ITMO University

Founded in 1900, ITMO is one of the leading higher education institutions in Russia and conducts research and provides training in advanced science, information technologies, engineering, and humanities. Its main areas of focus are IT, photonics, robotics, smart technologies, science art, and urban studies. ITMO offers its students Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in both English and Russian.

Over the past few years, ITMO University has evolved from a specialized technical university into a trailblazer, shaping national education and research policy in Russia. The university was a top participant of the 5-100 Russian Academic Excellence Project throughout its implementation; today, it has maintained that status as a participant of the newly-launched federal project Priority 2030.

Our new approach to learning, ITMO Code, centers on the idea of the “university of the future.” At its core is the need to account for students’ individual needs and desires and provide them with a wide range of opportunities for their holistic development beyond the boundaries of subject areas and majors. It builds on the University’s values of respect for the individual, integrity, academic freedom, openness, and love.

In following the code, we blend fundamental and unique competencies while recognizing the importance of both professional and soft skills – the latter being an entirely new frontier for Russian universities. For several years now, soft skills have been a part of ITMO’s core curriculum.

ITMO University isn’t afraid to break new ground and take on the big challenges. In fact, our students are the only ones in the world to have won the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) seven times!

Studying at ITMO also means you’ll get to visit St. Petersburg – a city known all over the world for its rich cultural heritage, active social life, and high-quality entertainment. Our multiple campuses are located in the city’s historical center, mere steps away from famous landmarks and sights, and can be reached quickly from your dormitory thanks to the city’s well-developed transit network.

Right now, our biggest and boldest project is ITMO Highpark: a new $650 million university campus combined with a major educational, research, and innovative production cluster in the south of St. Petersburg.