Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Summary
St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (Polytechnic University or SPbPU), named after Peter the Great, is a leading public research university in Russia. The university in Saint Petersburg is known for engineering, energy, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, IT, physics, materials, industrial systems, power engineering, applied mathematics, economics, management, business, international programs and interdisciplinary technical research. It is especially attractive for students who want to study at a good Russian technical university with a long engineering tradition and a large number of international students.
SPbPU was founded in 1899 and has grown to be one of the most recognizable technical universities in Russia. It is characterized by a strong academic profile in engineering, energy, computer science, construction, civil systems, mechanical systems, materials, physics, industrial technology, management and economics. The University’s location in Saint Petersburg gives students access to one of Russia’s most important cultural, research and industrial cities.
At the undergraduate level, SPbPU provides bachelor’s and specialist training in civil engineering, construction, mechanical engineering, electrical power engineering, heat power engineering, electronics, photonics, biotechnical systems, computer science, software engineering, information systems, applied mathematics, physics, materials science, industrial management, economics, business informatics, international business, design-related study and humanities-connected routes. Many programs are taught in Russian, and a selection of bachelor’s programs in international studies are available in English.
SPbPU has master’s programs in civil engineering, energy technology, power engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, software, data science, AI-related study, materials, physics, industrial engineering, manufacturing, international business development, management, economics, smart cities, automation and applied systems. The university offers international master programmes, several of which are taught in English. Admission is based on previous academic record, language proficiency, entrance examinations, interviews or program-specific selection.
At the doctoral level SPbPU supports research in the fields of engineering and energy, mechanics, computer science, data, physics, materials, civil engineering, power systems, construction, economics, management, industrial systems and interdisciplinary technology. Doctoral candidates can work via institutes, laboratories, supervisors and research projects. SPbPU is particularly well-suited for students interested in engineering R&D, smart infrastructure, energy systems, software, applied physics, materials, management and doctoral research.
Tuition fees at SPbPU are based on the program, level, language and academic year. Many programs are around RUB 322,000 to RUB 354,000 per year on official bachelor’s and specialist pages, though other international bachelor’s programs may be higher depending on field and language. Master’s and
PhD Fees
are dependent on the specialization and are published by the university in program-specific lists. Students are advised to always check the exact fee of the program chosen before applying. Living costs are generally lower in Saint Petersburg than in Moscow, however you should still plan your budget carefully for accommodation, insurance, food, transport, visa extension and personal expenses.
Overall, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is best for students who want technical education in engineering, IT, energy, civil systems, physics, management and applied research. It is particularly appropriate for students interested in careers in engineering, construction, energy, software, industrial systems, applied science, technology management, international business, infrastructure and doctoral study.

