Moscow Aviation Institute

Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) is one of Russia's leading technological universities specializing in aerospace engineering, aircraft construction, and related disciplines. Established in 1930, MAI has a rich history of training highly qualified specialists for the aviation industry, both domestically and internationally. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in fields such as aeronautical engineering, avionics, aircraft systems, aerospace materials, and space technology. MAI emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, providing students with access to modern laboratories, research centers, and industry partnerships. The institute collaborates with major aerospace and defense enterprises, fostering innovation and enabling students and faculty to participate in cutting-edge research projects. The campus is equipped with advanced facilities, including simulators, workshops, and flight training centers. The institute also actively participates in international academic exchanges, conferences, and joint research initiatives, thus contributing to the global aerospace community. Graduates of MAI are highly regarded and work in various sectors, including aircraft manufacturing, space exploration, defense industry, and scientific research. The university maintains a focus on innovation, technological development, and comprehensive education, aiming to prepare specialists capable of addressing contemporary challenges in aerospace engineering and related fields. With its strong academic tradition, commitment to research, and close ties with industry, Moscow Aviation Institute plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace technology and education in Russia.

• Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering

  Our highly qualified faculty members with extensive real-world experience train students in the following areas of specialization: aircraft design, helicopter design, design of on-board mechanical systems, aerodynamics, flight dynamics and control, design and assessment of efficiency of aircraft systems, airworthiness and certification of aviation technology and quality management systems in the aviation industry.

  The students gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in their chosen field of specialization, enabling them to solve real-world engineering problems. The laboratory works, seminars, course works, projects and heuristic training provide the practical preparation for faculty graduates to work independently as well as in research collaboration with design bureaus.

• Faculty of Flying Vehicles Engines

  The Faculty is a unique academic center which specializes in imparting education and conducting research in all types of engines, i.e. aircraft engines, rocket engines, electric propulsion, etc. These technologies have diverse civilian applications in the oil, gas, and transportation industries, cryogenics, fire-control equipment, and medical application tools such as artificial hearts and systems for blood preservation.

• Faculty of Control Systems, Informatics & Electrical Engineering

  The Faculty offers programs in the fields of design and development of avionics, instrumentation and control systems. The subject areas have a wide variety of engineering applications specific to the aerospace industry. This provides an immediate focus on relevant applications and ensures the most technologically advanced development.

• Faculty of Aerospace Radio Electronics

  The Faculty provides professional education in the field of various radar-tracking and navigation systems, as well as radio communications and electronic warfare. The graduates of this Faculty design and develop various avionics systems, both on-board and offboard. They are able to turn systemic ideas and specific operation functions of devices into real working products.

• Faculty of Astronautical Engineering

  The Faculty imparts professional education for engineers, designers, and systems integrators for companies in the rocket and space industry and other high-technology sectors. The School has integrated lab facilities with real rockets, satellites and spacecraft. Unique experimental installations, test benches and equipment are available for students to use.

• Faculty of Robotic & Intelligent Systems

  The Faculty of Robotic and Intelligent Systems is singular in the Russian Federation in making students experts in the field of aviation integrated systems based on cutting edge computer technologies. The Faculty features state-of-the-art technical facilities and are equipped with high quality computing machinery. During practical training, students work with prototypes of some real-world equipment.

• Faculty of Applied Mathematics & Physics

  The Faculty trains specialists to be skilled in creating and the successful use of software and mathematical support of computing and information systems. The students are experts in using mathematical methods, mathematical modeling and programming in aerospace, economics, physics and other knowledge-intensive areas.

• Faculty of Applied Mechanics

  This Faculty is nationally and internationally famed due to its highly qualified graduates who are specialists in the fields of dynamics and strength of materials, aerospace materials and aircraft structural testing, design of antennas for intelligence systems, biomedical engineering, and computer design.

  Students of this Faculty also can study computer aided engineering (CAE) in aircraft manufacturing which covers the use of computers in all activities from the design to the manufacture of a product. Developments in computers enable engineers to apply theories for more complex problems. Computer Aided Engineering systems provide virtual product development environments allowing 3D models to be created, analyzed, optimized and stored efficiently. Operational and extreme physical conditions can be evaluated, reducing the need for prototypes.

• Faculty of Social Engineering

  Graduates of the Faculty go through special training allowing them to accomplish tasks related to strategic management of social media and human resources.

• Faculty of Foreign Languages

  The Faculty of Foreign Languages trains topranked interpreters and translators, as well as specialists in the field of public relations and advertising for aerospace industry. Here students will learn at least two foreign languages and gain excellent linguistic skills. There is also an elective course of a third foreign language.

• Preparatory School

  The Preparatory School offers Russian Language and Foundation courses to MAI international applicants. The one-year Russian language program prepares students for the MAI university courses in Russian. The Foundation course boosts students’ knowledge in Mathematics, Physics and Technical Drawing, preparing them for enrollment at the MAI main faculties. The Foundation course is also available to Russian students

• Institute of Engineering and Economics

  Institute of Engineering and Economics, MAI (former Faculty №5,MAII) was established in 1933 and is considered to be one of the oldest faculties of the University. 

Founded in 1930, Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) is one of Russia's leading higher education institutions specializing in aeronautics and aerospace engineering. It was established as a research and educational center dedicated to training specialists for the aviation industry in the Soviet Union. Over the decades, MAI has expanded its academic programs and research activities, becoming renowned for its contributions to aerospace science, aircraft design, and space technology. The university has developed a comprehensive curriculum encompassing aircraft engineering, space systems, robotics, and related disciplines, attracting students from across Russia and abroad. Throughout its history, MAI has maintained close cooperation with industry partners, including leading aerospace enterprises, which has contributed to practical training and research development. The university has also played a significant role in major Soviet and Russian space programs, training astronauts and engineers involved in space missions. In recent years, MAI has modernized its facilities, incorporated innovative teaching methods, and expanded international collaborations to keep pace with technological advancements and global educational standards. Today, MAI continues to uphold its tradition of excellence in aerospace education and research, preparing future generations of engineers, scientists, and industry professionals who contribute to the advancement of aviation and space industries worldwide.

Acceptance requirements at Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University) include a set of academic and language prerequisites. Prospective students must have completed secondary education with high academic achievement, and for certain programs, specific subject knowledge may be required. Applicants generally need to pass entrance exams or submit results of standardized tests, depending on the program and level of study. For undergraduate programs, the primary admission criterion is the results of the Unified State Exam (USE), which must meet or exceed the minimum thresholds established by the university. Additionally, applicants may need to provide a motivational letter, recommendation letters, and pass an interview or additional tests if specified by the program.

For master’s degree programs, candidates are typically required to hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, with a specified minimum grade point average. They may also need to demonstrate proficiency in English or other relevant languages, often through standardized language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, depending on the program requirements. Certain specialized programs may require additional entrance examinations in technical or specialized subjects to assess the applicant’s knowledge relevant to the chosen field.

International applicants need to submit documents confirming their academic qualifications, a valid passport, and possibly notarized translations of their diplomas and transcripts. They must also meet visa requirements established by the Russian Federation, which may include providing proof of financial support and health insurance.

The admission process involves submitting an online application through the university’s official portal, paying an administrative fee, and participating in selection procedures as specified for each program. The university often conducts an entrance exam or evaluates the applicant’s academic record and extracurricular achievements. The results are usually announced via the official website, and successful candidates are required to confirm their intention to enroll within a designated enrollment period.

Moscow Aviation Institute also offers preparatory courses and language training for international students to ensure their successful integration into academic life. Scholarship opportunities and special entrance considerations are available for distinguished applicants and those with special talents or achievements in relevant fields. The entire process is regulated by the university’s admissions office and complies with the regulations of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

Rankings

• In October 2009, MAI was ranked among the top 14 universities in the Russian Federation. The title of a National Research University was awarded to our institute by the Russian government. 

Student Life at Moscow Aviation Institute 

Dormitories

MAI provides housing accommodations for students. The dormitories are situated in a nice district located approximately thirty minutes from the campus. Students are off ered to live in a double or triple bedroom in a modern apartment building

May Take-off

“MAY take-off ” is an extravagant celebration of aviation, cosmonautics, sports, music, and spring. It takes place at the Tushino airfi eld under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation, the Russian Government, the Moscow City Government, and the Interstate Fund of Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS member states.

The first “MAY take-off ” was carried out in 2010, to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Moscow Aviation Institute. In 2011, more than 5000 students from technical universities and colleges took part in this fantastic event. One of the main attractions of the festival is the exhibition of research projects and discoveries from various enterprises and aviation programs. The exhibition features aircraft , space machinery, engines, equipment for aircraft , and even designs for engine conversion.

MAI schools and departments present their educational programs, demonstrate model aircraft s, and stage competitions. Visitors may watch air races and aerobatic displays, and compete in darts, arm-wrestling, street ball, fi ve-a-side football and chess tournaments, all organized by MAI Sport Club. The festival oft en fl ies a couple of hot air balloons for those who wish to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the airfi eld and music venue.

Culture and Sport

A variety of extracurricular activities are available for all students at the MAI Culture Centre, located in the university campus. It provides students with a wide-range of individual and group activities, especially in the arts of: painting, music, theater, dance, humor. The Centre plays an important part in the organization of students’ leisure as well as the formation of their intellectual and aesthetic development.

A variety of sport facilities are available for students to use. MAI includes amongst its Alumni 60 European, World, and Olympic Champions. MAI students can engage in more than 40 sports such as football, tennis, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, swimming, rugby, boxing, mountain-and-rock climbing, sailing, and many others.

Library

MAI owns a large science library consisting of more than 3 million books and journals. In addition to textbooks, it contains special treatises on the subjects taught in the university, and a great number of reference books in Russian, English, and many other languages. The reference library offers free access to encyclopedias, reference books, and technical and bilingual dictionaries to all MAI students.

Health Services and Recreation

Three special Recreation Centers (two are near Moscow and one is at the Black Sea) are available for weekends off and vacations. MAI students can enjoy special discounts. There is an outpatient clinic on campus that offers its services to the international students who are insured by a Russian insurance company.

Libraries, sports facilities, computer centers, engineering laboratories, research centers, medical services, student dormitories, dining facilities, language and cultural centers, career services, student clubs and organizations, counseling and psychological support services, sports and recreation grounds, internet access and Wi-Fi throughout campus, transportation services within campus, printing and copying services, extracurricular activity spaces, halls of residence, study rooms, conference and seminar halls, fitness centers, medical clinics, vocational guidance services, entrepreneurship support programs, translation and language learning services, cultural events and exhibitions, student counseling and psychological support, testing centers, online learning platforms, shuttle bus services, security services, visa and immigration support, help desks, IT support services, career fairs and job placement services, extracurricular workshops and seminars, concert and event halls, open study areas, laboratories for experiments and innovation projects.

Why MAI?

• Academic Excellence

  Moscow Aviation Institute is one of the world's top universities for aerospace engineering. We are an internationally recognized research center pursuing the leading edge in aerospace technology.

• Worldwide Networking

  MAI, in addition to providing an excellent higher education, also opens up opportunities to make professional connections that will endure beyond formal education. Our rigorous and challenging academic programs are complemented by a network of students and alumni that welcome international students and scholars.

• Successful Career

          The expertise and knowledge gained in MAI guarantee you a competitive advantage in the job market