14 «Engineers iPolytech» Winners Earn Free Tuition at Baikal School of BRICS
INRTU congratulates winners of the international online academic competition «Engineers iPolytech», who have earned government-funded quotas for English-taught Master's programs at the Baikal School of BRICS.
Rector Mikhail Korniakov presented diplomas to the future Master's students. He noted that 54 participants from India, Nigeria, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, and Malawi competed in the academic competition. Fourteen winners earned government-funded scholarships, while 12 additional candidates became prize-winners and were placed on the reserve list.
«I congratulate you on your success in the Competition. I am confident that our Master’s programs will enable you to acquire expertise from leading professors. You’ll also have opportunities to apply for grants and competitions to fund your project development,» - said Mikhail Korniakov.
Anna Kireenko, Director of the Baikal School of BRICS, congratulated the Competition participants, noting she recognized many from their undergraduate studies and looked forward to welcoming them as Master’s students.
This marks the second annual competition «Engineers iPolytech» at INRTU. The event was curated by the university’s International Admission Office. According to department representative Anastasiya Kostina, participants completed an English-language online test in one of three specializations: Management, Information Technologies, Power and Electrical Engineering.
«The Academic Competition drew final-year bachelor's students, preparatory department trainees, and international applicants seeking admission to INRTU», stated Anastasiya Kostina. «Winners will receive full scholarships for the following Master’s programs: Renewable Energy, Digital Technologies, Networks and Big Data, and MBA: Global Management and Leadership.
The competition aims to promote Russian education globally and enable top talents to study at Russian universities through Rossotrudnichestvo scholarships».
Among the winners is Bello Muhammad Yakubu from Nigeria, who will graduate from INRTU this year with a Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. For his diploma project, he developed AI application software. Yakubu chose the Master’s program in digitalization, declaring: «Artificial intelligence is the future-defining field – globally in demand».
Yakubu offered advice to Africans considering Russian education:
«Bear in mind: Russia is cold, but its people are warm-hearted – always ready to help even strangers. So, if you aspire to study here, take the chance».
Though Bello studied entirely in English, he now speaks Russian fluently. He credits this to engaging with Irkutsk locals and traveling across Russia, having visited Kazan, Moscow, and Yekaterinburg.
Anna Melenteva, Head of the International Affairs Department, highlighted his journey as emblematic – Bello exemplifies how talent, perseverance, and community support enable international students to excel at Russian universities:
«Each year, online academic competition «Engineers iPolytech» enhances INRTU's global reputation as a premier hub for future engineering, technology, and management leaders. It serves as a vital bridge connecting talented students with Russia’s academic opportunities».
