Open Doors Scholarship for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in Russia
Applicant criteria
- 18 - 60
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is an international initiative organized by the Association of Global Universities in collaboration with the Government of Russia. The program aims to attract talented students from around the world to study in Russia for free and to strengthen the global standing of Russian universities as leading educational and research institutions.
The Open Doors Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Russia. It offers international students the opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees at top Russian universities tuition-free. Selection is made through an online academic competition (Olympiad) that includes several stages of assessment and subject-specific tests. Winners gain free admission to their chosen universities and programs.
Deadline
Applications open on September 1, 2025, and close on November 16, 2025.
Final results are announced between December and January, and the academic year begins in the following fall semester.
Benefits
Full tuition fee waiver at participating Russian universities.
Free preparatory program for learning the Russian language (if needed).
Flexibility to choose the university and program from a wide range of options.
Study at high-ranking universities supported by the Russian government.
Strong academic supervision and research opportunities for graduate students.
Eligibility criteria
Open to all international (non-Russian) students.
For Bachelor’s: High school diploma or equivalent.
For Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
For PhD: Master’s degree or equivalent.
Strong academic record and educational background.
Participation in all required stages of the online competition.
Russian language proficiency is not required at the time of application (a preparatory course is available).