The Open Door Russian Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional, fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue higher education degrees in Russia without tuition fees. This prestigious scholarship is supported by the Russian Government and coordinated by the Global Universities Association. It offers world-class education at 24 top-ranked Russian universities across numerous fields of study, covering bachelor’s, master’s. The scholarship also provides a monthly stipend and additional benefits, making it one of the best-funded international scholarship programs available. The application deadline is November 16, 2025, for most tracks, making early preparation essential for prospective applicants.

Basic Information About the Scholarship

Host Country: Russia
Scholarship Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
Number of Universities: 24 Russian universities participating
Funding: Fully funded by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Application Deadline: November 16, 2025
Languages of Instruction: English and Russian (with free Russian preparatory year if needed)
No Application Fee
Eligibility: Open worldwide for candidates meeting academic and age criteria for respective program levels.

University/Institution Details

The scholarship program includes a select group of 24 leading public Russian universities offering diverse programs in sciences, arts, technology, and social sciences. One notable university participating is HSE University, which is recognized as a dynamic and international talent magnet with a large cohort of international students from over 120 countries. Other top Russian universities also focus on qualitative research and have extensive resources for students in both English and Russian-taught programs.

List of Participating Universities:

These are universities that are participating in Open Doors Russian Government Scholarships Program. Students can apply in any university given below:

Higher School of Economics (HSE)
Tomsk state university
ITMO University
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Novosibirsk State University
National Research Nuclear University
National University of Science and Technology MISIS
Ural Federal University
Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU)
Tomsk Polytechnic University
Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University
People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN)
University of Tyumen
Far Eastern Federal University
Kazan University
Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (UNN)
Samara National Research University
Siberian Federal University
South Ural State University

Study Areas Available

The Open Door Scholarship covers a wide range of academic disciplines, offering numerous programs tailored to various interests such as:

Chemistry & Materials Science
Computer & Data Science
Biology & Biotechnology
Neuroscience & Psychology
Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
Clinical Medicine & Public Health
Business & Management
Politics & International Relations
Engineering & Technology
Physical Sciences
Education
Linguistics & Modern Languages
Economics & Econometrics
Earth Sciences

Both bachelor’s and master’s level programs are offered, with doctoral and postdoctoral research tracks widely supported.

Open Door Russian Scholarship Benefits

The Open Door Russian Scholarship offers significant benefits to its recipients:

Full tuition coverage for your chosen program at a top Russian university
Monthly stipend to help cover living expenses
No entrance exam required– admission is based on portfolio and test stages within the application process
Free one-year Russian language preparatory course for those who select Russian-taught programs and need language preparation
Residential permit issuance granting the legal right to live and work in Russia without restrictions
Access to Russian and international academic networks and projects
For postdoctoral candidates, an employment contract as a researcher at a participating university.

Benefits Not Included

It is important to note what the scholarship does not cover:

Travel expenses to and from Russia are not included
Health insurance and personal expenses such as accommodation (though affordable university housing options are available)
Additional materials or living expenses beyond the monthly stipend are the responsibility of students
Visa and passport processing fees should be borne by applicants themselves.

Eligibility Criteria for the Open Door Russian Scholarship

Eligibility depends on the academic level and age:

Bachelor’s Track: Ages 16-23, applicants must have completed or be in the final year of secondary education
Master’s Track: Ages 20-33, applicants must hold or be completing a bachelor’s degree
PhD Track: Ages 22-35, applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent qualification
Postdoctoral Track: Ages 24-39, must hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree

Applicants must be international students (foreign citizens or stateless persons), and all academic credentials must be verifiable. Candidates should meet the minimum language requirements if applying for English or Russian-taught programs.

Required Documents for the Application

To apply, prospective students must prepare and upload several essential documents:

Motivation letter(s) for each selected subject area
Proof of education (diplomas, transcripts, or grade sheets)
CV or portfolio detailing academic achievements, research works, certificates, awards, language proficiency, and publications if applicable
Identity documents such as passport or ID card
For doctoral and postdoctoral candidates: a research proposal and references or recommendation letters may be required
Language proficiency certificates, if available, though not always mandatory.

Open Door Russian Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Registration: Create an online account on the official scholarship portal (https://od.globaluni.ru/).
Portfolio Preparation: Complete your portfolio with academic records, motivation letters, and supporting documents.
Portfolio Submission: Submit your portfolio before the deadline (November 16, 2025). No edits can be made after submission.
Portfolio Evaluation: The selection committee evaluates portfolios based on merit; high scorers proceed to the next stage.
Second Stage – Subject Test: Take the entrance test (online) in your chosen subject area under proctoring conditions.
Postdoctoral Interview: For postdoctoral applicants only, conduct online interviews with potential supervisors.
Results Announcement: Successful candidates receive invitations to enroll tuition-free and choose their university and program.
Document Submission: Final notarized translations of documents must be submitted to the selected university for enrollment under the government quota.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start preparing your portfolio early and include all relevant academic achievements and awards.
Choose subject areas carefully to align with your educational background and career goals.
Submit clear and compelling motivation letters tailored for each subject area.
Practice the sample tasks provided by the scholarship project to prepare for the entrance test.
Attend all online stages on time with stable internet and proper testing environment.
For postgraduate tracks, prepare thoroughly for interviews by researching supervisors and projects.
Keep copies of all documents and ensure translations are accurate and notarized.
Engage with official scholarship social media groups and channels for updates and peer support.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Russia (in USD)

International students in Russia can expect the following approximate monthly living costs:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Accommodation (Dormitory or Shared Apartment)	$100 – $250
Food and Groceries	$150 – $200
Transportation (Public)	$20 – $30
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)	$30 – $50
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Leisure, Phone)	$50 – $100

Total Monthly Budget: Around $350 to $630 USD depending on city and lifestyle.

Why Choose This Scholarship? Top 5 Reasons

Fully Funded Education: Covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend alleviating financial burdens.
No Entrance Exams: Simplified admissions process through portfolio and tests, making access easier.
Wide Range of Programs: Over 20 subject areas and 24 prestigious universities to choose from.
English and Russian Instruction: Options for international students who do not speak Russian, including free language preparatory year.
Work and Residency Rights: Scholarship holders get residence permits and can work without restrictions in Russia, supporting career growth alongside studies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can apply for the Open Doors Russian Scholarship?
A1: International students from any country, fulfilling the age and academic level requirements for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral studies.

Q2: Is there any application fee?
A2: No, the scholarship application is completely free.

Q3: What documents are required for application?
A3: Motivation letters, academic transcripts, diplomas, identity proof, and additional certificates like language proficiency and awards.

Q4: Can I choose more than one university or program?
A4: You can apply to 1 to 6 universities, but if accepted, you will enroll in only one university and one program.

Q5: Are there scholarships for Russian-taught programs?
A5: Yes, and recipients of Russian-taught programs also receive free Russian language courses in the preparatory year.

Q6: What happens after winning the scholarship?
A6: Winners get admission letters, must submit final documents, and prepare for study and residence in Russia.

Q7: Can postdoctoral researchers apply?
A7: Yes, with a relevant doctoral degree; they can also get an employment contract for research work during their stay.

Official Link:

The Open Door Russian Scholarship 2026 is a transformative opportunity providing access to world-class education and research in Russia, fully funded with numerous benefits and support. Interested international students should start preparing their portfolios as the deadline approaches to secure a place at one of Russia’s prestigious universities. This scholarship is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality international education experience.

Open Door Russian Scholarship 2026 in Russia (Funded)