ITMO University’s PhD students not only prepare for their PhD examinations in the English language but also improve their communication skills in English or Russian.

In the first semester of the first year of their PhD program, the students prepare for their PhD examination in the English language. More information about the exam and minimum scores is available here. 

At the beginning of the semester, a general meeting will be held for PhD students of all specializations, where you can meet your lecturer and get all your questions answered. 

After passing the PhD exam, all PhD students take a course “Business Foreign Language”. It was created so that the future scientists could speak and give presentations in a foreign language. Native Russian speakers learn English, while all international students learn Russian.

If you’re learning English, you need to take a test and you’ll be placed in a group that matches your level.

If you’re learning Russian, you will be sent an email from the Office of International Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies with all the instructions. If that hasn’t happened, please contact the Office. In their second semester, all international students take the course “Russian Language, Rhetoric and Culture of Speech”.

Please note that Russian is studied only by students from non-CIS countries. 

Q&A

Can I study another language alongside Russian?

Yes, Foreign Language Training Center offers lots of opportunities for learning different foreign languages. You can learn more about these fee-based courses here. 

What’s my Russian teacher’s name and which classroom should I go to?

Please contact the Office of International Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies or visit the room 3221/3222.

What do I do if I’ve failed the test or don’t know the number of my group?

Visit the Foreign Language Training Center (room 3207 at Lomonosova 9).

What’s my English teacher’s name and where are the classes held?

Check out our VK group, where you can find all the schedules :)

What do I do if I can’t attend the classes because of my work?

If you’re a full-time student, attending all the classes is obligatory. 

How do I choose the time of my classes?

Upon completing the test, you can choose the time of your classes in your ISU account.

What do I do if I’ve missed a class?

Inform your teacher about it and get an individual assignment.

Can I study online?

Students with the levels C1 and C2 can study online. Visit room 3207 to learn more.

Need help writing an article in English?

The Academic Writing Lab (AWL) provides free individual and group consultations in English for researchers (ITMO University students and staff). 

The AWL deals with all types of writing including research papers, abstracts, presentations, grant proposals, application essays, resumes, and cover letters. Its specialists are ready to help you at any stage of your writing process.

To sign up for a consultation, visit the Lab’s official website or write an email to awl@itmo.ru.