International University

The strategy of the University's development is aimed at building a world-class research university, which is business oriented and focused on the internationalization of all its activities.
 
The following areas of development have been identified for reaching high positions in the international rankings: 
 
  • Active recruiting of foreign students through offering education competitive in the international marketplace
  • Organizing active international academic mobility through internships for graduate students and faculty in the world's leading universities as well as internships for representatives of foreign institutions oat ITMO
  • Active development of international patenting of ITMO's research
  • Organizing collaborative research with foreign faculty and scientists through international "virtual departments" online
  • Marketing research and innovation services of the University to foreign markets in partnership with foreign companies
  • Organizing and holding large international forums, conferences, seminars and other events supported by the international scientific community
  • Developing of a multi-language environment, primarily English-speaking, for foreign students and specialists at ITMO
  • Raising the level of English language competence among students, faculty and staff of ITMO through additional language programs and testing
  • Building a system of selection, hosting and curating foreign students and faculty at ITMO.
 
Strategy – 2020
 
  • 22% foreign students
  • 5% foreign scientists
  • 35% staff speaking English
  • 100 double-degree programs
  • Entering top 300 by 2016 in QS World University and Times Higher Education Rankings
 
International ITMO University today
 
International activities at ITMO University are aimed at strengthening the university’s position and elevating its status as a world-class scientific and training center. The opportunities for student, faculty and specialist mobility are constantly expanding through exchange of experience, international exchange programs and double degree programs with partner universities around the world.
 
Priority in the development of international cooperation of ITMO University is the internationalization of all activities:
  • Activation of international cooperation
  • Curricular enhancement
  • Establishment of joint educational programs
  • Development of partner relationships with foreign universities and colleges
  • Participating in academic exchange
  • Providing opportunities for staff to participate in international research networks
  • Development of the university’s multilingual website
  • Establishment of an English-speaking, multicultural environment at ITMO University for comfortable international collaboration
The university is strongly positioned in the global scientific, educational and innovative environment through its participation in a variety of international societies and associations, including:
  • European University Association (EUA)
  • Shanghai Cooperation Organization
  • Association of Technical Universities in Russia and China
  • Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
  • European Optical Society (EOS)
  • International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR)
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
  • Austro-Russian Society in Styria
  • The Fulbright Program
  • Erasmus Mundus
  • Deutscher Akademisher Austauschdienst, DAAD
  • UNESCO-UNEVOC
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The main mechanism for attracting students from foreign universities is through international programs:
  • double degrees
  • internships
  • student exchanges