The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), one of Russia’s top graduate schools for innovation and technology, was established in 2011 in collaboration with MIT. Skoltech, located in Moscow’s Skolkovo Innovation Centre, provides cutting-edge Master’s and PhD programs that are exclusively taught in English. This is one of the prestigious Russian Scholarship for STEM studies which is fully funded and offer greater future opportunities.
The Reasons Skoltech Is Unique
1. Top-notch faculty: Scholars actively engage in research and publish their findings worldwide.
2. Flexibility & Freedom: Students combine theory and applied courses to create customized learning schedules.
3. Industry immersion: Internships at leading corporations and research centers are included into the curriculum.
4. International, English-speaking community: At Skoltech, students from more than 25 different countries learn and teach in English.
5. Innovation-focused: The university supports technology transfer and startups.
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For More Master’s Scholarships Check This: Master’s Scholarships
Skoltech Scholarship Overview & Benefits
Skoltech provides fully paid scholarships for all admitted Master’s and PhD students, including:
• There are no tuition costs for the duration of your program.
• The monthly stipend is ≥40,000 RUB (~US$450) for master’s degrees and about 70,000 RUB (~US$790) for doctoral degrees.
• Included is health insurance.
• Academic mobility: Possibilities for exchange with MIT and other prestigious colleges.
• Assistance with relocation: Certain programs offer flight and lodging assistance.
Note: Stipend does not cover accommodation or travel unless otherwise stated.
Programs & Eligibility
Master’s (MSc)
- Duration: 2 years.
- Fields include Data Science, Advanced Computational Science, Biotech, Petroleum Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, and more.
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s (or specialist) degree in a relevant STEM field.
- Strong academic background.
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT ≥ 72, ITP ≥ 543, IELTS ≥ 5.5, Cambridge ≥ 160, Linguotest ≥ 66; waived if previous degree taught in English.
PhD
- Duration: 3–4 years.
- Fields include Materials Science, Physics, Life Sciences, Engineering Systems, Computational & Data Science, Agro biotechnologies, Petroleum Engineering, Mathematics & Mechanics.
- Eligibility:
- Master’s or specialist degree in a relevant field.
- Similar English requirements as MSc.
Application Steps
1. Sign up online using the official Admissions site of Skoltech.
2. Send in the following documents: a résumé or CV; a statement of purpose (SOP); and two scholarly recommendations.
o Certificates and transcripts
o Results of English tests (unless exempted)
Proposal for research (PhD only)
o GRE (optional, may enhance application).
3. Pay the application cost of 500 RUB (about US$20) for overseas candidates.
4. Take an aptitude exam online.
5. Attend the Selection Weekend (virtual or in-person) for interviews and English tests.
6. A scholarship offer and admissions determination are then made.
Life at Skoltech & Campus
• Location: Inside Moscow, next to Odintsovo, next to a sizable forest and neighbourhood facilities including parks, cafés, and transportation.
• Campus amenities include a petaflop supercomputer (also known as “Zhores”) and contemporary labs.
o Centres that deal with photonics, materials, energy, biotechnology, AI, etc.
o A vibrant global community that hosts conferences, events, and mentorship.
• Work-life balance: Dormitories (free or subsidised for overseas students) and on-campus employment/research possibilities are offered.
FAQs — All Your Questions Answered
1. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes: Includes full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (40 k–70 k RUB), and medical insurance. Relocation help varies.
2. Do I need to pay an application fee?
Yes. International applicants pay ~500 RUB (~US$20).
3. Are English tests like IELTS or TOEFL mandatory?
Required unless your previous degree was in English. Exemption is possible with Skoltech’s internal test during Selection Weekend.
4. Is GRE necessary?
Optional but helpful, especially for competitive candidates.
5. What’s Selection Weekend?
A 2-day evaluation featuring interviews, English exam, and tests—typically in May–June.
6. Will I get dormitory accommodation?
Foreign students generally receive dorm placements (~99%).
7. Are PhD stipends higher than those for MSc?
Yes: MSc recipients receive ~40,000 RUB/month; PhD recipients get ~70,000 RUB/month.
8. Can I work while studying?
On-campus roles such as lab assistantships are common, and some students earn extra income this way.
9. Is Skoltech’s degree internationally recognized?
Yes – courses follow the Bologna system, and its partnership with MIT boosts its global reputation.
10. Are STEM fields mandatory?
Yes – relevant STEM background is required. Humanities or business candidates need strong tech credentials.
Tips to Boost Your Application
1. Get started early: Try to turn in all of your components well in advance of the July deadlines.
2. Place a strong emphasis on research: Highlight pertinent work in your CV or SOP.
3. Strong recommendations: Get letters attesting to your potential from instructors or bosses.
4. If you can, take the GRE; it can help you stand out from the competition.
5. Get ready for Selection Weekend by practicing answering technical questions and communicating in English.
6. Make connections with labs: Get in touch with Skoltech professors whose work interests you; individual effort may have a significant impact.
Final Take
For aspirational STEM students who are prepared to pursue research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Skoltech University Scholarship offers a top-tier opportunity. Skoltech, which is fully financed and provides English education at the Cambridge level, offers a potent blend of academic independence, state-of-the-art facilities, and a global setting.
Looking to make a worldwide impact in technology, materials, biotech, data, energy, or engineering? This is your opportunity. Just make sure your proposal is well-considered, submitted on time, and centered on research.
Ready to Apply?
- Master’s deadline: July 7, 2025
- PhD deadline: July 1, 2025
- Apply at: Skoltech Admissions portal (choose MSc or PhD)
- Contact: admissions@skoltech.ru
