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AI Robotics
Joint educational program of Skoltech and Yandex
Master of Science
in Mathematics and Computer Science
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Future profession: Intelligent Robotics Engineer
about the program
The program trains robotics engineers who develop intelligent systems at the intersection of software and hardware. It is designed for graduates of technical fields and developers who want to dive deeper into robotics, AI, and industrial automation.

Students learn to create algorithms for autonomous systems, integrate AI and ML models into hardware, and design robotic platforms. The program’s main focus is hands-on practice with a modern tech stack for model training, real-world tasks from the Yandex Robotics, internships, and thesis projects guided by industry mentors.
Infrastructure partner of the program —
The program is delivered with the support of Skoltech Artificial Intelligence Center and Skoltech Center for Digital Engineering.



  • 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)
  • Final deadline
    The final wave deadline is July 7
advantages of studying in the joint program with Yandex
  • Education that prepares you for work
    The program combines Yandex’s practical experience with Skoltech’s entrepreneurial spirit. Starting from the first year, students immerse themselves in real workflows and learn to turn ideas into fully functional solutions.
  • Practice on real projects
    Students tackle Yandex’s challenges related to mobile and industrial robots, participate in internships, and write theses based on real company cases — from optimizing algorithms to developing new robot modules.
  • Relevant skills
    Students master cutting-edge technologies and approaches: applied use of AI/ML in hardware, designing autonomous systems, and working with modern robotics frameworks and sensors.
  • Yandex infrastructure
    Students use the same equipment and software as the company’s engineers. This allows them to immediately apply their knowledge and test solutions in real products — for example, improving algorithms for drones or creating new modules for smart factories.
the educational process is built on:

  • Balance of theory and practice

    Theoretical studies are tied to robotics challenges, ensuring students can work proficiently with both software and hardware.

  • Summer internships

    Students solve real engineering problems in Yandex’s product teams, which could involve tasks like navigation, sensors, or robotic modules.

  • Two mentors per student

    Each student is guided by two mentors: an academic one from Skoltech and a practical one from Yandex. This bridges the academic approach with solving current industry challenges.

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
  • Startup as thesis
    Transform your idea into a start-up
  • 2+3 PhD
    Seamless continuation into PhD Program
professional skills
during your studies, you will acquire the following key skills
  • Software development (C++ / Python)
  • ML development
  • Infrastructure development
  • Embedded development
  • Development of electronics and circuit technology
  • Development of mechanics
  • Development of robot integration with customer systems
  • Elaboration of product hypotheses
  • Setting up robots on the target site
research
a key component of your studies is independent research at world–class laboratories with the following research areas available for you:
  • Application of CV and ML in robotics
  • VLA for real operations model in logistics
  • Control and coordination system for heterogeneous robots
  • Real-time navigation and planning systems for robots in various dynamic environments
labs
every program allocates 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
the graduates of the program have great prospects and a wide range of career and business opportunities
Intelligent Robotics Engineer
Designs and implements autonomous robotic systems that integrate hardware (sensors, microcontrollers) with ML algorithms. Develops solutions for navigation, processing data from cameras/lidars, and optimizing AI models.
ML Engineer in Robotics
Develops and adapts ML algorithms for robot control, sensor data processing, and optimizing AI models for hardware.
Systems Architect for Robotic Solutions
Designs the architecture of autonomous systems, integrating hardware components (lidars, cameras) with AI algorithms and distributed computing.
Industrial Process Automation Engineer
Implements robotic solutions in manufacturing, from designing manipulators to integrating with warehouse management systems (WMS).
R&D Project Manager in Robotics
Oversees the development of new products, from research to industrial deployment, coordinating teams of engineers and analysts.
admissions
applications for competitive selection can be submitted online. The bigger part of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage take place offline at the Skoltech campus.
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 (additionally, we accept the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 100). You will also earn additional points for choosing an English path.

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 test sample
exam samples in Russian
Final stage
The final selection will take place in Moscow. You will need to pass an in-person interview, an entrepreneurship challenge, and a written math examination.

math exam sample
math exam sample (new)
Enrollment
You will be enrolled in Skoltech based on the results of all the competitive selection procedures
entry requirements
knowledge, skills and education background sufficient for successful enrollment
  • Education
    Bachelor's Degree or its equivalent in Mathematics, Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, or related disciplines.
  • Knowledge and skills
    Calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability theory and mathematical statistics, discrete mathematics (including graph theory and basic algorithms), programming.
  • 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
  • Ivan Tyukin
    Professor at Skoltech
    head of the program from Skoltech
  • Ivan Kalinov
    CEO Yandex Robotics, Skoltech alumnus
    head of the program from Yandex
Evgeny Burnaev
Professor
Dmitry Dylov
Associate Professor
Gonzalo Ferrer
Assistant Professor
Pavel Osinenko
Assistant Professor
Dzmitry Tsetserukou
Associate Professor
Aleksandr Mikhalev
Assistant Professor
application
The application period for Skoltech master's programs is now open. The final wave deadline is July 7. To apply, press the button below.
Apply
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
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