared research plan that covers its goals and objectives, methodology, and key data sources and literature.

Confirm your enrollment. There are several ways to do that:

• Compile your confirmation on the website, sign it, and hand it in at the PhD Office on Kronverksky Pr. 49 by August 28, 6 PM (GMT+3);

• Send your confirmation (printed out and signed) by mail or courier service to the admissions office (197101, Russia, St. Petersburg, Kronverksky Pr. 49);

• Submit your documents via the Gosuslugi portal. 

Key dates

Applications for PhD programs are accepted starting June 1; the admissions office on Kronverksky Pr. 49 will open on June 20.

Entrance exams will be held in two stages: from July 21 to July 28 and from August 8 to August 15. The dates do not affect the applicant’s admissions chances. You can find a complete list of specializations and exam dates here. English exams will take place on August 18, 19, and 20. Entrance exams to fee-based positions will conclude on August 25. 

Applications will be accepted via the admissions website until August 5. The list of enrolled students will be published on the website on August 27. Applicants must confirm their enrollment by August 28. 

All information about the ongoing admission campaign, entrance exam dates, and enrollment lists is available on ITMO’s official admissions website. For any updates, follow our VK page and Telegram channel for PhD applicants, as well as our international VK and Telegram pages. Should you have any questions regarding PhD studies at ITMO, send them via aspirantura@itmo.ru or contact us at +7 (812) 480-03-70.