The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) in Russia has opened admissions for its Fully Funded Master’s and PhD programs for the 2026 intake. Hosted in Moscow, Russia, Skoltech offers an international, research-focused environment where English is the language of instruction and communication. The first-wave deadlines are March 16, 2026 for Master’s programs and April 27, 2026 for PhD programs. If you are targeting a competitive fully funded opportunity for international students, this is a strong option to apply online before the deadline.
About the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) Master’s and PhD Programs
- Host Country: Russia
- Duration: MSc (2 Years), PhD (3–4 Years)
- Dates:
MSc Applications: February 2, 2026 – July 7, 2026
PhD Applications: February 2, 2026 – June 29, 2026
MSc Wave 1: February 2 – March 16, 2026
MSc Wave 2: March 17 – June 1, 2026
MSc Wave 3: June 2 – July 7, 2026
PhD Wave 1: February 2 – April 27, 2026
PhD Wave 2: April 28 – June 29, 2026 - Benefits: Fully funded tuition coverage (based on competitive selection), monthly scholarship, medical insurance, academic exchange opportunities, and industrial internships.
- Deadline: MSc First Wave Deadline: March 16, 2026 | PhD First Wave Deadline: April 27, 2026
- Also Check: DAAD Scholarships (Germany) | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | KAUST Fully Funded Scholarships (Saudi Arabia)
Skoltech is a modern international research institute that unifies fundamental science with real-life applications. Students study in a dynamic environment where they can explore interdisciplinary courses, build an individual study plan, and gain hands-on experience through industry immersion and research projects.
Financial Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage for international students (awarded based on competitive selection results)
- Monthly scholarship (standard amounts): MSc: 40,000 RUB/month | PhD: 75,000 RUB/month
- Possibility of an increased scholarship for selected students during studies (by special commission)
- Medical insurance for international students (in accordance with Skoltech local policies)
- Participation opportunities in academic exchange programs with Russian and foreign universities
- Industrial immersion through internships at leading corporations and research centers
Also Check: Chevening Scholarships (UK) | Türkiye Scholarships | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Program Details
Skoltech offers a strong academic and research experience supported by an open, international community of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. All programs are delivered in English, and students have significant freedom in choosing courses and building an individual study plan with a modern interdisciplinary focus.
- Faculty members bring decades of active research experience from top global universities
- Industrial internships and immersion with leading corporations and research centers
- Entrepreneurship & innovation learning with support for technology transfer and high-tech startups
- A multicultural campus environment with international-level instruction and collaboration
Competitive Selection Process (MSc)
- Stage 1: Online Application (submit documents and pay application fee)
- Stage 2: Online Testing (academic knowledge and analytical skills)
- Stage 3: Selection Weekend (final round: 1–2 days, interviews, group assignments, written exams, and if required, an English proficiency test)
All selection challenges and assessments are conducted in English only. The final selection round is held in person at the Skoltech campus, with an online participation option available by prior arrangement.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to applicants of all nationalities (Fully Funded opportunities available for International Students through competitive selection)
- Age (if applicable): No specific age limit stated
- Background:
MSc: Senior undergraduate students (4th year or beyond) and graduates with a completed degree
PhD: Master’s, Specialist degree, or an equivalent qualification from a Russian or foreign university - Requirements:
English proficiency: minimum CEFR B2 (mandatory, as all programs are taught in English)
Accepted minimum test scores (if applicable): TOEFL iBT 72 | TOEFL ITP 543 | Lingvotest 66 | Duolingo English Test (DET) minimum B2
If you do not have TOEFL/DET/Lingvotest scores, you may take an internal English proficiency test during the final stage (if required)
No minimum GPA requirement to apply
Required Documents
MSc Programs:
- Higher education diploma with transcripts (appendices) or official academic record (if diploma is not yet available)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
- Two letters of recommendation (in English, with recommender contact details)
- If available: English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL / Duolingo English Test / Lingvotest)
- Additional materials (optional): publications, projects, research papers
PhD Programs:
- All documents listed for MSc Programs
- Research proposal (topic, objectives, tasks, methodology, and rationale for relevance)
All application documents must be submitted in English. If your documents are originally in another language, attach copies of the original documents along with an English translation (notarization is not required).
How to Apply for the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) Programs?
To apply, submit your application through the official Skoltech admissions system and complete the required stages of the competitive selection. You will need to upload your documents, pay the application fee, and (if shortlisted) take online tests and attend the final selection stage. The application fee is 1,000 RUB if paying with a card issued by a bank in Russia or 50 USD if paying with a card issued by a bank outside Russia (the final amount may vary due to your bank’s specific charges). Apply early to maximize your chance of receiving full tuition coverage and scholarship support.
Official Website: Please use the official Skoltech admissions page for complete program details and application instructions.
