Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is your chance for early admission to a tuition-free Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD at one of the leading universities in Russia. Registration opens: 20 August 2026, for you to gain admission to a tuition-free program in your subject area at one of 24 Russian universities
Application Deadlines
- Registration & portfolio submission closes: 1 November 2026
- First Stage results: 13 November 2026
- Second Stage: 13 November – 21 December 2026
- Bachelor’s & Master’s winners announced: 21 December 2026
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project, organized by the Global Universities Association, offers tuition‑free study opportunities at 24 leading Russian universities. It is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons across 185 countries, with tracks for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral study. Winners receive full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend, while other living costs remain the student’s responsibility.
Which Fields are Eligible
Applicants can choose from multiple subject areas, including:
- Applied Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Business & Management
- Clinical Medicine & Public Health
- Computer & Data Science
- Economics & Econometrics
- Engineering & Technology
- Politics & International Studies
- Russian Language & Culture
Type
- International Scholarship | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral | Russia
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be foreign citizens or stateless persons.
- Meet educational requirements for their chosen track (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral).
- Submit a portfolio of achievements and motivation letters for each subject area.
- Pass online entrance tasks (Second Stage).
How Are Scholars Selected
- Based on portfolio evaluation (academic records, achievements, motivation letters).
- Online supervised tasks (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral).
- Video presentation & interviews (Doctoral/Postdoctoral).
- Winners must choose one subject area and one degree programme if successful in multiple areas.
Which Countries are Eligible
- 185 countries worldwide (all foreign citizens and stateless persons).
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- 24 participating Russian universities, including:
- HSE University
- ITMO University
- MGIMO University
- Novosibirsk State University
- Ural Federal University
How Many Scholars
- 6,300+ winners to date; annual intake varies by subject and track.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Full tuition coverage (Government of the Russian Federation quota).
- Monthly stipend (amount varies by university).
- Access to Russian universities’ academic and research resources.
- Note: Travel, accommodation, food, insurance, and personal costs are not covered.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- Duration depends on chosen track:
- Bachelor’s: 4 years
- Master’s: 2 years
- Doctoral: 3–4 years
- Postdoctoral: 1 year (research placement)
Required Documents
- Educational records (degree certificates, transcripts).
- Portfolio of achievements.
- Motivation letter (separate for each subject area).
- Supporting evidence (subject‑specific).
- For postdoctoral applicants: research‑achievement video presentation.
How to Apply
- Register on the Open Doors portal (from 20 August 2026).
- Create a new account and upload portfolio materials.
- Submit motivation letters for each subject area.
- Complete online entrance tasks (Second Stage).
- Winners announced in December 2026.
