A leader in the making! Meet Chizoba from Nigeria 🇳🇬

Growing up in Enugu, Chizoba saw firsthand how cities tell stories through their people, industries, and landscapes. Now, as a Master’s student at ITMO, she’s exploring how data and technology can reshape urban futures.

One of the most surprising and refreshing aspects of studying abroad, particularly in Russia, has been the flexibility to work while studying. I genuinely appreciate that adjustments can be made to accommodate students’ work routines. It reflects an understanding that students are not only learners but also professionals building their careers and supporting themselves. It has allowed me to apply what I learn in real time and connect theory with practice.

Curious about her journey and vision for smarter cities? Read the full interview here 👉

#itmofaces

Study in India for a semester 🇮🇳

ITMO’s Academic Mobility Support Office has opened a competition for 2 fully funded exchange positions for fall 2026 at Parul University, India. For the first time, ITMO students have the chance to join a semester exchange fully covered by the partner university.

What the scholarship includes:

✈️ Round-trip international flights
🛂 Visa application fees
🏠 Premium on-campus accommodation
🍽 Daily meals
📚 Academic workshops, cultural programs, and enrichment activities

📋 Requirements:

⚫️English certificate B2+
⚫️CV
⚫️Video CV
⚫️Valid passport (until August 2027)
⚫️Approval from your program supervisor + a tentative list of courses

⏳ Application period: March 12 – March 17, 11:59 pm (GMT+3)
📝 Apply here

For more info, click here 👈

#opportunities

End-of-week wrapped is here… 🔔

Glance over everything that happened at ITMO this week:

⏫ A joint study reveals 66% of Russian academics now use AI to accelerate research and streamline lesson planning.

⚗️ ITMO researchers developed an AI system capable of automating the entire R&D cycle in chemistry and medicine.

🔆 Scientists at ITMO demonstrated a new method to accelerate twisted particles to immense speeds while preserving their unique quantum properties.

The posts below need your special attention:

🎞 Done with Netflix? Check out these modern Russian TV shows for max thrill and entertainment.

🇮🇳 Namaste, friends! Parul University is offering a chance to study in India for free! Deadline approaching soon.

#newsdigest

👍 ITMO on VK

Congrats on surviving the Russian winter! It’s finally spring in St. Petersburg!

The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are steadily climbing up. In the spirit of welcoming this new season, we’ve lined up all the must-do’s in lifestyle and food. Discover your next favorite spring activity with our guide.

#stp

👍 ITMO on VK

Here’s your chance to join the ITMO orchestra 🎻

“Ensemble, Assemble!” is our very own student orchestra, where music turns into friendships, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.

Who can join?
🔴 Musicians of every stripe (from cello to French horn — level doesn’t matter!)
🔴 Arrangers, stage crew, photographers, videographers• SMM enthusiasts who want to help build the orchestra’s online presence

Why join?
🔴 A friendly creative community
🔴 Performances at events like ITMO Ball, ITMO Family Day, Student Spring, themed concerts, and more
🔴 Diverse repertoire, from classical music to anime soundtracks
🔴 Rehearsals twice a week + opportunity to receive enhanced scholarships (PGAS)

#studentlife

👍 ITMO on VK

Here’s your guide to applying at ITMO via the portfolio contest 📌

Want to skip entrance exams and enroll based on your achievements? Follow these simple steps:

🔘Register your personal account
🔘 Select Portfolio Contest as your entrance exam
🔘 Choose the track that matches your program
🔘Write and upload your motivation letter
🔘 Upload proof of your research/project work
🔘 Add documents for your academic achievements
🔘 Select your achievements from the list and attach proof
🔘 Save the section — done! ✔️

📕 Important dates:

🔵First wave: February 16 - March 29
🔵Second wave: April 20 - May 31
🔵Third wave: June 26 - July 31

🔜 Apply here

#opportunities

👍 ITMO on VK

From design to data — what sparks such a career shift? 📊

Meet Abu Bakar, a Master’s student in big data and machine learning at ITMO, who’s turning curiosity into a future in AI and analytics. Here’s what inspired him:

Interestingly, before joining this program, I worked as a graphic designer for three years. Since my Bachelor’s degree was in computer science, I always had a strong technical foundation. What eventually drew me to big data and machine learning was the desire to return to my technical roots and work on more complex, analytical problems. I realized that the future is heavily driven by data and AI, and I wanted to be a part of that.

Read the full interview and discover his journey ⬅️

#itmofaces

👍 ITMO on VK

Keeping up with the trends and sharing our ‘90s vibes 😎

👍 ITMO on VK

Level up your future! New opportunities, programs, and trends — all in this week’s digest:

🎓 Applications for ITMO’s annual teaching competition open March 27, offering positions for everyone from assistants to professors with 1-5 year contracts; open to internal and external candidates, deadline: May 3.

🤖 ITMO has launched a new program for full-cycle AI specialists; graduates can contribute to such industries as finance, retail, and manufacturing.

🧣 Headscarves are making a comeback! these must-have spring accessories blend traditional Russian style with modern fashion.

And now, some important posts from this week you shouldn’t miss:

📌 Want to skip entrance exams and enroll at ITMO based on your achievements? Follow these steps, track the waves, and secure your chance to be an ITMO student!

📚 ITMO’s Book Club and Speaking Club join hands for a discussion of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile and its movie adaptation. Meet new people and enjoy a night of chats and games!

#newsdigest

👍 ITMO on VK

Got a startup idea? Let’s build it 😎

Admissions for the ITMO Accelerator’s spring cohort are now open! Whether you’re just starting out or already working on a project — this is your chance to launch, grow, and scale faster.

What’s in it for you:

⚫️Mentorship from experienced founders & trackers
⚫️Hands-on knowledge in building a business
⚫️First sales or product scaling
⚫️Networking with investors & experts
⚫️Final pitch at Demo Day

Access to ITMO’s startup ecosystem & alumni network

Who can apply?

⚫️Anyone. Any city. Any stage (idea, prototype, or product).

🖱 Deadline: April 5, 2026

#opportunities

👍 ITMO on VK

ITMO is coming to Astana 🇰🇿

Thinking about your next step in education? Meet us at the Study in Russia exhibition!

Whether you’re into AI, biotech, robotics, or creative tech, this is your chance to come chat with our team, learn about our programs, and find out how to join the ITMO.Family.

📅 March 28: 11:00 – 17:00 | March 29: 11:00 – 16:00

📍Russian Cultural Center (Rossotrudnichestvo), 39 Kenesary St, Astana, Kazakhstan

#opportunities

👍 ITMO on VK

Looking for a hobby that’s both physical and intellectual? We have a suggestion! 🎱👨‍🦰🪝

Billiards is gaining popularity as a trendy hobby. What makes it so appealing, and where can you play it in the city? Let’s find out together with ITMO 's Kronbars Billiards Club.

#studentlife

👍 ITMO on VK

Beyond what we see in biology… there’s so much more 🧬

Remember Rami, the international student who recently won a research grant? We got a chance to sit down and learn more about his life. On what excites him the most, he shares:

As much as we know about cells, biology, organs, and diseases, it’s really just the surface of the truth. This is one of the reasons why designing drugs and cures isn’t as easy as people might expect. Uncovering this hidden knowledge is the spark that I hope to follow for the rest of my academic career.

Read the full interview here 👉

#itmofaces

👍 ITMO on VK

Do you know any other ITMO slang? 😉

👍 ITMO on VK

Happy birthday, ITMO! 🎉

Today, on March 26, we celebrate the journey of our beloved university through the past 126 years.

While it’s tempting to list 126 things we love about it, the true magic lies in the people – our ITMO Family, who truly make it more than a university. We wish you all the energy to shine, set trends in education, propel science forward, and simply make ITMO a community of passionate individuals.

To mark the day, we’ve launched a giveaway on our VK page! Follow the link to win the coolest ITMO merch!

👍 ITMO on VK

Big wins and ever bigger opportunities! Here’s what’s new at ITMO:

💰 Five ITMO lecturers won the Vladimir Potanin Foundation competition, each receiving 500,000 rubles to develop educational projects.

🎓 ITMO students with who enroll as winners of international and national competitions for school students can get a stipend of up to 100K rubles per month along with downtown dorm spots and travel grants for non-local students.

🏃 Struggling to make physical activity a regular part of your routine? Check out our new guide to shifting your mindset.

And now, some fun posts from this week you shouldn’t miss 👇

🎉 To celebrate 126 years of ITMO, we’ve launched a giveaway on VK — follow the link and win exclusive ITMO merch.

🎱 Looking for a hobby that’s both strategic and fun? Discover why billiards is trending, and where to play.

#newsdigest

👍 ITMO on VK