Why study
at MIPT?
If you begin a Google search with “why study at,” you get drop-down prompts for why study at Cambridge, why study at Oxford, why study at UCL, and the burning question of why study at all.
For those who have already answered the last question, choosing a university is the next logical step. However, that also involves the choice of a country and city to live in. So before saying why you should apply to MIPT, we decided to tell you why it is worth it to study in Russia, particularly in Moscow.
Why is it cool
to study in RUSSIA?
Cultural heritage
Russia has a long history and rich cultural heritage: the literature of Tolstoy and Chekhov, the classical music of Tchaikovsky, and a tradition of Russian ballet that goes back to the famous Ballets Russes of Diaghilev.
Academic variety
Whether you want to study an advanced technical discipline or learn the Russian language, there is a variety of schools to choose from. Russia has recently made huge progress in the STEM-subject university rankings: Five Russian universities have entered the top 100 bracket in THE’s 2020 science-oriented subject rankings.
Diversity
With more than 150 ethnic groups that speak over 100 languages, not to mention the many different religions, international students will certainly be able to immediately identify with some part of the Russian population.
Cost of tuition
In comparison with the U.S., where studying at a private college or university can cost up to $70,000 a year, the tuition fees in Russia are much lower even in the capital, and this is clearly an attraction for foreign students.
Global recognition
The courses that you choose in Russia are globally recognized. All of the top universities have joined the European University Association. Moreover, Russian universities and colleges are known for their academic excellence.
Job opportunities
Earlier this year the Federation Council approved the student employment law. Foreign students in Russia no longer require a special permit to work in educational establishments, economic entities and partnerships founded by state-funded or autonomous educational institutions where they study.
OK then, why MOSCOW?
Top universities
Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and the Higher School of Economics are the highest-ranking Russian universities based in Moscow that made the top 20 of the Emerging Economies University Rankings of THE. The rankings use 13 performance indicators measuring the institutions’ teaching quality, research results, citations, integration with the industry, and the internationalization of education and science.
ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY
Moscow universities are open to English speakers. It is extremely rare that one comes across a faculty member or student who cannot confidently communicate in more than one language, and many degree programs are taught in English. It is also remarkable how many international students manage to learn the language alongside their studies. At some universities — including MIPT — it is fairly common for international students to attend a preparatory one-year course to learn Russian before their degree program starts. This helps students assimilate into the local culture surprisingly well.
CITY THAT NEVER DISAPPOINTS
The Moscow megalopolis, which includes Moscow and the Moscow Region, is the largest megacity in Europe. Its population exceeds 20 million and makes up about 14% of all people living in Russia! The takeaway is that this city meets the needs of its community: Even the most sophisticated person will find an activity or hobby to their taste. For example, while Moscow is by no means a seaside city — nor are there any mountains around — the all-season urban surfing and skiing centers mean even those kinds of hobbies are not something you have to give up. And you will find new ones!
All right!
So what about MIPT?
NATIONWIDE LEADERSHIP
While MIPT specializes in the areas of physics and technology, it has nevertheless come to be recognized as the second-best Russian university overall, behind MSU, by the Emerging Economies University Rankings published by Times Higher Education. In its area of expertise the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology maintains leadership among Russian universities. In the 2020 edition of the Times Higher Education rankings for physical sciences, MIPT holds position No. 45, retaining its standing as one of the world’s top 50 universities in that area for three consecutive.
SPECIAL SYSTEM
Despite the emphasis on development and evolution, MIPT respects its traditions and is frequently noted for its history and the proverbial Phystech System, created by the Institute’s Nobel Prize-winning founders Lev Landau, Pyotr Kapitsa, and Nikolay Semenov over 70 years ago and still used today. The principles of this system are based on highly competitive and selective admission, along with a personalized approach to teaching, so that students avoid being overburdened with unnecessary subjects and are instead educated in the country’s finest laboratories by leading scientists.
SPIRIT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The curriculum allows our students to gain not only a profound knowledge base but up-to-date practical skills as well. The educational process includes entrepreneurship projects, and the MIPT business accelerator Phystech.Start is always there to aid talented students in putting their brilliant ideas into practice. So it should come as no surprise that MIPT is the alma mater of billionaires, with 10 alums in the top 200 bracket of the Forbes Russia rankings.
Everything mentioned above is indeed important, however, no text will tell you about studying in a foreign country and experiencing this journey better than the people with firsthand experience.
Enjoy these wonderful stories from our talented students who come from all over the world and draw inspiration from all the efforts and initiatives!
The admissions office has a list of our master’s degree programs online. For information about the postdoc contests visit the Institute’s official website.
You can also find other information about MIPT at eng.mipt.ru.