The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (NIYAU MIFI) has announced that less than one month remains until the end of the admission campaign for its online master's program in Cybersecurity for the 2026 academic year. Offered in partnership with Yandex Practicum, the program is designed for working professionals and delivers two diplomas upon completion: a state master's degree in direction 10.04.01 Information Security and a professional retraining diploma in Cybersecurity from Yandex Practicum.
Program Tracks and Curriculum
The curriculum is structured around four educational tracks, each focusing on distinct areas of information security:
- AppSec Engineer – covers application security, vulnerability protection, secure coding in Python and Go, cryptography, database security, SIEM monitoring, penetration testing, and tools such as SAST, DAST, AES, RSA, and GDPR compliance.
- DevSecOps Engineer – emphasizes secure CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, Kubernetes security, shift-left practices, and integration of security into DevOps workflows using tools like GitOps and Security as Code.
- Network Security Engineer – focuses on corporate network protection, traffic monitoring, incident response, Zero Trust architecture, OT/SCADA security, and frameworks including MITRE ATT&CK and the Cyber Kill Chain.
- AI Security Engineer – addresses threats to ML and LLM models, prompt engineering, secure development of AI systems, and protection of data interfaces using technologies such as OWASP Top 10 and cloud infrastructure security.
The program is updated annually by experts from Yandex and MEPhI faculty to reflect current market demands and emerging threats.
Admission Process for 2026
Applications must be submitted online. After leaving a request, an assigned curator assists with requirements, document preparation, and enrollment steps. Documents are uploaded through Gosuslugi, requiring a higher education diploma. Candidates then complete entrance examinations consisting of an information security test and a motivation letter, needing a minimum of 80 points to enter the competitive list. Successful applicants sign a contract and may pay via an educational loan with state support at a preferential 3% interest rate.
Learning Format and Benefits
Training lasts two years and is conducted entirely online with classes scheduled in the evenings and on weekends, requiring approximately 25 hours per week. Students receive full MEPhI student status, including access to discounts, a student ID, and potential military deferment. Previously completed relevant courses may be credited on an individual basis. Additional support includes academic supervisors, project feedback, and tax deduction options for tuition fees.
Those interested in the 2026 intake are encouraged to submit an application promptly to secure a place before the campaign closes.
