How to get into Skoltech
(It is quite simple)
We created this guide to help you with the competitive selection application process.
Please, read it carefully before submitting your application,
and don't hesitate to ask any questions.
We created this guide to help you with the competitive selection application process.
Please, read it carefully before submitting your application,
and don't hesitate to ask any questions.
The selection and admission processes include several steps.
You have probably seen this timeline:
You have probably seen this timeline:
1
Prepare your portfolio
Prepare your competitive selection 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 Admissions Committee an opportunity to see your academic level. If your diploma or transcripts are not in English, please provide a translation of the original document.
2
Submit your application
Upload your materials into the SIA system and click 'submit'.
3
Online testing
Every candidate must take an online subject test. You will be notified by email about the specific date and time of your test.
4
Selection
The final selection stage takes place in Moscow. You have to pass an internal English language test or present a valid TOEFL/IELTS certificate. You will also have to pass an in-person interview. Extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time (you will be notified in advance).
0. What to do in advance
Choose the program here >>
Your current resume or curriculum vitae, in English.
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 your motivation letter is 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 colleagues who can confirm your skills and potential. How to request letters of recommendation.
- The letters should describe both the relationship between the author and the applicant (joint research, supervision, teaching, etc.) and provide the author's personal opinion about the applicant and his/her qualities and qualifications.
- Very formal letters and/or translation of standard characteristics usually do not produce a good impression.
- Each letter has to contain the recommender's contact phone number and/or e-mail.
- If the letters are not in English, please make your own translation into English, scan it in one file with the original document and upload t hem together.
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 Admissions 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 an internal English language test at Skoltech during the selection weekend.
- a valid TOEFL iBT certificate (minimum score: 80)
- a valid TOEFL ITP certificate (minimum score: 450)
- a valid IELTS certificate (minimum score: 6.0)
- a 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 an internal English language test at Skoltech during the selection weekend.
Scan all your awards and certificates, if any.
This is not obligatory but increases your chances in the admission process. We strongly recommend translating those documents into English as well.
This is not obligatory but increases your chances in the admission process. We strongly recommend translating those documents into English as well.
We prefer scans in PDF files, but also accept images in JPEG format.
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 are 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 of the items.
1. Application / Portfolio
Upload all documents into the SIA system. You will need to fill out the questionnaire. When everything is completed, you will need to click "Submit". Then you will officially become an Applicant.
2. Online test
The exam takes place 1 or 2 days after the application deadline. For example, if you submit your application by the deadline on June 6, the exam will be on June 7 or June 8.
Please set aside the time for an exam, as the date/time of the exam is not flexible and will be announced to you once you submit your application.
Please set aside the time for an exam, as the date/time of the exam is not flexible and will be announced to you once you submit your application.
Sample tests are available here and here is how you can prepare.
You will need to set up a quiet place with a stable internet connection, where no one will disturb you during the test. You will also need a device with a working web camera and microphone.
The online test 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
The Admission Committee will make a decision based on your submitted application and test results within 2 weeks from the test. You will be informed about the decision via e-mail.
If you are invited to the next stage of the selection processes, you will need to come to Skoltech for the final selection stage on the date specified in the email. Only in exceptional cases or in case of a bad epidemiological situation the 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.
If you are invited to the next stage of the selection processes, you will need to come to Skoltech for the final selection stage on the date specified in the email. Only in exceptional cases or in case of a bad epidemiological situation the 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.
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 or IELTS certificates. The passing score is: 80 on the TOEFL iBT, 450 on the TOEFL ITP or 6 on the IELTS. Only TOEFL and IELTS certificates are accepted. Applicants, who don't have a valid TOEFL or IELTS certificate, may pass an internal English language test at Skoltech after the interview (free of charge).
- An official confirmation from your university or school that English was the language of instruction
- A confirmation that you are a native English speaker.
A dynamic challenge where you can showcase your soft skills of a modern researcher and entrepreneur.
This exam can be scheduled for some programs. It will be conducted within the same Selection Weekend. You will be notified in advance if this applies to your program.
4. Enrollment (hooray!)
A week after the Selection Weekend is finished, we will inform you about the 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 in August for official matriculation and start of studies (which, by the way, may completely change your life).
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, this means that you did not pass the final stage, but next year you will be able to try again. However, this year you cannot resubmit your competitive selection application to any program.
The official matriculation is conducted in July-August before the start of the academic year: 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.