The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program offers talented foreign students the chance to enroll in master’s and postgraduate programs in Russia for free. This program covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend, facilitating access to higher education in a renowned educational system.

  • 🎓 Program Overview: The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program allows talented foreign students to pursue Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral programs in Russia for free, including tuition, monthly stipend, and accommodation options.
  • 🌍 Eligibility: Open to foreign citizens and stateless persons with a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s track, or a Master’s/Specialist’s degree for doctoral track.
  • 🏫 Universities & Language: Over 24 top Russian universities participate; programs are offered in English or Russian depending on the university.
  • 📝 Admission Benefits: Winners get early admission without entrance exams through a single-window system.
  • 📅 Application Deadline: November 16, 2025; registration is online via the Olympiad website.
  • 🏆 Olympiad Structure: Master’s track has 2 rounds (portfolio and problem-solving); doctoral track has 3 rounds (portfolio, problem-solving, and supervisor selection/interview).
  • 🔬 Academic Focus: Subjects group related Master’s or doctoral fields; winners can enroll in programs matching their Olympiad profile within the government quota for foreign students.
  • 🌐 Russia Highlights: Rich culture, top universities like Moscow State and ITMO, innovation hubs, diverse landscapes, scientific achievements, cultural exchange, English-friendly environment, unique cuisine, vibrant festivals, and strong STEM education.
  • 📄 Registration Requirements: Participants provide personal data, agree to data processing, and can register only once per year. They gain access to portfolio structure, evaluation criteria, and demo tasks after registration.
  • 💰 Scholarship Reward: Full tuition coverage for selected Master’s and PhD students, including stipend and accommodation options.

Designation

International Graduate Scholarships

CategoryDetails
Scholarship NameOpen Doors Russian Scholarship Program
Application DeadlineNovember 16, 2025
Program LevelsMaster’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral
Participating UniversitiesOver 24 top Russian universities
Language of InstructionEnglish or Russian

Research Area

Various fields across master’s and doctoral programs

Location

Russia

Eligibility/Qualification

  • Foreign citizens and stateless persons with a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s track.
  • Master’s or Specialist’s degree for the Doctoral track (PhD).
  • Participants must agree to the processing of personal data.

Description

The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program is designed for international students seeking to further their education at Russian universities without the burden of tuition fees. This program is conducted in two tracks: a Master’s track and a Doctoral track. The selection process includes a portfolio review and problem-solving challenges, with PhD candidates also needing an interview with a prospective research supervisor.

How to Apply

  1. Register online in the Olympiad registration system between September 15 and December 10, 2023.
  2. Visit the official Olympiad website here to access the registration form.
  3. After registration, you will have access to your personal account, portfolio requirements, and task samples.
  4. Participants are limited to one registration per year.

Last Date for Apply

November 16, 2025

Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your academic career while experiencing the rich culture and educational excellence of Russia.