Become an engineer
For nearly a century Moscow Aviation Institute has stood at the forefront of aerospace
innovation.
This isn’t just
a university — it’s where Russia’s most ambitious
aviation and space projects come to life and
where your
engineering dreams
can take flight
Gallery
About us
+
students
+
international students
+
professors
schools
+
countries
+
partner universities
Why MAI?
Russian engineering tradition combined with state-of-the-art technologies
Internationally recognized degrees. Study and work after graduation around the world
World-class facilities: unmanned aerial systems center, airfield, mission control center, design bureaus, wind tunnel, propulsion test facilities and many more
Out teachers are scientists who participated in development of legendary aircraft including Su-27, Su-35, Su-57, SJ-100, MS-21 and Ka-226T helicopters, as well as prospective supersonic passenger aircraft
Study in Moscow – one of the best cities in the world
English medium and Russian medium programs included in educational process
Join the next generation
of engineers
Choose your career pathway 
Programs
Studies in the English language
- International Programs taught entirely in English
- Direct entry without Pre-university Program
- Global career opportunities
Bachelor degree
opportunities 4 years
Aircraft Engineering
Moscow Aviation Institute prepares highly qualified engineers with deep expertise in aircraft design, certification, and lifecycle management. This program combines fundamental engineering sciences with cutting-edge aerospace technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles, composite materials, and AI-driven design systems.
What you will master
- Aircraft design and certification
- Digital technologies
- Lifecycle management
- Specialized tracks: manned aircraft, helicopters, or UAV systems
Global career opportunities
-
Join global teams developing next-generation commercial and business aircraft - Enter the rapidly expanding UAV sector for agriculture, logistics, surveillance, and environmental monitoring
- Contribute to green aviation initiatives, alternative energy propulsion systems, and supersonic transport revival
- Work with international aviation authorities and consulting firms ensuring global safety standards
- Apply aircraft engineering principles to reusable launch vehicles and space tourism platforms
Why MAI stands out
-
Real aircraft access – study actual SU-27, SU-25, MiG-23, Yak-40 airframes and the student-designed «Kvant» aircraft - Industry integration – projects developed with Sukhoi, MiG, and other major manufacturers; faculty includes designers of Su-57 and MS-21 aircraft
- Flight test facilities – access to MAI's own airfield with dedicated airspace for UAV testing and flight experiments
- Research laboratories – work in advanced facilities for composite materials, mathematical modeling, and aerodynamic testing
Propulsion Engineering
This program prepares engineers equipped with advanced digital competencies and integrated into the international scientific community, fully ready to work in modern conditions at leading engine-building enterprises. The program uniquely combines academic excellence with direct industry immersion, training students on real production tasks at Russia's foremost engine manufacturing facilities.
What you will master
- Integrated Propulsion System Design
- Digital Twin Technology
- Advanced Experimental Methods
- Mathematical Modeling
- Software Development
- CAD/CAE Technologies
Global career opportunities
- Join international teams developing next-generation turbofans, turboprops, and turboshafts digital twin implementation and AI-driven predictive maintenance programs for global engine fleets
- Contribute to hybrid-electric propulsion, hydrogen-powered engines, and alternative fuel research for green aviation initiatives
- Pursue advanced research in detonation engines, adaptive cycle engines, and other breakthrough propulsion concepts
- Advise airlines, MRO facilities, and regulatory bodies on engine performance, certification, and lifecycle management
Why MAI stands out
- Learn from scientists who participated in the design of RD-33, NK-32, and PD-14 engines
- Study over 50 real aircraft and rocket engines including RD-33, AL-31F, NK-33, D-57, and RD-214 in the university's museum and laboratories
- Study in classrooms equipped with actual engine models for hands-on learning
- Work on advanced topics including detonation combustion, adaptive engines, and UAV propulsion systems
- Get skills of AI, programming, and digital technologies throughout the curriculum for Industry 4.0 environments
Spacecraft Engineering
This program prepares engineers to design, manufacture, and operate rockets and rocket-space complexes. Students gain fundamental engineering knowledge in spacecraft systems, practical skills in modern digital design and modeling technologies and software-mathematical development capabilities.
What you will master
- Spacecraft and rocket design – complete lifecycle from concept to orbital operation
- Digital technologies – computer modeling, machine learning, and software-mathematical systems for space applications
- Space mission management – lifecycle planning, flight operations, and ground control systems
- Specialized tracks: small spacecraft/nanosatellites, interplanetary flights, electric propulsion, or manned spacecraft ergonomics
Global career opportunities
- Join global teams developing next-generation Earth observation satellites and deep space probes
- Enter the rapidly expanding commercial space sector for satellite constellations, space manufacturing and asteroid mining
- Contribute to lunar and Martian exploration programs, orbital stations and space tourism platforms
- Work with international space agencies and private aerospace companies on reusable launch systems
Why MAI stands out
- Study actual Soyuz spacecraft, Mars-96 interplanetary station, lunar landing modules and the full-scale operational «Almaz» orbital station
- Get knowledge in the Academician Mishin Space Center with authentic flight hardware and dedicated laboratories for thermal vacuum testing and attitude control experiments
- Work in advanced facilities for composite materials, electric propulsion modeling, solar sail technology, and autonomous orbital servicing systems
Master degree
opportunities 2 years
Aircraft Engineering
This is a 2-year specialized degree designed for engineers ready to lead complex aviation projects. This program uniquely combines academic rigor with direct industry engagement—students study in close partnership with aviation enterprises, working on real-world challenges while completing their degree.
What you will master
- Advanced Mathematical Modeling
- AI-Driven Engineering
- Production Organization
- Risk Management
- Specialized Design
Global career opportunities
- Lead aircraft development programs at major international manufacturers and emerging aviation powers
- Drive innovation in next-generation aircraft concepts, sustainable aviation, and urban air mobility
- Pioneer artificial intelligence applications in aerospace engineering, from generative design to predictive maintenance
- Pursue PhD studies and establish research programs at universities worldwide, training the next generation of aerospace engineers
Why MAI stands out
- Curriculum stays current with real industry tasks
- Learn from specialists who designed Su-27, Su-35, Su-57, SJ-100, MS-21, and other legendary aircraft
- Access to advanced laboratories for composite materials, mathematical modeling, and aerodynamic testing
- Encouraged to publish in scientific journals and present at international conferences like «Gagarin Readings»
Propulsion Engineering
The program trains world-class specialists in aircraft, rocket and combined propulsion systems. The curriculum integrates advanced theoretical knowledge with practical industry experience through partnerships with leading enterprises such as United Engine Corporation, Baranov Central Institute of Aviation Motors, and NPO Energomash. Students can focus on combustion modeling, jet design engineering, or advanced manufacturing techniques.
What you will master
- Integrated Propulsion System Design for hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft
- Digital Twin Technology and mathematical modeling of complex engine processes
- Alternative Energy Integration: fuel cells, biofuels, hydrogen storage, and cryogenic technologies
- CAD/CAE Technologies for green aviation and advanced aerodynamic design
- Software Development for engine control systems and automated regulation
- Experimental Research Methods using modern automated data acquisition and Big Data analytics
Global career opportunities
- Join international teams developing next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion units and zero-emission powerplants for civil aviation and urban air mobility
- Pursue advanced research in adaptive cycle engines, cryogenic propulsion and breakthrough concepts for unmanned aerial systems
- Advise airlines, MRO facilities and regulatory bodies on engine performance, certification, lifecycle management, and compliance with environmental directives
Why MAI stands out
- Learn from scientists and engineers with direct experience in the design of RD-33, NK-32, PD-14, and other flagship Russian engines
- Study over 50 real aircraft and rocket engines—including RD-33, AL-31F, NK-33, D-57, and RD-214—in MAI's unique museum and specialized laboratories
- Master specialized modules: Fuel Cells in Aerospace, Cryogenic Technologies, Hybrid Powerplant Design, Automation of Combined Propulsion Systems, and Gas Dynamics of Advanced Engines
Spacecraft Engineering
This program prepares highly qualified engineers with deep expertise in rocket systems, spacecraft design and space mission lifecycle management. This program combines advanced engineering sciences with cutting-edge space technologies, including nanosatellites, interplanetary missions, autonomous orbital servicing and AI-driven space systems.
What you will master
- Spacecraft and rocket design – complete lifecycle from concept to orbital operation
- Modern software complexes for computer modeling of rocket-space objects, mathematical modeling methods and machine learning applications
- System analysis, project-dynamic analysis and management of complex technical systems throughout their lifecycle
- Specialized tracks: small spacecraft/nanosatellites, interplanetary flights with solar sails, autonomous on-orbit servicing, deployable space structures, advanced electric propulsion or manned spacecraft ergonomics
Global career opportunities
- Join global teams developing satellite constellations for Earth observation, communications and navigation
- Enter the rapidly expanding commercial space sector for space manufacturing, asteroid mining and orbital infrastructure
- Contribute to lunar and Martian exploration programs, deep space missions and space station development
- Work with international space agencies and private aerospace companies on reusable launch systems and orbital servicing platforms
- Apply spacecraft engineering principles to big data management in space systems, IoT connectivity and global logistics networks
Why MAI stands out
- Study actual Soyuz spacecraft, Mars-96 interplanetary station, lunar landing modules and the full-scale operational «Almaz» orbital station
- Get knowledge in the Academician Mishin Space Center with authentic flight hardware and dedicated laboratories for thermal vacuum testing and attitude control experiments
- Work in advanced facilities for composite materials, electric propulsion modeling, solar sail technology, and autonomous orbital servicing systems
- Emphasis on scientific seminars, technical-economic analysis and decision-making theory for complex aerospace projects
Control Systems and Computer Science in Engineering
This program prepares highly qualified engineers with deep expertise in automatic control systems, intelligent information processing and computer technologies for complex technical systems. It combines advanced theoretical research with practical applications specifically tailored for aviation and rocket-space systems, focusing on enhancing control efficiency through modern information processing methods.
What you will master
- Synthesis of optimal control, information processing from primary sensors and modern control theory problems
- Hardware design using automated production preparation systems, microelectronics and microprocessor technology
- Methods and tools for obtaining measurement information, theory and construction of technical vision systems
- Creation of mathematical models for devices, error analysis and system performance evaluation
- Analysis of control and monitoring systems through modeling, functional and schematic analysis, business analytics for device improvement
Global career opportunities
- Join global aerospace teams developing flight control systems
- Enter the rapidly expanding autonomous systems sector for UAVs, robotics and smart manufacturing
- Contribute to space mission control, satellite navigation systems and orbital station automation
- Work with international technology companies on IoT systems, industrial automation and AI-driven control platforms
- Apply control engineering principles to emerging fields such as urban air mobility, autonomous transport and intelligent energy systems
Why MAI stands out
- Specialized curriculum addressing the unique challenges of aircraft and rocket-space system control, unlike generic control engineering programs
- Emphasis on theoretical and applied research to improve technical system efficiency using cutting-edge information processing methods
- Work with modern microprocessor devices, sensor technologies and computer control systems in dedicated technical facilities
- Partnerships with leading aerospace and high-tech enterprises
Studies in the Russian language
Pre-university Program
(Optional: 10 months)
3300 USD Bachelor’s Degree
4 yearsMaster’s Degree
2 yearsBasic Higher Education
4-5,5 yearsSpecialized Higher Education
2 yearsStudent reviews
Zhang Hanbo
MAI is one of the world's leading universities in aerospace engineering. The university's cutting-edge laboratories and strong industry connections provide the perfect environment to turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills. I am particularly drawn to its expertise in aircraft design and engine technology. Studying here, surrounded by talented students from all over the world, is not just about earning a degree; it is about building a solid foundation for my future career. I am confident that MAI is the right place for me to pursue my passion for aerospace.
Aayushi Sharma
MAI is one of the top aviation universities and since my childhood I have had a great regard and passion for aeronautics and at this university I could see it come to life. This university provides a unique blend of academic, cultural and personal growth and hence it was my top choice for pursuing my studies.
Adetoye Ann
MAI has the best focus on designing rocket engines. Being able to use the university's vacuum chambers and propulsion test facilities as an undergraduate was a big reason why I chose this school.
Ali Mumcuoglu
I chose MAI because of its deep-rooted engineering tradition and strong international reputation in the field of aviation. With the knowledge and perspective I gain here, my goal is to take an active role in shaping the future of aerospace technologies.
Aditya Srivastav
My fascination with aerospace is not just about machines, but about the fundamental principles that make flight and space exploration possible, that's why I chose MAI. I am captivated by how engineering transforms abstract mathematics like a Fourier transform into real world technologies such as active noise cancellation in advanced headphones or radar signal processing.
Du Dongming
MAI is one of the best aerospace schools in the world, and it can give me a better learning platform. I can not only learn knowledge here, but also realize the value of life.
Life in Moscow
Moscow is a dynamic metropolis where historic architecture meets cutting-edge technology, world-class museums neighbor innovative tech hubs and traditional culture blends with modern urban energy.
Safety
Moscow offers secure environment. The city center stays brilliantly illuminated and active well past midnight. You’ll find English-speaking assistance at major transit hubs, university campus protected by dedicated security teams and a friendly culture.
Cultural richness
Bolshoi Theatre (opera/ballet), Tretyakov Gallery (Russian art), Pushkin Museum (European art) and over 100 active theaters.
Learning opportunities
Public libraries, coworkings, museums, exhibitions you can dive into any topic you want.
Food
Moscow offers an incredibly diverse, world-class culinary scene, ranging from traditional Russian cuisine to global gastronomy, accommodating all tastes and budgets.
Infrastructure
Moscow has the world's most beautiful and efficient public transport system, city-wide free Wi-Fi in metro stations, integrated transport apps
Climate
Experience four distinct seasons, from snowy winters perfect for skiing to warm summers ideal for exploring parks and rivers.
Multiconfessionalism
Russia welcomes any religion. You can find churches, temples, mosques and synagogues in Moscow.
Made by MAI graduates
Satellite communication
Russian Orbital Station
Express
Reusable launch vehicles
SJ-100/NEW
Supersonic passenger airplane
Military aviation
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Space-launch complex
Industrial and medical robotics
Campus
Apply
Fill in the form and get more information about MAI educational programs.
