Yandex and ITMO University Launch Online Masters Program for Aspiring DevOps Engineers

Yandex and ITMO University have announced the launch of admissions for the master’s program in «Cloud Services DevOps Engineer,» which will commence in September 2025.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a master’s diploma from ITMO, a certificate from Yandex Practicum in professional retraining, and will have the opportunity to build a portfolio with over ten projects along with a strong resume. During their studies, students will benefit from various privileges such as military deferment, student tickets, and discounts for university students.

Yandex’s master’s program is designed to be compatible with full-time work. Classes will be held online during evenings and weekends, requiring around 25 hours of study per week. Students can complete assignments at their convenience, as long as deadlines are met. Support will be provided throughout the program via mentors, reviewers, and curators, who will host webinars, Q&A sessions, review assignments, and give detailed feedback. While spots in the program are paid, there’s flexibility in payment options, including installment plans before each semester or with an educational loan starting at 449 ₽ per month.

To enroll, applicants must hold a bachelor’s or specialist degree and pass the entrance exams. A free **[guide for entrance exams](https://practicum.yandex.ru/professions/cloud-services-engineer/subscribe/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=habr_media_RF_HighEd_clouSeEn_b2c_Article_None_habr&utm_content=article&utm_term=27-03-2025)** is available on the program’s website, containing descriptions of the exams for each program along with sample tests to assist in preparation. In 2024, over 90% of candidates who utilized the guide successfully passed the entrance tests.

Yandex experts have conducted market research to identify the skills employers will demand in 2025 for the DevOps Engineer role. Together with ITMO specialists, they have developed a relevant curriculum for the «Cloud Services DevOps Engineer» program.

The program spans four semesters, during which students will learn the tools and programming languages essential for their future careers. For instance, in the first semester, students will cover machine learning, Go, Python, SQL, NoSQL, Unix, Bash, APIs, Git, GitLab, CI/CD, and Jenkins, while also starting to select their graduation project topic and materials. The second semester includes Linux, DBops, Docker, Kubernetes, virtual machines, and software architecture. The third semester focuses on Big Data, Terraform, and MLOps, while the fourth involves defending the graduation thesis.

Throughout their studies, students will hone their job-specific hard skills and engage in practical exercises on Yandex’s platform, which features built-in YandexGPT. For those already working as DevOps engineers, there will be opportunities to apply new skills to current projects. Additionally, a simplified assessment process allows some subjects to be bypassed or taken as easier exams, provided the student has already completed a relevant course or utilizes the tools taught in the program.

To enroll in the «Cloud Services DevOps Engineer» master’s program, a bachelor’s or specialist degree is required. The application process is conducted online: candidates submit an application **[on the program’s website](https://practicum.yandex.ru/high-education/cloud-services-engineer/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=habr_media_RF_HighEd_clouSeEn_b2c_Article_None_habr&utm_content=article&utm_term=27-03-2025)**, and program curators will reach out to answer questions and guide them on the necessary documents and next steps.

Next, prospective students must register on the ITMO website, submit their application documents through their personal account, and schedule their entrance examinations, which are conducted online. These exams are crucial to ensure that a student’s knowledge level aligns with the requirements of the specific program; otherwise, the study may be too challenging or too easy. Preparation for these exams can be facilitated through the **[free guide](https://practicum.yandex.ru/professions/cloud-services-engineer/subscribe/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=habr_media_RF_HighEd_clouSeEn_b2c_Article_None_habr&utm_content=article&utm_term=27-03-2025)** available on the program’s site.

The final step after successfully passing the entrance exams is signing a contract with the university. Curators will provide assistance and guidance throughout the process. Tuition can be paid by semester or monthly (starting at 449 ₽) using an educational loan with government support.