Open Doors: February 19, 3:45 p.m. (GMT +3)
about the program
The Skoltech Engineering Systems seeks to educate the next generation of highly qualified graduates, empowering them with the skills to develop digital engineering, robotics, aerospace and space technologies, and introduce scientific developments into the economy.
The graduates emerge as visionary leaders equipped to steer digital transformation projects and develop cyber-physical systems and high-tech products, integrating advanced technologies such as digital twins, intelligent materials and product lifecycle management systems across various domains on Earth and in space.
The program fosters creativity in solving critical problems in aerospace, energy, and robotics, enabling graduates to apply skills in the following spheres:
The graduates emerge as visionary leaders equipped to steer digital transformation projects and develop cyber-physical systems and high-tech products, integrating advanced technologies such as digital twins, intelligent materials and product lifecycle management systems across various domains on Earth and in space.
The program fosters creativity in solving critical problems in aerospace, energy, and robotics, enabling graduates to apply skills in the following spheres:
- to manage R&D with a focus on satellite systems, drones, and robots
- develop IT methodologies
- design complex engineering systems, including the ones based on modern methods of synthesis and processing of materials
- contribute to satellite surveillance, solar physics, space weather and aeronautics projects.
Product development and new materials for industry. The track focuses on technologies and methodologies for the developing products, systems, and new materials of pivotal importance for hi-tech sectors and society. Particular emphasis is placed on digital twins and ways to efficiently use and adapt digital technologies to create modern products, innovative materials, and systems and analyze their competitive advantage.
The track includes Principles of Manufacturing, an optional MIT micro-master's program with topics covering all stages of product development: from conceptual design (Systems Engineering), detailed design and analysis using a comprehensive set of digital industrial software systems (DISS) to increasing production volumes (Digital Manufacturing Systems), as well as the programs “Applied materials and their applications”, and “Method of correlation analysis of material properties.”
The track includes Principles of Manufacturing, an optional MIT micro-master's program with topics covering all stages of product development: from conceptual design (Systems Engineering), detailed design and analysis using a comprehensive set of digital industrial software systems (DISS) to increasing production volumes (Digital Manufacturing Systems), as well as the programs “Applied materials and their applications”, and “Method of correlation analysis of material properties.”
The track includes a series of courses on modern intelligent robotics covering the following:
Students will have the opportunity to conduct research using collaborative UR robots, a Unitree quadruped robot, a humanoid robot, and a drone swarm, as well as to develop their own robotic systems and VR solutions.
While working on their master’s theses, students will be able to collaborate with research groups from leading universities around the world, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and others. Track students will also be supported in writing and presenting research papers at top-tier conferences in intelligent robotics and VR, such as: ICRA, IROS, HRI, ICUAS, ROBIO, SMC, the Haptics Symposium.
- Physical AI, UAV swarms, mobile, industrial, and collaborative robots
- robotic perception (SLAM, Visual Transformers, Diffusion models, navigation)
- AI for robotics (application of VLA, IL, DRL in robotics)
- VR & Haptics (tactile displays, VR/AR teleoperation, digital twins).
Students will have the opportunity to conduct research using collaborative UR robots, a Unitree quadruped robot, a humanoid robot, and a drone swarm, as well as to develop their own robotic systems and VR solutions.
While working on their master’s theses, students will be able to collaborate with research groups from leading universities around the world, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and others. Track students will also be supported in writing and presenting research papers at top-tier conferences in intelligent robotics and VR, such as: ICRA, IROS, HRI, ICUAS, ROBIO, SMC, the Haptics Symposium.
The track focuses on delving into deep science and developing complex space and engineering systems, including the creation of advanced materials for the aerospace industry, to train scientists, space mission designers, and leaders of design teams for complex space-borne and engineering systems. The program covers a range of topics, including the following:
Additionally, the students acquire the skills to extract valuable insights from space data to evaluate the potential of space-related services and applications, including experimental data analysis, study of the behavior of materials in space, remote sensing fundamentals, and space weather. This track offers extensive research opportunities spanning the following areas:
- systems engineering, development of aerospace structures using new composites and functional materials
- design and construction of small spacecraft
- orbital mechanics and maneuvering
- fundamental research on both solar physics and space weather
Additionally, the students acquire the skills to extract valuable insights from space data to evaluate the potential of space-related services and applications, including experimental data analysis, study of the behavior of materials in space, remote sensing fundamentals, and space weather. This track offers extensive research opportunities spanning the following areas:
- advanced methods and platforms for space exploration
- remote sensing data analysis to innovative applications of swarm technology for large autonomous satellite constellations
- creation of new materials resistant to high temperatures and radiation
- solar physics, space weather
- data collection and analysis from sensors on satellites, drones, and ground-based devices
- AI-based data processing and analysis to solve problems in the field of ecology, agriculture, urban planning and emergency response.
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Mode, duration
2 years (full-time) - Language
English - Fees
Russian citizens: Tuition costs covered by Skoltech
International students: 875,000 rubles/year (≈$11,000) with tuition waivers - Application
The application period for Skoltech programs for 2026 is open. The first wave deadline is March 16 - Benefits
Monthly scholarship up to 55,000 rub/month (≈$680) for highest-scoring applicants
Our graduates will be able to
- 01
develop a holistic view of competitive products and complex systems - 02
conceive, design, implement and operate complex systems in all fields, including robotics, modern transportation system and aerospace systems - 03
create new services in navigation, communications, earth observation, and space weather - 04
design robots, robotics technologies, intelligent embedded systems and sensors, and VR solutions
- 05
conduct new observations and measurements from space - 06
design, build and test their own products/systems, including satellites (CubeSats)
- 07
build a career or create a startup in the field of digital engineering, product engineering, space, robotics, and VR
- 08
pursue PhD studies, including dual-degree programs and collaborations with international universities
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 at world–class laboratories. The following research areas are available for you:
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Engineering Design Science - Autonomous Systems & Robotics
- Cyber-Physical Systems & PLM
- Aerospace & Space Exploration
- Energy Conversion Physics & Technology
- Micromaterials Engineering & Smart Manufacturing
- Automatic Control & AI-Driven Automation
- Intelligent Systems & IoT
labs
future career
our graduates shape their own futures by choosing from a variety of career opportunities in industry, science and business.
- industrySpecialist positions in Russian and international engineering companies, including Skolkovo residents and startups, space, and robotics.
- science
Continuing research at leading Russian and international research bodies. - startup
Starting a business on their own or through the Skolkovo innovation ecosystem with its extensive pool of experts, consultants, and investors.
partners
Skoltech has strongly established connections with leading companies in the industry 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.
Prepare your portfolio
- CV
- Motivation letter
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Diploma or transcript from the university
- Certificates and awards
Submit your application
Upload your materials into the SIA application system (apply.skoltech.ru)
Online testing
Every candidate must take an online subject test. You will be notified via email about the date and time of your test.
online exam samples in English and in Russian
online exam samples in English and in Russian
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.
Enrollment
You will be enrolled in Skoltech based on the results of all the competitive selection procedures.
entry requirements
Knowledge, skills and education background for successful enrollment into the program
- knowledge and skillsStudent profile: curiosity for engineering, science, and technology; self-motivation and proactiveness.
Programming skills: MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia (at least one language). - educationRelevant bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, in engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, aerospace, transportation, computer sciences, etc
- english languageIf your education has not been conducted in English, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
faculty
enjoy courses and supervision by world-renowned scientists and engineers
We equip our students with all knowledge and skills to become high achievers:
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Ekaterina Kotenko-Lengold: 2nd prize winner at SLUSH; Vice President at Astro Digital. - Hripsime Matevosyan: Emerging Space Leader Award (2015), International Astronautical Federation.
- Ignasi Lluch I Cruz: Innovative Earth Observation Missions Paper Competition (2015), OHB System (DE).
- Dominik Knoll: Top-10 paper at SECESA 2016 conference (60 submissions).
- Natalia Glazkova: 3rd prize winner at the Sevan Startup Summit in Armenia (Sense2Beat project – a clinical-grade heart monitoring biosensor).
- A Skoltech students team won the Russian round of EuroBot, Europe's high-profile robotics competition, and placed fifth globally, representing Russia in the international finals.
application
The application period for Skoltech master's programs is now open. The first wave deadline is March 16. To apply, press the button below.
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).
If you submit your full application before February 15, 2026 (inclusive), the application fee will be waived.
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).
If you submit your full application before February 15, 2026 (inclusive), the application fee will be waived.
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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