Moscow Aviation Institute: Courses, Fees & Admission

Moscow Aviation Institute Summary

Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) is one of the leading state universities in Russia in the field of aviation, aerospace, aircraft engineering, spacecraft engineering, propulsion systems, control systems, computer science, radio electronics, robotics, applied mathematics, aviation management and advanced engineering. MAI is in Moscow and is especially good for those who want to go to a technical university with a focus on aviation and space technology, and not a "classical" university with a broad spectrum of subjects. Its academic identity is closely related to aircraft design, engines, space systems, flight control, avionics, unmanned systems, digital engineering, and applied industrial research.

The MAI was founded in 1930 and has been a leading player in training engineers, designers, researchers and technical specialists for the aviation and space industry. The university has close ties with the aircraft, space, propulsion, defence, manufacturing and high-technology industries. Its programs are built around math, physics, engineering design, systems thinking, labs, simulation, computing and project work. MAI students are expected to be prepared for a rigorous study environment of a technical nature.

The MAI offers undergraduate programs in Aircraft Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Spacecraft Engineering, Control Systems and Computer Science in Engineering, Radio Engineering, Avionics, Applied Mathematics, Information Systems, Robotics, Mechatronics, Materials, Manufacturing Technologies, Aviation Management and related engineering fields. Most programs are offered in Russian and a number of programs are taught in English for international students. According to the official admission information, the tuition fee for bachelor's programs in Aircraft Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Control Systems and Computer Science in Engineering, and Spacecraft Engineering is 415,000 rubles per year for Russian-medium routes and 500,000 rubles per year for English-medium routes.

The MAI provides the following advanced master’s level programs: Aircraft Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, Spacecraft Engineering, Control Systems and Computer Science in Engineering, Robotics, Digital Aviation, Radio Electronics, Avionics, Aerospace Systems, Applied Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, and engineering management-related routes. The official admission information lists selected master’s programs at 440,000 RUB per year for Russian-language tracks and 500,000 RUB per year for English-language tracks. Admission is based on prior technical education, language proficiency, admission requirements, and program compatibility.

At doctoral level MAI supports research in aviation, aerospace, propulsion, spacecraft systems, control systems, electronics, robotics, applied mathematics, computer science, materials, manufacturing and interdisciplinary engineering research. Doctoral candidates are also able to work with their supervisors, laboratories, technical departments and research groups. The MAI is particularly suited for students who intend to pursue advanced R&D careers in the fields of aircraft, space, unmanned aerial systems, propulsion, robotics, control technologies, avionics and related aerospace industry.

Tuition at MAI is level, language and program based. Official international admission information English undergraduate programs at RUB 500,000 per year Russian undergraduate programs at RUB 415,000 per year English Masters programs at RUB 500,000 per year Russian Masters programs at RUB 440,000 per year. Pre-university programs may be separately charged. Students also need to plan for accommodation, medical insurance, food, transport, study materials, visa extension, migration registration and personal expenses. It's more costly in Moscow than in many other Russian cities, so planning pays.

Overall, Moscow Aviation Institute is the best for students looking for a dedicated aerospace and aviation university with a strong engineering identity. especially well suited for students who want to enter aircraft engineering, spacecraft engineering, propulsion, avionics, robotics, control systems, computer science, aerospace manufacturing, aviation management, research and doctoral studies.

About Moscow Aviation Institute

Moscow Aviation Institute is a public research university in Moscow. The main address is Volokolamskoe highway 4. The university has a specialist technical identity and has strong links with aircraft, aerospace, propulsion, spacecraft, control systems, electronics and computer-based engineering.
MAI is different from usual universities, because its main emphasis is on aviation and space technology. MAI could be a good choice for students looking for technical training in Aircraft, Space Systems, Engines, Flight Control, Robotics or Applied Engineering. The academic environment is practical, technical and industry oriented.

The university provides Russian-medium and selected English-medium programs for international students. Many programs demand a strong foundation in mathematics, physics and technical problem solving. Depending on the program, if you do not speak Russian, there are options to study through the medium of English or take a preparatory course.

Students of the Moscow campus of MAI are located close to the largest Russian technology, aviation, industrial and research ecosystem. Students can benefit from links with aerospace organizations and technical employers and laboratories and advanced engineering projects.
For students looking for a specialized aviation and aerospace education in Russia, the Moscow Aviation Institute is a good choice. It is particularly suitable for students interested in aircraft design, propulsion, spacecraft engineering, control systems, robotics, avionics and applied technical research.

Moscow Aviation Institute History

Moscow Aviation Institute was established in 1930.
It developed as a specialized university for aviation and aerospace education.
Aircraft engineering became one of its earliest and strongest fields.
Propulsion systems became central to the university’s technical identity.
Spacecraft engineering expanded with the growth of space technology.
Control systems and automation became important academic areas.
Radio electronics and avionics strengthened the aviation technology profile.
Applied mathematics and mechanics supported aircraft and spacecraft design.
Computer science became a major modern area of study.
Robotics and digital engineering expanded with new technology needs.
MAI developed strong links with aerospace and aircraft industries.
International English-medium programs increased global student access.
Doctoral research expanded across aviation, space and engineering fields.
Technical laboratories and project-based training became part of MAI’s learning model.
Today, MAI is recognized as one of Russia’s leading aerospace and aviation universities.

Moscow Aviation Institute Highlights

Public research university in Russia
Established in 1930
Located in Moscow
Strong for aviation, aerospace, aircraft engineering, propulsion and spacecraft systems
Offers Russian-medium and selected English-medium programs
Official bachelor’s tuition for selected Russian-medium programs is RUB 415,000 per year
Official bachelor’s tuition for selected English-medium programs is RUB 500,000 per year
Official master’s tuition for selected Russian-medium programs is RUB 440,000 per year
Official master’s tuition for selected English-medium programs is RUB 500,000 per year
Pre-university programs are charged separately
Moscow living costs are higher than many Russian cities
Strong fit for students targeting aviation, aerospace, propulsion, robotics, control systems and engineering careers

Moscow Aviation Institute Courses Offered

UG Courses

Bachelor of Aircraft Engineering
Bachelor of Propulsion Engineering
Bachelor of Spacecraft Engineering
Bachelor of Control Systems and Computer Science in Engineering
Bachelor of Radio Engineering
Bachelor of Avionics
Bachelor of Applied Mathematics
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Information Systems
Bachelor of Robotics
Bachelor of Mechatronics
Bachelor of Materials Science
Bachelor of Manufacturing Technologies
Bachelor of Aviation Management
Bachelor of Engineering Design
Bachelor-level Study in Unmanned Aerial Systems
Bachelor-level Study in Flight Control Systems
Bachelor-level Study in Aerospace Electronics
Bachelor-level Study in Digital Aviation
Bachelor-level Study in Technical Systems Engineering

PG Courses

Master of Aircraft Engineering
Master of Propulsion Engineering
Master of Spacecraft Engineering
Master of Control Systems and Computer Science in Engineering
Master of Aerospace Systems
Master of Avionics
Master of Radio Electronics
Master of Robotics
Master of Applied Mechanics
Master of Mathematical Modeling
Master of Computer Science
Master of Digital Aviation
Master of Aircraft Design
Master of Engine Design
Master of Space Systems Engineering
Master of Manufacturing Engineering
Master of Materials Engineering
Master of Engineering Management
Master-level Study in Unmanned Systems
Master-level Study in Advanced Aerospace Research

PhD Courses

PhD in Aircraft Engineering
PhD in Propulsion Engineering
PhD in Spacecraft Engineering
PhD in Aerospace Systems
PhD in Control Systems
PhD in Avionics
PhD in Radio Engineering
PhD in Robotics
PhD in Computer Science
PhD in Applied Mathematics
PhD in Applied Mechanics
PhD in Materials Science
PhD in Manufacturing Technologies
PhD in Flight Systems
PhD in Engine Systems
PhD in Unmanned Systems
PhD in Aerospace Electronics
PhD in Digital Engineering
PhD in Engineering Management
PhD in Interdisciplinary Aerospace Research

Moscow Aviation Institute Specializations Offered

UG Specializations

Aircraft Engineering
Propulsion Engineering
Spacecraft Engineering
Control Systems
Computer Science in Engineering
Radio Engineering
Avionics
Applied Mathematics
Computer Science
Information Systems
Robotics
Mechatronics
Materials Science
Manufacturing Technologies
Aviation Management
Engineering Design
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Flight Control Systems
Aerospace Electronics
Digital Aviation
Technical Systems Engineering
Bachelor Thesis

PG Specializations

Aircraft Engineering
Propulsion Engineering
Spacecraft Engineering
Control Systems
Computer Science in Engineering
Aerospace Systems
Avionics
Radio Electronics
Robotics
Applied Mechanics
Mathematical Modeling
Computer Science
Digital Aviation
Aircraft Design
Engine Design
Space Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Materials Engineering
Engineering Management
Unmanned Systems
Advanced Aerospace Research
Master’s Thesis Research

PhD Specializations

Aircraft Engineering Research
Propulsion Research
Spacecraft Research
Aerospace Systems Research
Control Systems Research
Avionics Research
Radio Engineering Research
Robotics Research
Computer Science Research
Applied Mathematics Research
Applied Mechanics Research
Materials Research
Manufacturing Research
Flight Systems Research
Engine Systems Research
Unmanned Systems Research
Aerospace Electronics Research
Digital Engineering Research
Engineering Management Research
Doctoral Thesis Research

Moscow Aviation Institute Admission Process

Admission to Moscow Aviation Institute begins with selecting the correct bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or pre-university route. Applicants must check whether the program is Russian-medium or English-medium, review tuition, confirm entrance requirements and prepare academic documents. International students who do not meet language requirements may need pre-university training before entering a degree.

Bachelor’s applicants submit recognized school documents, passport details, translated records, language proof and any required entrance materials. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree and may need exams or interviews. Doctoral applicants need a previous degree, research direction and academic approval. After admission, students complete enrollment, arrange visa support, pay tuition where applicable and plan housing, insurance and living costs.

Admission Details

MAI is a public research university.
It is located in Moscow, Russia.
It was established in 1930.
It is strong in aviation, aerospace, aircraft engineering, propulsion and spacecraft systems.
Russian-medium and selected English-medium programs are available.
Selected bachelor’s programs cost RUB 415,000 per year in Russian-medium format.
Selected bachelor’s programs cost RUB 500,000 per year in English-medium format.
Selected master’s programs cost RUB 440,000 per year in Russian-medium format.
Selected master’s programs cost RUB 500,000 per year in English-medium format.
Estimated monthly living cost in Moscow is around RUB 55,000 to RUB 90,000 or more.
Admission may include exams or interviews.
Doctoral admission requires research fit and academic approval.
Applicants should check exact program fees before applying.

Moscow Aviation Institute Eligibility Criteria

UG Eligibility

Applicants need a recognized secondary school qualification.
Russian proficiency is required for Russian-medium programs.
English proficiency is required for English-medium programs.
Strong mathematics and physics preparation is essential.
Aerospace applicants need technical and analytical readiness.
Computer science and control systems applicants need mathematics and programming interest.
Engineering design applicants need problem-solving and technical drawing readiness.
Some programs may require entrance examinations or interviews.
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 technical program is required.
Russian proficiency is required for Russian-medium programs.
English proficiency is required for English-medium programs.
Aerospace and propulsion programs require engineering or physics background.
Control systems and computer science programs require technical and mathematical preparation.
Some programs may require entrance exams or interviews.
Research or design project experience may strengthen applications.
Admission is program-specific and competitive.

PhD Eligibility

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

Moscow Aviation Institute Courses Fees

UG Fees

Russian-medium Bachelor’s Programs: RUB 415,000 per year for selected programs.
English-medium Bachelor’s Programs: RUB 500,000 per year for selected programs.
Pre-university Russian-medium Program: Charged separately.
Pre-university English-medium Program: Charged separately.
Dormitory Fees: Charged separately and depend on availability and room type.
Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Moscow: Around RUB 55,000 to RUB 90,000 or more depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
Additional Costs: Housing, medical insurance, food, transport, books, visa extension, migration registration and personal expenses are separate.

PG Fees

Russian-medium Master’s Programs: RUB 440,000 per year for selected programs.
English-medium Master’s Programs: RUB 500,000 per year for selected programs.
High-demand Programs: Aerospace, propulsion, spacecraft, robotics and control systems may have program-specific pricing.
Preparatory or Language Study: Charged separately if required.
Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Moscow: Around RUB 55,000 to RUB 90,000 or more.
Additional Costs: Accommodation, insurance, food, transport, learning materials, visa-related costs and personal expenses are separate.

PhD Fees

PhD Programs: Tuition varies by research field and route.
Estimated PhD Tuition Range: Around RUB 450,000 to RUB 700,000 per year depending on specialization.
Funding: Some doctoral candidates may receive support through scholarships, government quota routes or research projects.
Research Costs: May vary depending on laboratory, project or equipment needs.
Additional Costs: Housing, insurance, research expenses, transport, visa extension, migration registration and personal costs are separate.

Moscow Aviation Institute Scholarships

Russian Government quota scholarships may support selected international students.
MAI scholarship routes may support selected applicants in limited cases.
Aerospace-related research projects may support some doctoral candidates.
External national or bilateral scholarships may support international students.
Some scholarships may cover tuition but not full living costs.
Dormitory access depends on availability.
Scholarship places are competitive.
Strong mathematics and physics background can improve scholarship competitiveness.
Some funding routes may require Russian-language preparation.
Scholarship deadlines may differ from regular admission deadlines.
Applicants should confirm scholarship rules before applying.

Moscow Aviation Institute Career Outcomes

Aircraft Engineering graduates can work in aircraft design, testing, maintenance, manufacturing and R&D.
Propulsion Engineering graduates can work in engine design, propulsion systems, energy systems and aerospace technology.
Spacecraft Engineering graduates can work in satellite systems, spacecraft design, mission engineering and space technology.
Control Systems graduates can work in automation, flight control, robotics and industrial control.
Computer Science graduates can work in software, simulation, digital aviation systems and data engineering.
Avionics graduates can work in aircraft electronics, navigation, communication and embedded systems.
Robotics graduates can work in automation, unmanned systems, manufacturing and intelligent machines.
Materials graduates can work in aerospace materials, composites, testing and industrial laboratories.
Aviation Management graduates can work in airline operations, airport systems and aviation business.
PhD graduates can pursue academic research, aerospace R&D, technical leadership and specialist engineering careers.

Moscow Aviation Institute FAQs

Q1. Is Moscow Aviation Institute a public university?

Yes, Moscow Aviation Institute is a public research university in Russia.

Q2. When was Moscow Aviation Institute established?

Moscow Aviation Institute was established in 1930.

Q3. Where is Moscow Aviation Institute located?

It is located at Volokolamskoe Highway 4, Moscow, 125993, Russia.

Q4. What is MAI best known for?

MAI is known for aviation, aerospace, aircraft engineering, propulsion, spacecraft engineering and control systems.

Q5. Are MAI programs taught in English?

Selected programs are available in English-medium format, while many programs are Russian-medium.

Q6. What is the tuition fee at MAI?

Selected bachelor’s programs cost RUB 415,000 per year in Russian-medium format and RUB 500,000 per year in English-medium format. Selected master’s programs cost RUB 440,000 in Russian-medium format and RUB 500,000 in English-medium format.

Q7. Is MAI good for aerospace engineering?

Yes, MAI is one of Russia’s strongest universities for aviation, aircraft, spacecraft and aerospace engineering.

Q8. Is MAI good for international students?

Yes, MAI is suitable for international students interested in aviation, aerospace, propulsion, control systems and engineering careers.