Master’s programs

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

Institute of Applied Computer Science

Format of study

full-time

Language

english

Place of study

st. petersburg, russia

Outcome (diploma/credits)

master of science

Duration

2 year

Annual tuition fee

710 000 ₽

Application deadline

28 august 2026

Special features

Online programs

Program manager

Lada Mikhaylovna Antonova

bioinf@itmo.ru

+7 (921) 946-55-29

Follow us on social media

VK Website Telegram

Entrance exams (GMT+3)

Subject areas

01.04.02

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology / Биоинформатика и системная биология

Tuition-free

Fee-based

About the program

As any kind of research in biology generates huge amounts of experimental data, our program teaches students to efficiently process it and deploy computational methods to make biological breakthroughs.

The program is designed for biology, medicine, IT, and math grads. Students with a biological background will master programming, data processing and analysis, whereas students with a computational background will be able to develop novel computational methods and use them to solve pressing biological challenges. Each semester, students will have the chance to practice their skills working on individual and group projects at ITMO or with the university’s partners from around the world. Students can take the program fully online.

Here is the list of entrance exams for the Master's program Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.

Program partners

Program team

Curriculum

Explore your curriculum (in Russian) to see what you will study

Career

Graduates can pursue their careers at pharmaceutical and biotech enterprises, as well as organizations specialized in producing software in life sciences.

You will get to work at these companies

Or at ITMO’s laboratories

OUR GRADUATES

I liked that there was no excessive gap between students and lecturers; the latter were happy to answer all of our questions even after classes...
I liked that there was no excessive gap between students and lecturers; the latter were happy to answer all of our questions even after classes ended. In my opinion, there’s nothing redundant in the program. Both lectures and home assignments are practice-oriented. I felt like I could immediately put my knowledge into practice.

I loved that many lecturers used platforms to automate homework checking so we could immediately receive feedback and fill our knowledge gaps.

Working on assignments and my thesis was challenging for me. But I made it through – because the tasks were well-balanced in terms of their complexity and the knowledge and time we had to complete them. Now I’m sure that everything is possible if I work hard enough. This is perhaps my main takeaway.
Show all
Sofya Dubovskova
Graduate, class of 2024
1/11

Student successes

ITMO Graduate Oksana Ivanova on Master's Program in Bioinformatics

Scientists From ITMO and the US Assemble New Reference Genomes of Two Malaria Mosquito Species

Master’s Student Mrinal Vashisth: Embracing Interdisciplinarity is Like Discovering Your Superpowers

ADMISSION OPPORTUNITIES

International students can study tuition-free by securing a scholarship through the Rossotrudnichestvo federal agency as part of a Russian Government scholarship. Applications can be submitted to the Rossotrudnichestvo office at a Russian Embassy/Consulate or an office of the Russian Center of Science and Culture.

Visit our international website for more information.

International opportunities

ITMO supports and encourages students to participate in online and offline educational events in Russia and abroad. We also count 70+ leading scientific institutions around the world among our partners.

You can apply for participation in online and offline conferences, seminars, schools, crash courses, competitions, championships, research internships, and other events in Russia and abroad that are organized by ITMO’s partner universities as well as other scientific and educational organizations.

Educational events and internships

Want to take part in a conference, summer school, or seminar abroad? ITMO University will cover up to 70% of your expenses.

Semester exchange / Study abroad

Found an interesting program in another country and want to go on an exchange semester? Tell us why you chose it and receive financial support.

Study Abroad at Home

Get your international learning experience without leaving ITMO: study in English with international students from all over the world!

Buddy System

From your first day at ITMO as an international student you will be supported by a buddy – another student, who will help you settle in, solve any issue, and explore the city! Maybe one day you, too, will want to support a newcomer at ITMO and get to share your experience as their buddy. You can learn more about the opportunity here

FAQ

What language will the exam be held in?

Entrance exams are held in English.

What questions will I be asked at the exam?

You will get two questions: one in biology and another one in mathematics or programming.

How is research organized?

Our students are running research projects throughout the two years so that they could write a high-quality thesis by the end of their studies. In their first year, they are offered introduction projects, whereas the second year is all about thesis preparation. Our supervisors are researchers from Russia and abroad involved in cutting-edge scientific projects. In case a student is already engaged in research, for instance, as part of their work, they can continue to work on the same project at the university, too.

What will my university schedule look like?

Classes are held in the afternoon, three-four times a week.

What language should my documents for the Portfolio contest be in?

Your portfolio should be in English.

Can I combine work and studies?

You can combine work and studies if you’re going to work part-time but it’s highly unlikely with a full-time job. You shouldn’t forget that you’ll have to study intensely and that it will require a full commitment from you. Each semester, you will have not only lectures and practical classes but also lots of home assignments and side projects.

Should I have a language proficiency certificate?

Yes, from this year on, applicants need to provide proof of their language proficiency (with B2 being the required minimum) in the form of an international certificate or a transcript from their previous place of study. If you’re to take part in the Portfolio contest, you will need to submit your certificate with your application. In case you are taking entrance exams, you can send the certificate to bioinf@itmo.ru.

Bachelor’s programs