the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2026 is officially open. If you are an international student aiming for a fully funded opportunity in Russia this is your chance. Let us walk you through this detailed guide.
What Is the Open Doors Scholarship
The Open Doors Scholarship also known as the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project is an online international competition that offers tuition free admission to bachelor’s master’s PhD or postdoctoral studies at top Russian universities. It is organized by the Global Universities Association in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Science & Higher Education and Rossotrudnichestvo.
Why It Matters
- Completely free study with no tuition fees and often with a Russian language preparatory year included
- Streamlined application through a single window system with no extra entrance exams required
- Over six thousand winners have benefitted since the launch of the project
- Wide choice of subjects across fourteen interdisciplinary areas from artificial intelligence to medicine from engineering to economics
Also See: Ellison Graduate Scholars Program 2026 – Fully-Funded
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to foreign citizens or stateless persons including diaspora in several tracks
- Bachelor’s requires completed or ongoing secondary education
- Master’s requires a completed or ongoing bachelor’s degree
- PhD requires a completed or ongoing master’s or specialist degree
- Postdoctoral requires an age under 39 with a PhD or Candidate or Doctor of Sciences degree at registration time
Timeline Key Dates for 2026 Entry
- Registration and Portfolio runs from September 1 to November 16 2025
- First Stage Portfolio Review takes place around November 28 2025
- Second Stage Tasks or Tests are scheduled for early to mid December 2025
- Third Stage Doctoral and Postdoctoral Only runs in January and February 2026 through interviews or presentations
What Subjects Are Covered
The scholarship offers opportunities in fourteen subject areas including
- Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
- Computer and Data Science
- Business and Management
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Economics and Econometrics
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Education and Psychology
- Politics and International Studies
- Russian Language and Culture
- Urbanism and Civil Engineering
Benefits at a Glance
- Full tuition coverage and a language preparatory year if required
- Entry without exams through a one stop system
- Postdoc winners can collaborate with top researchers on major projects
- Strong support for international students along with a vibrant campus life
Step by Step Application Guide
Step 1 Register online between September 1 and November 16 2025
Step 2 Complete your portfolio with academic documents certificates papers and a motivation letter You can also add language certificates to improve your score
Step 3 Participate in the entrance test or assigned task
Step 4 For doctoral or postdoctoral tracks prepare a video or interview with a potential supervisor
Step 5 Wait for the final results and begin your journey as a tuition free student in Russia
Pro Tips to Stand Out
- Begin preparations early to build a strong portfolio with awards publications and certificates
- Write a clear motivation letter with a focus on your goals your chosen field and why you want to study in Russia
- Practice sample tasks and tests from the official platform
- If applying for a Russian taught program start learning the Russian language in advance
- Attend official webinars and university info sessions to get updates and useful guidance
Universities Participating
Top institutions in this program include
- Higher School of Economics HSE
- St Petersburg Polytechnic University SPbPU
- NUST MISIS
- MGIMO University
- Sechenov University
- Tomsk State University
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology MIPT
- Novosibirsk State University
- RUDN University
Each university offers strong specializations whether in humanities science or engineering.
FAQs Interactive Section
Q Do I need IELTS or TOEFL
A No these certificates are optional though they can strengthen your application.
Q Can I apply to multiple tracks
A Each applicant must choose only one track whether bachelor’s master’s doctoral or postdoc.
Q What if I do not win this year
A You may apply again next year or explore other scholarships available in Russia.
Q Are postdoc applicants required to already hold a PhD
A Yes postdoc applicants must have a PhD or equivalent by the time of application.
Q Can I study in English if I do not speak Russian
A Yes many programs are in English For Russian programs a preparatory year is often provided.
