A recent publication from the state area indicates the specialties eligible for cosmonaut recruitment under Roscosmos. The list covers fourteen distinct disciplines, each tied to the demanding field of space exploration and aviation technology. Interested applicants are expected to hold advanced education in one of the specified programs, including bachelor’s or master’s level study within these domains or comparable specialization tracks. The emphasis is on a solid technical foundation paired with practical expertise relevant to space missions and aircraft operations.
The roster of disciplines encompasses computer science and computer technology, electronics, radio engineering and communication systems, photonics, instrumentation, optical and biotechnical systems and technologies, electrical and thermal energy engineering, nuclear power engineering and technology, mechanical engineering, physical and technical sciences and technologies, aerospace and rocket and space technology, air navigation and operation of aerospace and rocket and space technology, nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, mathematics and mechanics, physics and astronomy, chemistry, and biological sciences. Applicants who have completed higher education in any of these fields must also demonstrate tangible work experience. A minimum of three years in the relevant specialty after graduation is required to qualify for consideration.
Additionally, Roscosmos clarifies that candidates with tertiary education in medical sciences, specifically in medical and preventive care, may be considered if they possess at least three years of experience in aviation, underwater operations, military medicine, or disaster medicine. This expands the pool of potential candidates beyond traditional aerospace and engineering tracks, recognizing the critical role medical support plays in space missions and high-risk environments.
For members of the flight crew, the recruitment criteria include higher flight training and documented experience in flight work within military units or related organizations. Individuals must have worked in roles connected to the operation, use, or testing of aviation or space technology for no less than three years after earning a higher education certificate. This emphasis on flight experience ensures that those selected bring hands-on expertise to mission design, execution, and safety protocols.
In terms of preference, Roscosmos notes that priority will be given to applicants with direct experience in the aviation or space industries within Russia. State-standard education credentials are required, and the issuing universities must hold state accreditation. For candidates who hold diplomas from foreign institutions, the nostrification process—the formal recognition of foreign degrees by the Russian state—must be completed to establish equivalence with domestic qualifications.
The announcement also notes timing and age considerations. The agency previously disclosed the initiation of a fourth open recruitment cycle for cosmonaut troops. Applications previously opened to applicants under thirty-five years old, with deadlines near the end of October. This marks a continued effort to attract motivated individuals who can contribute to ongoing and future space programs, including deep space exploration, orbital missions, and related aerospace research initiatives.
From a broader perspective, the recruitment directives underscore Roscosmos’s emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. The blend of engineering, scientific, and medical qualifications reflects the complex, interdependent roles required in crewed spaceflight. Successful candidates are typically those who combine rigorous technical training with proven adaptability, teamwork, and the stamina to operate under strenuous conditions. The selection process is designed to identify such capabilities, aligning with international standards for astronaut preparation while integrating Russia’s strategic priorities for space exploration and national aerospace leadership.
Prospective applicants should prepare for a rigorous evaluation that spans educational credentials, professional experience, flight readiness, and compliance with state accreditation requirements. By balancing technical proficiency with practical mission readiness, Roscosmos aims to assemble a cohort capable of sustaining long-duration missions, advancing scientific objectives, and contributing to the safety and efficiency of spaceflight operations. The recruitment framework also signals a recognition of diverse skill sets, including advanced computational research, materials science, and life sciences, as essential components of modern crew competency. All documentation and qualifications will be assessed to ensure alignment with the agency’s standards and the goals of Russia’s space program for the coming years. Citations: Roscosmos official announcements and relevant policy briefs provide the basis for these criteria and timelines.