about the program
The Master’s program Photonics and Quantum Materials aims to train young professionals capable to face the challenges of modern science and technology. The educational program is designed to guide the student from the foundations of photonics and quantum physics to cutting edge scientific concepts that will form the basis of tomorrow's technologies. All the courses are taught by recognized scientists and cover a broad range of topics at the intersection of photonics, solid state physics and modern technologies.
Students perform research in modern world-class laboratories. Skoltech provides opportunities for students to collaborate on real-world problems with industrial partners and offers support for the creation of technological startups. The graduates can choose an academic career or become a part of technological community that advances a rapidly growing photonic industry.
Students perform research in modern world-class laboratories. Skoltech provides opportunities for students to collaborate on real-world problems with industrial partners and offers support for the creation of technological startups. The graduates can choose an academic career or become a part of technological community that advances a rapidly growing photonic industry.
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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 March16 - Benefits
Monthly scholarship up to 55,000 rub/month (≈$680) for highest-scoring applicants
the key features of the Photonics and Quantum Materials MSc are
- 01broad education program in contemporary photonics and condensed matter physics
- 02access to state-of-the art research laboratories
- 03'project-driven education', with students expected to carry out innovative research and to publish in renowned journals
- 04
innovation-driven program, with strong support for student-led startups - 05
international and Russian faculty with strong international ties, offering opportunities
- 06
optional industrial track providing training in applied optical engineering for a more industry-oriented career
Create your educational trajectory based on your scientific interests.
- More than 30 courses take you from core concepts to specialized knowledge in fields such as modern fabrication technologies, sensorics, optoelectronic devices, and nano- and superconducting technologies.
- Put theory into practice with hands-on experimental courses in optics, laser physics, nanomaterials, and biophotonics — where you'll work with advanced equipment in cutting-edge laboratory facilities.
- Students have access to a wide range of courses from other educational programs, including materials science, modern computational methods, and data science.
joint programs
Various network and collaborative programs are available to the students of the program
MIPT students in selected scientific fields can take advantage of a joint degree program with Skoltech featuring collaborative research projects, access to both universities’ experimental infrastructure, mutual course credit, and academic support.
For questions about the organization of training, please contact:
For questions about the organization of training, please contact:
- At Skoltech — Pavel Dorozhkin, p.dorozhkin@skoltech.ru
- At MIPT — Valery Ryazanov , valery.ryazanov@gmail.com
A joint track with a leading industrial laser manufacturer offers opportunities to work on industrial oriented projects under the guidance of both industry and academia representatives. The projects covers a wide range of topics related to laser technologies, including high-power laser design, novel optical materials, and application of lasers in biomedicine.
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.
Check out the course catalog of the Photonics and Quantum Materials program here (select the Photonics and Quantum Materials option on the page).
master thesis options
- Research
Perform world class science and application -
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research
independent research work at world-class laboratories as a key component of study
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Nonlinear physics theory group
labs
Students of the Photonics & Quantum Materials have access to state-of-the-art research facilities equipped with the latest technologies.
future career
our graduates shape their own futures by choosing from a variety of career opportunities in industry, science and business
- industrysuccessful career in R&D intensive companies within Russia and abroad, for instance in Tinkoff, Megafon, IPG Photonics, A* Singapore
- sciencePhD, either at Skoltech or at other leading academic institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science, MIPT, EPFL, MSU, University of Berlin, etc.
- startuplaunching a startup based on student research and ideas, or to joining the teams of existing startups, such as the Skolkovo residents PICsTech, NovaPrint 3D, and TetraQuant
our students publish their research in the following journals
Skoltech gives you an opportunity to create your own academic path by choosing different courses, improve your English skills by studying in a multicultural environment, get international academic experience by exchange programs with the top universities around the world. During the two-years MSc program in Photonics at Skoltech I had an exchange semester in Canada and an expedition to Lake Baikal. Also, I had the opportunity to learn from intelligent qualified professors from the top universities, and also study with outstanding fellows always driven by an innovative spirit. I deeply value being a Skoltech alumni. It certainly contributed greatly to my further career and achievements in life.
Here people become magicians. On the nanoscale it is impossible to rely on intuition only. Imagination with problem-solving is what attracts me to photonics. Production principles of integrated devices, imaging instruments for the human body, modeling nanoscale systems provoke your creativity if you are prepared enough. After studying here, graduates will have an opportunity to work as a researcher in optic communication, nanodevice production companies or launch a deep-tech startup. The latter is a challenge, but very demanded in the industry.
In the Photonics MSc program I have discovered so many possibilities of prospective revolutions in this area of science that are occurring. This forms the building blocks for the next-generation technologies that will change the world as we know. In this program, you are going to learn the physics of light and its interaction with the matter you can even go far to its different applications in different sectors from biomedical to IT.
During my masters, I had the privilege to collaborate with two supervisors, both of which are famous not only in Russia but also on the international level. I think their willingness to contribute to my training forms the basis of my ongoing research. Their international experience helped me to understand just how broad modern opportunities are. I think Skoltech is unique in this regard of inviting outstanding researchers from around the world. I also want to admit that my English significantly improved during my studies, because all the classes were taught in English.
partners
Skoltech has strongly established connections with leading companies in the industry and academia
- MIPT
- ISSP RAS
- ITMO
- NSU
- IREE
- MSU
- MEPhI
- ISP
- Lebedev PI
- Prokhorov GPI
- ITEP
- Landau ITP
- Ioffe PTI
- IAP
- Institute of Spectroscopy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISAN)
- University of Munich
- Nanjing University
- Darmstadt Technical University
- SIOM, Shanghai
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Donghua University
- Jiangsu University
- Xian university of technology
- Capital Normal University of China
- VPG LaserOne
- IBM
- Russian Space Systems
- RTI
- OKB Planeta
- T8
- Luxtaltek
- Terasense
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 is conducted 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)
Note: If you are applying for the joint track with MIPT, you should submit your application to both MIPT and Skoltechh, for more information contact pk.magistr@mipt.ru
Note: If you are applying for the joint track with MIPT, you should submit your application to both MIPT and Skoltechh, for more information contact pk.magistr@mipt.ru
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.
Exam sample
Exam sample (NEW)
Exam samples in Russian and in English
Exam sample
Exam sample (NEW)
Exam samples in Russian and in English
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 skillsGeneral Physics (mechanics, electro-magnetism, thermodynamics), Analysis, Linear algebra, Basic probability, Basic quantum mechanics, Programming.
- educationBachelor's degree in physics, material science, or engineering (optical, electric or mechanical).
- 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).
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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