The history of the first technical higher education institution dates back to World
War II. In December 1943 by the resolution of State Defense Committee, Altai Machine-Building Institute was founded on the basis of Zaporozhsky Institute for Machine Building Engineering relocated back to the Ukraine.
In October, 1945 an Institute branch for part-time training was opened at Altai Tractor Plant in Rubtsovsk.
On September 4, 1947 Altai Machine-Building Institute was restructured in Altai Institute of Agricultural Engineering (AIAE).
On May 20, 1959 the Soviet government ordered to establish Altai Polytechnic Institute (API). On May 26, 1961 the Institute was named after I.I. Polzunov. Under Professor Radchenko leadership, the university had become the leading Siberian Research Center in training of engineering staff. There had been instituted new academic buildings, student dormitories, sports and wellness center «Krona» and a sports arena. New Institute departments with new field specialties, state-of-the-art laboratories and training workshops had been opened in API.
On December 24, 1992 API was renamed Polzunov Altai State Technical University
(AltSTU).
Polzunov Altai State Technical University is confident about its future. A new academic building and indoor pool have been opened lately. New academic programs and expanding international relations have marked a new era for the university.
Today AltSTU is a recognized Siberian center for innovation and science targeting at training specialists for the industry sector of the Russian and Altai Krai economy.
