About the University

Research at INRTU is focused on fulfilling orders from industrial enterprises in the region. The university has 58 research centers and laboratories, two of which are youth laboratories. Research is concentrated in such areas as oil and gas production, electric power and heat engineering, aircraft engineering, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and others.

The university’s research infrastructure includes:

• Technopark;
• Shared use centers;
• 41 research laboratories.

Student science
INRTU has more than 20 student research associations, which allows young people to be involved in research from their first years of study.

Publication activity and dissertation councils
The university publishes 7 scientific journals. INRTU has 8 dissertation councils.

Engineers iPolytech International Academic Competition. INRTU organizes an online competition for international applicants seeking admission to English-taught master’s programs. Bachelor’s degree holders and final-year bachelor’s students are eligible to participate. Selection includes a subject-specific test and a portfolio assessment. Top-performing participants may be nominated for the Russian Government Scholarship, which covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend. The number of places and competition conditions are announced for each intake.

Tuition Discounts. Applicants to English-taught master’s programs can receive tuition discounts of up to 80%, depending on selection results and portfolio assessment. Engineers iPolytech results are also considered when awarding discounts. Talented applicants can additionally enter a separate competition for a 50% tuition discount on the Russian Language Preparatory Course.

Student life at INRTU offers opportunities to explore the arts, play sports, pursue research, and meet new people. More than 20 performing arts groups welcome interests in singing, dance, theater, and music. Students can also get involved in volunteering, student media, intellectual games, and student government.

The university’s sports club has 23 teams, with facilities including a stadium, gyms, tennis courts, and a climbing wall. Student scientific associations cover robotics, mechanical engineering, environmental studies, architecture, and other fields. Explore your interests, develop your talents, and build friendships with students from around the world.

INRTU’s Study and Work at Lake Baikal project helps students prepare for professional careers in the Irkutsk Region. Participants can access two years of additional Russian language classes, job search and interview training, Russian-language business communication training, and guidance on migration matters.

The project also offers additional professional training in high-demand fields, including energy, information technology, natural resources development, and construction, alongside summer schools involving leading regional employers. Participation is open to enrolled INRTU students who meet the project’s eligibility requirements.

INRTU’s International Student Council helps international students settle into life in Russia and become part of the university community. The Council connects students with the university administration, helps address everyday concerns, and organizes cultural and sporting events.

Taking part in its projects offers opportunities to meet students from different countries, share your culture, develop organizational and leadership skills, and bring your own ideas to life.

INRTU has a preparatory program (podfak) that prepares foreign citizens for Degree studies in Russian language at INRTU or other Russian universities. It offers year-round study of Russian (from zero to B2) and subject disciplines.

In addition, all international students during their Degree studies can take a free Russian language course up to master Russian up to B2 level.

The university holds many events for the sociocultural adaptation of international students, including walking tours around Irkutsk and trips to Lake Baikal.

How to Apply to INRTU

1. Choose your program
   INRTU offers more than 200 academic programs taught in Russian and English, as well as double degree programs, preparatory courses, and summer schools.
2. Submit your documents
   Email scanned copies of your passport, education certificate or diploma, and academic transcript to admission@istu.edu for an initial review. An admission manager will contact you with the results within 5–10 business days.
3. Have your documents legalized
   After the initial review, have your educational documents legalized if required for your country.
4. Take the entrance exams
   Entrance exam requirements depend on your chosen program. No entrance exams are required for the Russian language preparatory course.
5. Sign your study contract
   Sign your study contract and other documents required for enrollment, and make payment according to the terms of the contract.
6. Apply for a student visa and plan your arrival
   If you need a visa to enter Russia, obtain an invitation letter from INRTU and apply for a student visa at a Russian embassy or consulate. Confirm your arrival date with your admission manager in advance.

Welcome to Irkutsk!