National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University

About National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University

Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) is officially the National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, a federal state autonomous university in Tomsk. It was founded in 1896 as the Tomsk Technological Institute of Practical Engineers, by Emperor Nicholas II. The university describes itself as the first engineering university in the Asian part of the country. Today the founder is the Russian Federation, represented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The main address is 30 Lenina Avenue, Tomsk. TPU also has a branch in Yurga.

Institutes and research

TPU is organised into engineering schools. They cover intelligent energy systems, information technology and robotics, non-destructive testing and safety, new manufacturing technologies, natural resources, energy, and nuclear technologies. Two research schools work on high-energy physics and on chemical and biomedical technologies. The university has a training and research centre with a research nuclear reactor. TPU is a participant in the federal programme Priority 2030; in the 2021 selection it says it entered the first group on its Research Leadership track.

Students

According to the university, more than 15,000 students from 40 countries study at TPU. It describes itself as a "master's and postgraduate university".

For international applicants

TPU offers pre-university courses that combine Russian language with academic subjects. The course for bachelor's and specialist applicants is taught in Russian, with technical, economics, humanities, biomedical and natural science tracks. The pre-master's and postgraduate preparation courses last one or one and a half academic years. TPU also offers shorter Russian language courses, including preparation for the test of Russian as a foreign language, and summer and winter schools. To apply, an applicant fills in an online form and sends copies of a passport and education documents by e-mail to the admission officer. The university says it replies within two weeks. After approval it sends an official admission letter and a visa support letter. If the applicant sends arrival details a week ahead, the university offers a free pick-up service.

Housing

The university has 15 dormitories. Its official data lists 2,441 rooms for students from other cities. The English site says that the residence halls house more than 6,000 students, are open 24 hours a day, and have security, internet and furnished rooms.