about the program
Materials Science is an interdisciplinary educational program at Skoltech that emphasizes research into advanced materials, energy materials, carbon materials, metals and composites, biology materials, and computational materials design. The degree program builds encompasses core courses taught by Energy Center faculty and elective courses delivered by professors from other divisions, including the Photonics and the Materials centers. Our lecturers conduct cutting edge research in materials science as evidenced by their high median h-index of approximately 30, top-rated publications, and patents. In addition to the specialized expertise, the program brings an interdisciplinary mix of engineering and natural sciences coupled with industrial practice, innovation activities, and entrepreneurship, which is unique for universities in Russia and beyond. The education program consists of core and elective courses with recommendations for three tracks: Experimental Materials Science, Computational Materials Science, and Materials Engineering.
-
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 March16 - Benefits
Monthly scholarship up to 55,000 rub/month (≈$680) for highest-scoring applicants + you can apply for a presidential scholarship, participate in RSF grants, and work on industrial contracts as an intern during your education
In this track, students gain knowledge and skills in Computational Materials Science including state of the art materials modeling, computer-aided materials design, materials data science.
The core courses of the track:
The core courses of the track:
In this track, students gain knowledge and skills in Materials Science with a focus on experimental approaches including material synthesis and characterisation, device fabrication and optimization, prototyping and production upscaling.
The core courses of the track:
The core courses of the track:
In this track, students gain knowledge and skills in Materials and Device Engineering in a range of applications including nano-structured materials, mechanical and chemical sensors, optoelectronics, solar cells, rechargeable batteries and other electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications
The core courses of the track:
The core courses of the track:
our graduates will get all the necessary knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to
- 01
understand the physical and chemical processes occurring in materials during their synthesis, processing, and application - 02
search, interpret, and analyze scientific data, using modern research tools and software - 03
synthesize new materials using a wide variety of modern methods including solid-state, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, and others - 04
characterize materials properties using diffraction, spectroscopy, microscopy, electrochemical, and other methods - 05
model materials using quantum chemistry, density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and machine learning methods - 06
prototype devices: metal-Ion batteries, solar cells, gas sensors, electrolysers, flexible electronics, and others - 07
communicate and work effectively in international and multidisciplinary environments on projects with research groups or industry teams
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), element of entrepreneurship and innovation, research activity and 8 weeks of industrial immersion.
master thesis options
research
A key component of your studies is independent research work based on world–class laboratories
-
Materials and devices for energy conversion and storage - Materials and devices for optoelectronics
- Nanomaterials
- Materials synthesis and characterization
- Materials modeling
- Electrochemistry
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.
- landing specialist positions in engineering, manufacturing and support in various fields (batteries, solar cells, etc.), as well as Skolkovo resident companies and startups.
- landing PhD positions and continuing research at leading Russian and international universities and research entities
- starting a business on their own or through the Skolkovo innovation ecosystem with its extensive pool of experts, partners, consultants, and investors
Companies: Rosatom, RUSAL, Nornickel, Rostec, NPO Saturn, Hevel, etc.
Positions:
Positions:
- Materials Engineer
- Research Engineer (Materials Science)
- Chemical Engineer (Materials Development)
- Process Engineer (Materials Science)
- Senior Specialist (Battery development, materials design, nanotechnologies)
- Head of R&D (Materials, Nanotechnology)
- Chief Technologist (Materials, Composites, Ceramics, Metals)
- Innovation Manager (New Materials and Technologies)
- Materials Design Engineer (Aerospace, Metallurgy, Energy)
- Battery chemist/electrochemist/engineer/technician
Research institutes and universities: Skoltech, MSU, MIPT, MISiS, SPbSU, ZIOC, ISPMS SD RAS, etc.
Positions:
Positions:
- Junior Researcher (Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics)
- Researcher (Materials Science, Functional Materials, Computational Methods)
- Senior Researcher (R&D, Experimental Methods, Synthesis)
- Assistant/Associate Professor (Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Computational Methods)
- Professor (Fields: Batteries, Composites, Nanomaterials, Energy Materials)
- Head of Laboratory (Materials Research, Experimental & Computational Studies)
- Principal Scientist (Leading Research, Strategic Development)
Startups: Sunsense, K-Plus, startups in chemistry, energy, nanomaterials
Positions:
Positions:
- R&D Engineer (New Materials Development, Prototyping)
- Nanomaterials Engineer (Membranes, Catalysts, Coatings Development)
- Chemical Technologist (Experimental Research, Scale-up of Synthesis)
- Functional Coatings Developer (Batteries, Fuel Cells, Biomaterials)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO, Technological Lead of a Startup)
- Technology Development Manager (Commercialization, Tech Transfer)
- Startup Founder (If you’re launching your own materials science company)
Modern materials science is about chemistry and physics as much as about speed and relevance. The world needs new materials right now, and Skoltech teaches us to predict, model and synthesize them using advanced research techniques. We are doing this alongside top experts, and this is highly inspiring for research, so I have decided to pursue this goal in my PhD studies.
I was initially planning to continue my master's at MUCTR, but a spontaneous recommendation from my academic advisor just two weeks before Skoltech’s application deadline changed everything. At first, Skoltech seemed “too good to be true,” but once I joined the Materials Science program, I quickly realized how relevant and valuable the knowledge I was gaining was. Studying in English also opened the door to international opportunities, making it much easier to grow professionally abroad — something that would have been far more challenging without Skoltech.
While at Skoltech, students were free to curate their course uptake as it may align with research interests and career goals. I was open to opportunities to discuss and interact with like-minded people in and outside academia during my Master's program in materials science. For me, the Skoltech learning experience was an embodiment of clear improvements on all frontiers of academic and research excellence.
I chose to study at Skoltech because it allowed me to receive a world-class education, while also experiencing life in a foreign country. Nowhere else could I live out my dream of living abroad in a cosmopolitan city like Moscow while studying at a top university. Skoltech encourages collaboration and team projects, teaches its students to make an impact, and this means that you learn how to create something that people can use.
Skoltech was the place where I finally decided to build a career in science. Working alongside top-notch professors in a state-of-the-art lab means plenty of opportunities and strong motivation for break-through research. But research opportunities are not the only reason why I love Skoltech: its supportive community, amazing campus and exciting extracurricular activities make you a perfectly happy Phd student!
In Materials Science, you learn the required hands-on skills in both computational and experimental fields that connect you to the real world and make you a professional standout in research and industry. The courses are organized to assist you in understanding the theoretical and experimental approaches to your choice of research aimed at making the world a better place.
The Materials Science program opens the door to top science. The great facility, modern equipment and smart people around create a perfect environment for productive work.
partners
Skoltech maintains close ties leading companies in the industry and academia.
admissions
Applications for competitive selection can be submitted online.
Most of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage of the selection takes place offline at the Skoltech campus
Most of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage of the selection 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 sample (ENGLISH)
online exam sample (RUSSIAN)
online exam sample (ENGLISH)
online exam sample (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 competitive selection procedures
entry requirements
Knowledge, skills and education background sufficient for successful enrollment
- educationBachelor's degree, or its equivalent in physics, chemistry, or materials science.
- 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
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).
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).
Subscribe to Skoltech's newsletter
Receive university news, invitations to exclusive events and student life updates in your inbox.
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