Study in Russia - Apply now for the fully funded Skoltech University Scholarship 2026
The Skoltech University Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for scientists and engineers looking to conduct research in Russia's most vibrant innovation hub. Established in 2011 in collaboration with MIT, Skoltech offers an international, English-language environment located near the Skolkovo Innovation Center—often referred to as "Russia’s Silicon Valley."
For the 2026 admissions cycle, marking the institute's 15th anniversary, Skoltech offers 14 MSc programs and 8 PhD programs. Every admitted student is automatically considered for the scholarship, making education at Skoltech free of charge for those who pass the rigorous selection process.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Russia (Moscow)
- University: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)
- Degree Level: Master’s (MSc) & PhD
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend + Insurance)
- MSc Deadline: March 16, 2026
- PhD Deadline: April 27, 2026
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Skoltech scholarship is one of the most competitive packages in STEM education globally, designed to allow researchers to focus entirely on innovation.
- Full Tuition Coverage: 100% of all academic fees are waived for admitted students.
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Monthly Stipend:
- MSc Students: Starts at 40,000 RUB per month (can range up to 55,000 RUB).
- PhD Students: Starts at 75,000 RUB per month.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance is provided for all international students.
- Housing Support: Students are assisted with accommodation, often living in modern facilities near the campus and innovation center.
- Academic Mobility: Funding and opportunities for exchange programs with top global partner universities.
Available Fields of Study (2026)
Skoltech focuses on high-impact STEM fields. Below are the primary programs available for the 2026 intake:
Master of Science (MSc) Programs
- Data Science: Focus on AI, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models.
- Life Sciences: Covering Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Neurobiology.
- Materials Science: Including Photonics and Quantum Materials.
- Petroleum Engineering.
- Energy Systems: Focusing on Electricity and Electrical Engineering.
- Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.
- Applied Computational Mechanics.
PhD Programs
- Computational and Data Science and Engineering.
- Physics & Mathematics.
- Materials Science and Engineering.
- Life Sciences.
- Petroleum Engineering.
- Agrobiotechnologies and Engineering.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 intake, you must meet high academic and linguistic standards:
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Degree Requirements:
- For MSc: A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university. Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
- For PhD: A Master’s degree in a relevant STEM field.
- Language Proficiency: All instruction is in English. While TOEFL/IELTS scores are recommended (TOEFL iBT 80 / IELTS 6.0), they are not mandatory if your previous degree was taught in English or if you pass Skoltech's internal English test during the Selection Weekend.
- Academic Alignment: Your background must be relevant to Skoltech’s research areas. No GRE is required, but a strong GRE score can enhance your application.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process is highly competitive and consists of three main stages.
- Online Portfolio: Create an account on the Skoltech Admission Portal and upload your CV, motivation letter, two recommendation letters, and transcripts.
- Note: A registration fee of ~50 USD (1,000 RUB) applies, but it was waived for those who applied before February 15, 2026.
- Online Testing: Eligible candidates will be invited to take an online subject-specific test assessing academic knowledge and analytical skills.
- Selection Weekend: Top candidates are invited to the final stage (often held online for international students), which includes:
- Individual interviews with faculty.
- Group assignments.
- An English proficiency test (if needed).