Master’s programs

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

центр молекулярных и биологических технологий

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

610 000 ₽

Application deadline

28 august 2026

Program manager

Sofiya Sergeevna Zaplavnaya

so.cmbt@itmo.ru

+7 (995) 596-19-46

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Entrance exams (GMT+3)

Subject areas

19.04.01

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology / Молекулярная биология и биотехнология

Tuition-free

Fee-based

06.04.01

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology / Молекулярная биология и биотехнология

Tuition-free

Fee-based

About the program

The Master’s program trains future specialists at the intersection of frontier studies, medicine, and biotechnology.

While still at university, you will be able to master advanced methods and technologies by conducting research in molecular biology, nanopharmaceutics, and biomedicine. In fact, your diploma will not contain a list of abstract courses, but a portfolio of research projects you have implemented during your two-year training. In addition to lectures, you will have 18 research projects to pick from, practical training at the university’s laboratory, and access to modern-day equipment. You will learn to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, defend results, and work in a team – just like at top R&D centers.

The results of your research may be featured in Q1 journals and used to produce novel solutions for medicine and biotechnology.

The program will be a fit for those who would like to pursue a career in science or high-tech, create innovative products, and conduct biological studies.

Program partners

Program team

Curriculum

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

Career

After you receive your Master’s, you can build a career as a molecular biologist or a biotechnologist (a junior researcher).

You will get to work at these companies

Or at ITMO’s laboratories

OUR GRADUATES

During my Master’s program, I developed diagnostic test systems based on DNA constructions and a point-of-care system for 16 pathogens of the nervous...
During my Master’s program, I developed diagnostic test systems based on DNA constructions and a point-of-care system for 16 pathogens of the nervous system. I have only great memories of my time at the university – for instance, about how I took part in ITMO.Collab and became ITMO’s top graduate.
Show all
Mariya Bobkova
Graduate, class of 2023
1/5

Student successes

ITMO Launches Professional Development Program in Applied Metagenomics

ITMO Researchers Create Virus-Detecting DNA Bot

ITMO Researchers Developing Alternative to PCR Testing

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

Is the program fully in English? What language will my degree be in?

The program is conducted entirely in English. Upon its completion, you will be awarded a state-recognized diploma and supplement in Russian, as well as a European diploma supplement in English.

What language will the entrance exams be in?

The exam is primarily in Russian. You can be asked to answer some questions in English. As an option, you can take the exam in English. In this case, you won’t need to submit a certificate of your language proficiency.

What will my class schedule be like?

The key feature of this program is project-based education. Each semester, you will be given a set of projects to choose from. You will work on one project at a time. You will be able to find the approximate number of hours each stage of a project takes in the table of projects, but you get to create your own working schedule with the project’s curator. Some projects require daily work within a month, but usually the workload is about 3 hours a day. Sometimes, you will have some days off but then have a full-time study day.

Can I combine studies and work?

Due to the program’s project-oriented nature and lab research, you’re unlikely to be able to have a full-time job outside the university. However, you can find a job at the laboratory. If you’re interested in this opportunity, you can reach out to your supervisor.

How is the entrance exam organized?

The exam is held online in the form of an interview. To sign up for the exam, you need to register on the admissions website, select “entrance exams” as your enrollment option, and choose a convenient time for your examination. Once the registration is complete, you will receive all the necessary links from the program’s manager. At the exam, you will need to answer several questions. The exam committee will evaluate your answers and ask you additional questions, if needed.

Can I study online?

Students can’t take the program online as the program is project-oriented. All projects are performed on-site.

Can I apply if I studied a different field?

Most of the projects in the program are interdisciplinary. The more fields, the better. It won’t be a problem if you studied a different field as the majority of projects require you to take intro courses for non-biotechnology specialists.

Can I both take entrance exams and apply for contests to get into the program?

Yes, you can. If you don’t score sufficient points, for instance, for your portfolio, you can sign yourself up for entrance exams.

How are students assigned to research groups?

Students are assigned to research teams in the first couple of weeks in September. Within this timeframe, you will have the chance to attend several meetings organized by different scientific teams where they will talk about their key projects and interview candidates. We recommend seeing several teams before making your choice. If you want to change your team, you will be able to do so in the next six months. If you choose to do it later, you will risk not being able to catch up. Students are assigned to teams based on the number of places available at each lab, the demand of lab heads for specialists in certain fields, as well as students' wishes and backgrounds.

Are students expected to write a thesis in the program?

To complete the program, you will need to write and defend a thesis in English in your final fourth semester. Alternatively, you can also present a scientific paper in an international journal (you being the first author) or a business project as your thesis.

What is a project? How will the projects be evaluated?

Technically, projects are courses that will be stated in your diploma. Over the course of your training, you will add around 10-14 projects to your portfolio. One project takes approximately one month to complete, from setting an objective to writing a report, which you will be graded on. You will work on a project as part of a team (no more than 4 people). Each project has a supervisor and curators who help organize practical activities.

What projects are students involved in?

Studies are project-oriented, meaning that one discipline/course equals one complete lab project. This way, students can have over 10 projects in their portfolio by the end of their studies. Courses (scientific projects) cover a spectrum of fields, ranging from molecular biology to gene engineering. You can find a complete list of courses here (in Russian).

Can I do my research outside ITMO?

Yes. You can discuss the topic for your research with your supervisor at ITMO and perform research at other organizations. However, note that all educational projects need to be performed at ITMO University, which means that you will have to attend the university in person often.

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