Master’s and postgraduate students of the SUSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science have the unique opportunity to study in two universities at one time and obtain two degrees – one from South Ural State University and one from Lappeenranta University of Technology (Lappeenranta, Finland). In the new academic year, SEECS is once again inviting applicants to joint Russian-Finnish master’s and postgraduate programs.
SUSU has been cooperating successfully with Lappeenranta University of Technology since 2012. In 2014, an agreement on double degrees in the sphere of information technology was signed between SUSU and LUT.
“Today, master’s students studying at the SEECS on the program of ‘Techniques for developing high-load systems’ have the chance to study abroad at Lappeenranta University of Technology from the second year of their master’s studies (3rd and 4th semesters). Applications for inclusion to the program are accepted from December through February in the first year of study in master’s programs, enrollment occurs in May. SUSU postgrads can also apply for enrollment in a joint SUSU-LUT program in the first semester of study and earn not only their candidate of science degree, but a PhD as well upon completing their dissertations,” said Director of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gleb Radchenko.
In LUT, dual degrees are offered in two master's programs: Software Engineering and Intelligent Computing in the specialty of Computer Vision. The agreement between the two universities includes completion of a master’s dissertation in English under the guidance of a research advisor from each university. Upon completion of their study, graduates are given two internationally acknowledged diplomas: one from South Ural State University, and one from Lappeenranta University of Technology.
“The criteria for enrolling in the double degree program are quite stringent,” continues Gleb Radchenko. “Students must enroll in the master’s program in Technologies for Developing High-Load Systems, they must have excellent grades, and speak English at a high level, obtaining an international certificate or a certificate from the SUSU Institute of International Education.”
After successfully completing an interview via Skype with representatives of Lappeenranta University of Technology, master’s students who are participating in the competitive selection can be given a grant for studying with full or partial coverage of their academic expenses. As a rule, SUSU students studying at LUT are offered the following scholarships from the Finnish partner-university:
- 100% payment of tuition fee + cost of housing and food (about 560 EUR a month) (around 10% of students)
- 100% payment of tuition fee (about 60% of students)
- 50% payment of tuition fee (about 10% of students)
Thus, about 70% of those enrolled in the program have the opportunity to study for free in Finland in the double degree master’s program.
Studying in the master’s or postgraduate program at LUT is also possible on a contract basis. In the 2018-2019 academic year, the cost for master’s students is 10000 euro.