How to apply
(It is quite simple)
We created this guide to help you with the application process for our Master's programs.
Please, read it carefully before submitting an application,
and don't hesitate to ask any questions.
We created this guide to help you with the application process for our Master's programs.
Please, read it carefully before submitting an application,
and don't hesitate to ask any questions.
The admission and enrollment process includes several steps.
You have probably seen this timeline. Below we explain it in details.
You have probably seen this timeline. Below we explain it in details.
1
Prepare your portfolio
Prepare your application materials. You will need to upload a scan of your most recent diploma of higher education. If you are currently studying, it is highly recommended to upload a current academic transcript to give the Admission Committee an opportunity to see your academic level.
2
Submit your application
Upload your materials into the application system and click 'submit'.
3
Online testing
Every candidate must take an online profile test. You will be notified by email about the specific date and time of your test.
4
Enrollment
The final selection will take place in Moscow. You can choose to take your exams in either English or Russian. If you select the Russian option and successfully pass the selection, you will be required to attend a free one-month English bootcamp in August before your program begins. Note that you can only choose a Russian option if your English level is at least B1. If you choose the English option, you must either pass an English exam on-site or present valid proof of English proficiency. You will also earn additional points for choosing an English option. Additionally, you will participate in an in-person interview and an entrepreneurship challenge. Please note that extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time, and you will be notified in advance if this applies to you. If you are not from Moscow, we can provide accommodation for you in the Skoltech dorms during the selection weekend.
0. What to do in advance
Choose the program here >>
A current English-language version of your resume or curriculum vitae.
We do not have special requirements here, just follow the general rules for such documents. Learn how to write a resume.
We do not have special requirements here, just follow the general rules for such documents. Learn how to write a resume.
In 500–1000 words, in English, please answer the following question: What do you hope to gain by completing a degree in your chosen field of study at Skoltech? Keep in mind that motivation letter is being reviewed carefully and is very important for the selection. Learn how to write a motivation letter.
This is important as well: we will need 2 recommendation letters, written by your thesis supervisors, team supervisors and other relevant people, confirming your skills and potential. How to request letters of recommendation.
- Letters should describe both the relationship between the author and the applicant (joint research, supervision, teaching, etc.) and provide the personal opinion of the author about the applicant.
- Very formal letters, translation of standard characteristics, usually do not produce a good impression.
- Each letter has to contain contact phone number and/or e-mail of the recommender.
- If the letters are not in English, please make your own translation into English, scan it in one file with the original and upload this way.
You will need to upload a scan of your most recent diploma of higher education. If you are currently studying, it is highly recommended to upload a current academic transcript to give the Admission Committee an opportunity to see your academic level.
To show proof of English language proficiency, scan and upload one of the following documents:
In case you don't have a language certificate, please don't worry. If invited for the interview, you will be able to take the English test at Skoltech during the selection weekend. It is a written test and is not administered online.
- valid TOEFL iBT certificate (minimum score: 80)
- valid TOEFL ITP certificate (minimum score: 450)
- certificate from your previous/current university stating that the language of instruction is English (it must be dated, signed, and stamped)
In case you don't have a language certificate, please don't worry. If invited for the interview, you will be able to take the English test at Skoltech during the selection weekend. It is a written test and is not administered online.
Scan all your awards and certificates if you have any.
This is not obligatory, but increases your chances. We strongly recommend translating those documents into English as well.
This is not obligatory, but increases your chances. We strongly recommend translating those documents into English as well.
We prefer scans in PDF files, but also accept images in JPEG, PNG, GIF or BMP formats.
Documents in DOC, PPT, TXT and other formats will not be accepted.
Documents in DOC, PPT, TXT and other formats will not be accepted.
If any of your documents is not presented in English, please provide a translation. If possible, scan the original with the translation together. Translation is obligatory for recommendation letters and highly recommended for the rest items.
1. Application / Portfolio
Upload all documents in the online application system. You will need to fill out the questionnaire. When everything is completed, you will need to click "Submit". Great, now you are officially an Applicant.
We do not charge any tuition fees.
2. Online test
The exam takes place 1 or 2 days after the deadline. So, for example, if you submit your test by the deadline on June 6, the exam will be on June 7 or June 8.
The date/time of the exam is not flexible and will be announced to you via email 5 days before the test date. If you submit your application closer to the deadline, you will be notified the morning after the deadline. So, make sure to save the date and time.
The date/time of the exam is not flexible and will be announced to you via email 5 days before the test date. If you submit your application closer to the deadline, you will be notified the morning after the deadline. So, make sure to save the date and time.
Sample tests are available here and here is how you can prepare.
You will need to organize a quiet place with a stable internet connection, where no one will disturb you during the test, and the device with working web-camera and microphone.
The online testing will be performed using a proctoring service, i.e. we will automatically and manually control the process and observe you during the test. A high rate of automatically tracked suspicious activity lowers your Credibility Score, which may influence the decision of the Admission Committee. Recovered and proven cheating during the test leads to an immediate ban.
3. Selection Weekend
Based on your portfolio and test results, the Admission Comittee will make a decision within 2 weeks and inform you about it via e-mail. You will need to come to Skoltech on the specified date for the final interviews. Only in exceptional cases final stage may be performed remotely via video conference-call for those applicants, who cannot come in person. Personal presence makes your chances to succeed higher.
You will be interviewed by the faculty and researchers of your program. The interview is conducted in English. You will need to prepare a short presentation about your academic and research background for the interview. Applicants of the Life Sciences Master's program should also prepare a scientific article summary.
Also you will need to prepare and bring the original copy of your academic transcripts to the interview.
Also you will need to prepare and bring the original copy of your academic transcripts to the interview.
All applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, the language of instruction at Skoltech. This may be demonstrated by one of the following ways:
- TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP certificates. The passing score is: 80 on the TOEFL iBT, 450 on the TOEFL ITP. Only TOEFL certificates are accepted. Applicants, who does not have a valid TOEFL certificate, may pass an official TOEFL ITP examination at Skoltech after the interview (free of charge).
- Official confirmation from your university or school that English was the language of instruction
- Confirmation that you are a native English speaker.
Dynamic challenge to check if you have the essential set of soft skills of modern researcher and entrepreneur.
Can be scheduled for some programs, will be conducted within the same Selection Weekend. You will be notified in advance.
The Selection Weekend takes place on a Saturday (and for some applicants Sunday as well).
4. Enrollment (hooray!)
A week after the Selection Weekend is finished we will inform you about your results. There are 3 possible outcomes:
Good job: if you received the e-mail containing an offer to join Skoltech MSc program it means you have passed the selection process and we are eager to see you at Skoltech for the start of studies (which, by the way, may completely change your life).
The detailed list of documents for official enrollment will be sent to you after the offer confirmation
The detailed list of documents for official enrollment will be sent to you after the offer confirmation
You still have a chance! Due to limited space availability and high competition, some candidates are placed on the waiting list. Having been waitlisted is no guarantee for eventual acceptance. However, waitlisted candidates may be offered admission as late as a few days prior to the beginning of the academic year.
Sorry: that means that you did not pass the final stage, but next year you will be able to try again — we do not ban. Although, you are not allowed to resubmit your competitive selection application for this program, you can try to submit your application to the other Skoltech program.
The official enrollment procedure is conducted after you get your offer and confirm it (May- August): we will inform you via a special e-mail about the list of the documents you will need to provide to become a Skoltech student officially.
Start your application now
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