about the program
Skoltech Life Sciences program trains sought-after professionals capable of tackling challenges in bioinformatics, biomedicine, genetics, neurobiology, drug design, and other fields. Its graduates contribute to scientific progress, advance basic research, and develop groundbreaking technology.
This direction provides a state-of-the-art education in experimental biology and functional genomics, сell and molecular biology.
This direction covers diverse areas of modern biology ranging from the function and regulation of individual genes to the analysis of big data on cellular interactions at all levels, from genome to metabolome and chromatin structure, all the way to molecular evolution.
This direction teaches students to conduct research and develop innovative products for the globally dynamic sector of agriculture-related industries and startups. The focus is on genetic/genomic approaches (including computational methods) to plant and animal research, as well as on improving the efficiency, sustainability, resilience, and profitability of agriculture — one of the most steadily developing sectors of the Russian economy.
This direction trains top-notch professionals in the rapidly developing and multidisciplinary field of neural technologies. The courses cover fundamental neuroscience (from brain molecules to function and systems), clinical applications, engineering, and the relevant mathematical methods. These are areas with tremendous scientific and economic potential.
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Mode, duration
2 years (full-time) - Language
English - Fees
Full tuition coverage - Application
The application period for Skoltech programs for 2025 is now open - Benefits
Monthly scholarship (up to 55.000 rub/month) - Upcoming deadline
The second wave deadline is May 12
our students:
01
gain advanced knowledge in the emerging areas of molecular biology, gene engineering, pharmacology, and bioinformatics, OMICS technologies, neurobiology, agrobiotechnology
02
develop hard and soft skills indispensable in a future career
03
master cutting-edge methods and technologies and learn to implement them in research
04
gain hands-on experience in designing and carrying out experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting results
05
choose from a multitude of fields and career pathways ranging from research labs to multinational companies
The 2-year program comprises compulsory and recommended elective courses on the most important topics, a wide range of elective courses (depending on the student's research and professional needs), components of entrepreneurship and innovation, research activity and 8 weeks of industrial immersion.
master thesis options
- Research
Perform world class science and application -
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research
A key component of your studies is independent research work at world–class laboratories
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Microbiology: bacterial adaptive immunity, development of new antibiotics - Immunology: individual repertoires of T-cell receptors and antibodies in health and disease
- Cellular and molecular biology: regulation of gene expression, noncoding RNAs, plant biology and genetics
- Computational biology and bioinformatics: structural proteomics, functional genomics, evolutionary biology, metagenomics
- Omics technologies: proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics
- Development of instrumentation and diagnostics: mass-spectrometry, test-systems for detection of pathogens, prediction of health risks, brain-computer interfaces
- Biomedicine: immunology, drug development, AI-guided neuro research for rehabilitation
labs
Every program dedicates time for students' independent research as a core part of their curriculum. Skoltech hosts over 40 world-class laboratories. Students have full access to the facilities throughout their studies and can conduct research based on their interests
future career
Our graduates shape their own futures by choosing from a variety of career opportunities in industry, science, and business.
Industry
landing bioinformatics, genetics and biomedical positions with major companies and startups
Science
landing PhD positions and extension of the research in leading Russian and international scientific entities
Startup
starting a business on their own or through the Skolkovo innovation ecosystem with its extensive pool of experts, partners, mentors and investors
partners
Skoltech maintains close ties with leading companies in industries and academia.
admissions
Applications for competitive selection can be submitted online. The bigger part of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage takes place offline at the Skoltech campus
1
Registration
Choose the language of the selection process. If you select the Russian path and successfully pass the selection, you will be required to attend a one-month English bootcamp with a covered tuition fee before your program begins. Note that you can only choose a Russian path if your English proficiency level is at least B1 according to CEFR. If you choose the English path, you must either pass an English exam on-site or present valid proof of English proficiency. You will also earn additional points for choosing an English path.
Prepare your portfolio:
Prepare your portfolio:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Diploma or transcript from the university
- Certificates and awards
2
Submit your application
Upload your materials into the SIA application system (apply.skoltech.ru)
3
Online testing
Every candidate must take an online subject test. You will be notified via email about the specific date and time of your test.
Examination for the Life Science Master's program will include a compulsory test in 4 subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Molecular Biology.
Applicants will also be asked to choose and complete an elective test in one of the following subjects: General Biology, Agrobiotechnology or Neurobiology.
sample compulsory test
sample elective test
sample compulsory and elective tests
sample online test in English and in Russian
Examination for the Life Science Master's program will include a compulsory test in 4 subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Molecular Biology.
Applicants will also be asked to choose and complete an elective test in one of the following subjects: General Biology, Agrobiotechnology or Neurobiology.
sample compulsory test
sample elective test
sample compulsory and elective tests
sample online test in English and in Russian
4
Final stage
The final selection will take place in Moscow. You will need to pass an in-person interview and an entrepreneurship challenge. Please note that extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time, and you will be notified in advance if this applies to you.
5
Enrollment
You will be enrolled in Skoltech based on the results of all the competitive selection procedures
entry requirements
Knowledge, skills and educational background sufficient for successful enrollment
education
Relevant bachelor's degree, or its equivalent in biology, chemistry, agro, IT, physics, medicine or mathematics
english language
If your education has not been conducted in English, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency or attend a one-month English bootcamp in August.
faculty
enjoy courses and supervision by world-renowned scientists and engineers
application
The application period for Skoltech master's programs is now open. The second wave deadline is May 12. To apply, press the button below.
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Contact us
e-mail: admissions@skoltech.ru
phone: +7 (495) 280-1481_ext.3387
address: 30с1 Bolshoi boulevard,
Skolkovo, 121205, Russian Federation
Room E-R3-2026
phone: +7 (495) 280-1481_ext.3387
address: 30с1 Bolshoi boulevard,
Skolkovo, 121205, Russian Federation
Room E-R3-2026
We are more than happy to meet visitors Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. Please arrange a visit 48 hours in advance by contacting admissions@skoltech.ru