History
- 1900 - foundation year
- 1930 - became Leningrad Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics (LIFMO)
- 1994 - was given the status of a technical university
- 2011 - was renamed into St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics
- 2016 - ITMO University is in the World Top-100 for Computer Science According to THE 2017 - ITMO in Top 10 Russian Universities
- 2019 - ITMO entered THE Top-500 World University Rankings
Education
- International Master’s Programs are an effective mix of immersive learning and collaboration with leading scientists, hands-on experience with industrial partners and a rare opportunity to work with an international team.
- ITMO University offers a wide variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs in the most advanced fields: IT, Mechatronics and Robotics, Photonics, Biotechnology and Smart Materials, Innovations Development etc.
- Semester exchange programs are an excellent opportunity to dive into a different culture and learning environment which enhance your intercultural skills and make you more competitive for the future.
- ITMO summer schools combine an intensive science, programming or language course with visiting historical sites, museums and theatres in the magnificent St.Petersburg.
Research
Research and development have always been top priorities for ITMO University. Many findings by the researchers of our university in 20th century determined the development of Soviet and global science and technology.
ITMO University 43 Research Centers are large, economically independent cross-disciplinary competence centers undertaking leading fundamental and applied research in our key research areas which are:
Key research areas:
- Photonics and Optics
- Intelligent Technology and Robotics
- Life Sciences and Health
- Natural Sciences
- “Smart” Materials, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
- IT in Economics, Social Sciences and Art
Career
ITMO University’s Career Services Department offers resources and support to students and alumni through all stages of their career. We also work closely with the industry, government and other stakeholders to create sustainable relationships for internships and employment. Employers in our network provide valuable feedback about most in-demand skills so that we can train the most in-demand workforce.
Services for students and alumni:
- Career exploration and development
- Internship and position search
- CV, cover letter and interview counseling
- Maintaining positions database
- Career fairs, master classes and trainings, presentations by employers and other events
ITMO University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #711 Ranking
- 14 Masters
- 406 Scholarships
- 1,320 Academic Staff
- 13,950 Students
- 2,580 Students (int'l)
- Public Institution Type
ITMO University Overview
ITMO University Scholarships
ITMO University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to ITMO University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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ITMO University Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 32 reviews
- 5 Star 9 Reviews
- 4 Star 19 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 1 Review
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.6
- Student Diversity 4.5
- Admission Process 4.5
- Quality of Student Life 4.0
Ostim
OSTİM Technical University, located in Turkey, has established itself as the "university of the industry." The university's goal is to work closely with industry and society, offering education, research, and application infrastructure and opportunities to its students at international standards. The university aims to provide students with knowledge and equipment required by the competitive business world, raising graduates who are innovative, entrepreneurial, culturally aware, and internalized human values, and self-confident. OSTİM Technical University is also committed to increasing the science and technology development competence of Turkey and taking responsibility for the development of the region and country by producing original projects and solutions. The university prioritizes being skill-oriented and gaining professional competence in education and training, being learner-centered, and ensuring the active participation of stakeholders, especially industrialists, students, and graduates in decision-making, implementation, and review processes. The university aims to establish mechanisms for the development of patent, utility model, industrial design, brand development capacity, and copyright capacity based on the cooperation of the university with industry and to operate them effectively. With the main axes of the University's activities being economic contribution and commercialization, intellectual property capacity, research competence, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the university adopts the fact that knowledge production at the university is project and research-based. OSTİM Technical University's management and operating principles are based on the procedures determined by the Board of Trustees and the provisions specified in the Main Regulation. The university aims to establish mechanisms and tools that will ensure the active participation of stakeholders, especially the industrial sector, in the decision-making, operation, feedback, and surveillance processes of the university. The university aims to design an academic and administrative structure in accordance with the concept of the "University of Industry" and learner-centered education curricula. The university designs educational programs and processes with a focus on gain and output, focusing on professional competence, and prioritizing vocational competence in the curriculum of education programs. The curriculum is designed based on learning by doing and at work in training programs, aiming at the development of entrepreneurship and leadership skills and inclination to innovation in education programs. The university encourages students to work as a team with different compositions in their education, application, project, homework, etc. obligations by designing and developing incentives. The university aims to establish a sustainable mutual trust by constructing and operating a governance model based on corporate governance principles, and places publication, project, R&D, intellectual property, economic contribution, and commercialization at the center of university activities and education programs. In conclusion, OSTİM Technical University is a forward-thinking institution that is committed to providing students with an education that prepares them for the competitive business world. With a focus on collaboration with industry and society, the university provides students with international-standard infrastructure, equipment, and opportunities. The university's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness prepares graduates to make valuable contributions to society while being self-confident and completed their personal development.
My University review
The university is well equipped, the environment is favorable to study and we have internships every semester to help us get exposed to the world of work
Professionality
OST?M Technical University stands out for its strategic location within Ankara�s industrial zone, providing students with practical exposure through internships and partnerships with leading businesses. Its focus on technical and applied sciences ensures that students gain industry-relevant skills, particularly in engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship. The university also emphasizes innovation, offering support for student projects through resources like incubators and mentorship. Small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, creating a personalized and supportive academic environment. However, there are areas where OST?M Technical University could improve. As a newer institution, it may not yet have the established reputation of older universities, potentially affecting the perceived value of its degrees in competitive fields. Its specialization in technical and industrial disciplines might not cater to students with broader academic interests. Additionally, being in its growth phase, the university could face limitations in resources such as library facilities, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities. These aspects might impact the overall student experience, especially for those seeking a more diverse academic environment. In summary, OST?M Technical University offers practical and career-focused education but has areas to address to become a more well-rounded institution.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
ITMO University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
Dropped 116 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 542 | 595 | 711 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 119 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 696 | 789 | 908 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
Dropped 200 places compared to 2025
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 801 | 1001 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
ITMO University has several initiatives designed to help international students in adapting to the new city and culture. Among such projects are ITMO Student Services Office, University’s International Student Council, "Get Local" International Students Club, and the buddy program.
Housing services
ITMO University has more than ten dorm options on offer, and it is our priority to provide international students with housing. A majority of international students are housed in the two dorms which are located in the historic center of Saint Petersburg, not far from ITMO University's main building.
The dorms are multi-story buildings with comfortable rooms. Occupancy depends on availability and influences the cost. There may be from 2 to 4 students sharing a dorm room. Rooms are furnished with the necessary furniture. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. There is a kitchen on each floor of the dorm building, with cooking stoves and countertops.
Library services
ITMO University offers a vast collection of Russian and international literature on a variety of technical and social disciplines, as well as general interest and fiction.
ICT services
- A free Wi-Fi network on campus
- ICT rooms available for students
- Classrooms with multimedia equipment
- Online non-degree courses
- Student Information System
Medical services
Once you are officially an ITMO University student, you are entitled to use the services of the healthcare clinic located at the main campus of ITMO University. Some of the services include first aid, treatment of a variety of acute illnesses, minor injuries and burns, vaccinations, preventive medicine. The doctor can also make referrals to specialists.
Campus life
ITMO University campus comprises 14 educational buildings mostly located in the downtown which make it easy to explore the city and enjoy it at any time of the year. They are easy to access by public transport and are usually within walking distance of metro stations.
The overall University infrastructure also includes research and scientific laboratories, several dormitories, sport facilities, student co-working areas, concert halls, hobby clusters etc.
Sports facilities
There are no boring PE classes you need to muster at ITMO University. What we have instead is “KronBars”, a fun and welcoming student sports club offering more than 60 kinds of sports for you to enjoy. From basketball and volleyball to rock-climbing, wrestling, and fencing, everyone is bound to find something that suits their taste.
Moreover ITMO University’s KronBars doesn’t just mean dozens of cool sports classes; it is also Saint Petersburg’s best-known student sports club. Our team of sports managers, journalists, photographers and student enthusiasts are hard at work developing student sports and forming better conditions for athletes and everyone who likes sports.
Student clubs
If you’re looking to stand out and show off your talents, ITMO is the place for you! Our students lead active lives and take part in determining the university’s course of development together with our staff, professors and researchers. There are plenty of creative clubs: from gamedev and eco-volunteering to fire dancing and stand-up. Don’t miss an opportunity to take up new hobbies, acquire useful skills and meet new friends!
ITMO University also organizes excursions all over the north-west of Russia and the neighboring countries of Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. For those, who prefer outdoor activities, ITMO holds various events in Yagodnoye, including field trips and sports games for the students.
Accreditation
ITMO University is a full member of European University Association (EUA), Association of Technical Universities of Russia and of China, Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), European Optical Society (EOS), International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.