ITMO University: Courses, Fees & Admission

ITMO University Summary

ITMO University is one of Russia’s top public research universities in information technology, computer science, artificial intelligence, photonics, optics, engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, design, biotechnology, food technology, business, innovation and applied sciences. ITMO, situated in Saint Petersburg, is recognised for its contemporary academic culture, strong international ties, technology-oriented education, and achievements in programming, digital systems and applied research. It is ideal for students who want a Russian university that is focussed on technology, innovation, and practical career outcomes.

Founded in 1900, ITMO has grown from a specialized technical school into one of Russia’s best-known modern research universities. Its academic profile is strongly linked to IT, software, AI, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, photonics, optical engineering, quantum communications, life sciences, food technology, digital design, entrepreneurship and technology management. Programming and computer science are what the university is especially known for internationally.

ITMO offers bachelor’s programs at undergraduate level in computer science, software engineering, applied informatics, information security, robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, photonics, optical engineering, laser technologies, mechatronics, biotechnology, food technology, digital design, management and innovation. Many programs are taught in Russian, with select programs offered in English or bilingual formats. International applicants should check program language requirements exactly before applying.

At the master’s level, ITMO offers a wide variety of Russian-taught and English-taught programs. Popular postgraduate areas are Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Information Security, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Quantum Communications, Digital Healthcare, Bioinformatics, FoodTech, Sustainable Chemistry, Science Communication, Business Informatics, Technology Entrepreneurship and Product Management. ITMO is particularly appealing to students who are keen on applied technical skills and research exposure.

At the doctoral level, ITMO promotes research in computer science, AI, information security, photonics, optics, robotics, biotechnology, chemistry, food technology, design, digital systems, communication, innovation and interdisciplinary science. Doctoral candidates can be organized through laboratories, research centers, faculties and supervisors. The research environment at ITMO is appropriate for students aiming for advanced careers in software, AI, cybersecurity, optics, photonics, data, robotics, startups, digital industries and scientific research.

For the academic year 2026-2027, ITMO lists the following tuition fees: For a bachelor’s degree the tuition fee is between RUB 450,000 and RUB 679,000 per year; for a master’s degree the tuition fee is between RUB 610,000 and RUB 710,000 per year; and for a PhD the tuition fee is between RUB 665,000 and RUB 789,000 per year. Costs vary by program, so students should check the exact program fee before applying. Living costs in Saint Petersburg are generally lower than Moscow but still need careful planning for accommodation, medical insurance, food, transport, study materials and personal expenses.

Overall, ITMO is the best choice for students who are looking for a Russian university with a focus on modern technology and a strong computer science, AI, software, photonics, optics, cybersecurity, robotics and innovation program. It is especially suited for students aiming at careers in technology companies, AI labs, software development, digital product management, cybersecurity, research, startups and doctoral study.

About ITMO University

ITMO University is a state research university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Its main address is 49 Kronverksky Prospekt, Building A. The university has a strong technology branding and is one of the most internationally visible Russian institutions in the areas of computer science, IT, optics and photonics.
The university has particular strength for students interested in digital technologies. Its programs concentrate on software, data, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, photonics, optical engineering, biotechnology, digital design, science communication and technology entrepreneurship. This is what distinguishes ITMO from the older, comprehensive universities, which cover all the classical academic fields.

ITMO has a modern culture of teaching and active international work. It provides opportunities for international students, research labs, competitions, startup development and technology-oriented projects. ITMO is a good option for students who want to learn practical digital skills and some exposure to academic research.

Language planning is important for international students. Many programs are taught in Russian, with selected programs offered in English or bilingually. Please check the exact program language, tuition fee, admission requirements and scholarship opportunities with the university. St Petersburg is a lively cultural city and is generally cheaper than Moscow to live in.

ITMO University is a good choice for students who want a tech-based education in Russia. It is especially suitable for students interested in computer science, artificial intelligence, cyber security, software engineering, photonics, robotics, digital products, entrepreneurship and doctoral research.

ITMO University History

ITMO University was established in 1900.
It developed from specialized technical education roots in Saint Petersburg.
Optics and precision mechanics became early academic strengths.
Information technology and computer science became major modern fields.
The university became known internationally for programming excellence.
Photonics and optical engineering developed into core research strengths.
Cybersecurity and information security expanded with digital technology needs.
Robotics and intelligent systems became important modern study areas.
Biotechnology and food technology broadened the applied science profile.
Digital design and science communication expanded ITMO’s interdisciplinary offerings.
International programs increased the university’s global appeal.
Research labs and project-based learning strengthened practical education.
Startup and entrepreneurship support became part of ITMO’s modern identity.
Doctoral research developed across technology, science and innovation fields.
Today, ITMO University is recognized as one of Russia’s leading technology-focused research universities.

ITMO University Highlights

Public research university in Russia
Established in 1900
Located in Saint Petersburg
Strong for IT, computer science, AI, photonics, optics, cybersecurity and robotics
Modern technology-focused university
Strong international orientation
Many programs are Russian-taught
Selected programs are English-taught or bilingual
Bachelor’s tuition for 2026-2027 ranges from RUB 450,000 to RUB 679,000 per year
Master’s tuition for 2026-2027 ranges from RUB 610,000 to RUB 710,000 per year
PhD tuition for 2026-2027 ranges from RUB 665,000 to RUB 789,000 per year
Strong fit for students targeting AI, software, cybersecurity, photonics, robotics, startups and digital careers

ITMO University Courses Offered

UG Courses

Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Bachelor of Applied Informatics
Bachelor of Information Security
Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Data Science
Bachelor of Robotics
Bachelor of Mechatronics
Bachelor of Photonics
Bachelor of Optical Engineering
Bachelor of Laser Technologies
Bachelor of Biotechnology
Bachelor of Food Technology
Bachelor of Digital Design
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Technology Entrepreneurship
Bachelor-level Study in Cybersecurity
Bachelor-level Study in Computer Vision
Bachelor-level Study in Product Design
Bachelor-level Study in Innovation Systems

PG Courses

Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Data Analytics
Master of Software Engineering
Master of Computer Science
Master of Information Security
Master of Cybersecurity
Master of Robotics
Master of Computer Vision
Master of Machine Learning
Master of Photonics
Master of Optical Engineering
Master of Quantum Communications
Master of Digital Healthcare
Master of Bioinformatics
Master of FoodTech
Master of Sustainable Chemistry
Master of Science Communication
Master of Business Informatics
Master of Technology Entrepreneurship
Master of Product Management

PhD Courses

PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Artificial Intelligence
PhD in Data Science
PhD in Software Engineering
PhD in Information Security
PhD in Cybersecurity
PhD in Robotics
PhD in Photonics
PhD in Optical Engineering
PhD in Quantum Communications
PhD in Biotechnology
PhD in Chemistry
PhD in Food Technology
PhD in Digital Healthcare
PhD in Bioinformatics
PhD in Science Communication
PhD in Innovation Management
PhD in Design Research
PhD in Applied Engineering
PhD in Interdisciplinary Technology Research

ITMO University Specializations Offered

UG Specializations

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Applied Informatics
Information Security
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Robotics
Mechatronics
Photonics
Optical Engineering
Laser Technologies
Biotechnology
Food Technology
Digital Design
Management
Technology Entrepreneurship
Cybersecurity
Computer Vision
Product Design
Innovation Systems
Bachelor Thesis

PG Specializations

Artificial Intelligence
Data Analytics
Software Engineering
Computer Science
Information Security
Cybersecurity
Robotics
Computer Vision
Machine Learning
Photonics
Optical Engineering
Quantum Communications
Digital Healthcare
Bioinformatics
FoodTech
Sustainable Chemistry
Science Communication
Business Informatics
Technology Entrepreneurship
Product Management
Master’s Thesis Research

PhD Specializations

Computer Science Research
Artificial Intelligence Research
Data Science Research
Software Engineering Research
Information Security Research
Cybersecurity Research
Robotics Research
Photonics Research
Optical Engineering Research
Quantum Communications Research
Biotechnology Research
Chemistry Research
Food Technology Research
Digital Healthcare Research
Bioinformatics Research
Science Communication Research
Innovation Management Research
Design Research
Applied Engineering Research
Doctoral Thesis Research

ITMO University Admission Process

Admission to ITMO University begins with selecting the correct bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, exchange or preparatory route. Applicants must check program language, tuition fee, entrance requirements and scholarship opportunities. Since ITMO offers Russian-taught, English-taught and bilingual options, students should verify the exact language of instruction before applying.

Bachelor’s applicants submit recognized school documents, passport information, translated academic records, language proof and any required entrance materials. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree and may need exams, interviews, portfolio or motivation documents. Doctoral applicants need a previous degree, research direction and academic approval. After admission, students arrange visa support, enrollment, tuition payment, insurance, housing and living-cost planning.

Admission Details

ITMO University is a public research university.
It is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
It was established in 1900.
It is strong in computer science, AI, photonics, optics, cybersecurity and robotics.
Many programs are Russian-taught.
Selected programs are English-taught or bilingual.
Bachelor’s tuition for 2026-2027 ranges from RUB 450,000 to RUB 679,000 per year.
Master’s tuition for 2026-2027 ranges from RUB 610,000 to RUB 710,000 per year.
PhD tuition for 2026-2027 ranges from RUB 665,000 to RUB 789,000 per year.
Estimated monthly living cost in Saint Petersburg is around RUB 45,000 to RUB 75,000 or more.
Admission may include exams, interviews or portfolio review.
Doctoral admission requires research fit and academic approval.
Applicants should check exact program fees before applying.

ITMO University Eligibility Criteria

UG Eligibility

Applicants need a recognized secondary school qualification.
Russian language proficiency is required for Russian-taught programs.
English proficiency is required for English-taught or bilingual programs.
Computer science applicants need mathematics and programming readiness.
AI and data science applicants need strong quantitative preparation.
Photonics and optics applicants need physics and mathematics background.
Design applicants may need creative materials depending on program.
Some programs may require entrance examinations or competition-based admission.
International applicants must follow document translation, legalization and visa requirements.

PG Eligibility

Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Academic match with the selected master’s program is required.
Russian proficiency is required for Russian-taught programs.
English proficiency is required for English-taught programs.
AI, data, software and cybersecurity programs require technical background.
Photonics and optics programs require physics or engineering preparation.
Business and product programs require relevant academic or professional readiness.
Some programs may require entrance exams, interviews, portfolio or motivation letters.
Admission is program-specific and competitive.

PhD Eligibility

Applicants normally need a relevant master’s or specialist degree.
A suitable research topic is required.
Supervisor or laboratory fit may be required.
Strong academic record and research potential are expected.
Technical projects, publications or research experience can strengthen the application.
Russian or English language ability depends on doctoral route.
Some doctoral programs may require entrance exams.
Funding route should be clarified before enrollment.
Doctoral admission is research-focused and selective.

ITMO University Courses Fees

UG Fees

Bachelor’s Programs: RUB 450,000 to RUB 679,000 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year.
High-demand Programs: AI, computer science, software, cybersecurity and English-taught programs may be near the higher end.
Dormitory Fees: Charged separately and depend on availability and room type.
Medical Insurance: Required for international students and charged separately.
Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Saint Petersburg: Around RUB 45,000 to RUB 75,000 or more depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
Additional Costs: Housing, insurance, food, transport, books, visa extension, migration registration and personal expenses are separate.

PG Fees

Master’s Programs: RUB 610,000 to RUB 710,000 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year.
High-demand Programs: AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, robotics and photonics may be near the higher end.
English-taught Programs: May have program-specific fees.
Research or Laboratory Costs: May vary by program.
Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Saint Petersburg: Around RUB 45,000 to RUB 75,000 or more.
Additional Costs: Accommodation, insurance, food, transport, learning materials, visa-related costs and personal expenses are separate.

PhD Fees

PhD Programs: RUB 665,000 to RUB 789,000 per year for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Funding: Some doctoral candidates may receive scholarships, research support or government quota places.
Research Costs: May depend on laboratory, equipment or project requirements.
Medical Insurance: Charged separately.
Additional Costs: Housing, insurance, research expenses, transport, visa extension, migration registration and personal costs are separate.

ITMO University Scholarships

Russian Government quota scholarships may support selected international students.
ITMO offers enrollment opportunities that may reduce or remove tuition for selected applicants.
Merit-based scholarships may be available for strong applicants.
Competition-based admission routes may support scholarship consideration.
Research-based funding may support some doctoral candidates.
External national or bilateral scholarships may support international students.
Some scholarships may cover tuition but not full living costs.
Some funding options may require strong academic performance.
Scholarship places are limited and competitive.
Scholarship deadlines may differ from regular admission deadlines.
Applicants should confirm scholarship conditions before applying.

ITMO University Career Outcomes

Computer Science graduates can work in software engineering, cloud systems, product development and research.
AI graduates can work in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, automation and analytics.
Cybersecurity graduates can work in security engineering, digital forensics, risk analysis and infrastructure protection.
Data Science graduates can work in analytics, business intelligence, AI labs and research roles.
Photonics graduates can work in optics, laser technologies, quantum systems, telecommunications and research.
Robotics graduates can work in automation, intelligent systems, manufacturing and R&D.
Biotechnology graduates can work in laboratories, food technology, bioinformatics and health-related research.
Design graduates can work in product design, digital media, UX and creative technology roles.
Business and Innovation graduates can work in startups, product management, technology commercialization and consulting.
PhD graduates can pursue academic research, postdoctoral roles, advanced R&D and specialist technology careers.

ITMO University FAQs

Q1. Is ITMO University a public university?

Yes, ITMO University is a public research university in Russia.

Q2. When was ITMO University established?

ITMO University was established in 1900.

Q3. Where is ITMO University located?

It is located at Kronverksky Prospekt 49, Building A, Saint Petersburg, 197101, Russia.

Q4. What is ITMO University best known for?

ITMO is known for computer science, AI, programming, photonics, optics, cybersecurity, robotics and innovation.

Q5. Are ITMO programs taught in English?

Many programs are Russian-taught, while selected programs are English-taught or bilingual.

Q6. What is the tuition fee at ITMO University?

For 2026-2027, bachelor’s tuition ranges from RUB 450,000 to RUB 679,000 per year, master’s tuition ranges from RUB 610,000 to RUB 710,000 per year, and PhD tuition ranges from RUB 665,000 to RUB 789,000 per year.

Q7. Is ITMO good for computer science and AI?

Yes, ITMO is one of Russia’s strongest universities for computer science, AI, software, cybersecurity and digital technologies.

Q8. Is ITMO good for international students?

Yes, ITMO is a strong option for international students seeking technology-focused education with English-taught and internationally oriented options.