Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026 | Scholarships in Russia

The Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity for international students who dream of studying in Russia. Organized by the Association of Global Universities with the support of the Russian Government, this scholarship allows students to study tuition-free at some of the best universities in Russia. In addition, winners also receive a monthly stipend to help cover part of their living costs.

This scholarship program in Russia is one of the best scholarships for international students who want to study abroad. It is open to applicants for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and even Postdoctoral studies. More than 24 leading Russian universities are part of the project, offering a wide range of subject areas including Artificial Intelligence, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Political Science, Russian Language and Culture, and many more. Since the competition takes place fully online, students from over 185 countries can apply without leaving their home.

By joining the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2026, winners gain access to world-class education and research opportunities in Russia. While tuition fees are completely covered, students will need to manage other expenses such as travel, accommodation, food, and insurance. With Russia ranking among the top destinations for international students, this program is considered one of the best scholarships to study in Russia, helping students pursue quality education and build a successful career in an international environment.

Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026 | Scholarships in Russia:

Host Country:

Russia

Host Universities:

24 leading Russian universities (including HSE University, ITMO University, Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Kazan Federal University, Novosibirsk State University, and others)

Degree Levels:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies

Programs:

Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
Biology and Biotechnology
Business and Management
Chemistry and Materials Science
Clinical Medicine and Public Health
Computer and Data Science
Earth and Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
Economics and Econometrics
Education and Psychology
Engineering and Technology
Physical Sciences and Technology
Politics and International Studies
Russian Language and Culture
Urbanism and Civil Engineering

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Benefits of the Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026:

Tuition-free education at top Russian universities
A monthly stipend provided by the host university
Access to modern laboratories and research opportunities
The chance to study in English or Russian (depending on the program)
Online application and selection process (no travel required for exams)
Job placement support, including on-campus vacancies
Opportunity to join Russia’s international student community

Eligibility Criteria of the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project:

Bachelor’s Track: Applicants must have completed their secondary education (high school) or be in the final year of high school at the time of application. Proof such as transcripts or a grade sheet must be submitted in the portfolio.
Master’s Track: Applicants must already hold a Bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. A degree certificate or final-year transcript is required.
PhD Track: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification that makes them eligible for doctoral-level studies. They must also submit a research proposal and be ready for an interview with potential supervisors.
Postdoctoral Track: Applicants must already possess a Candidate of Science, Doctor of Science, or PhD degree at the time of submitting their portfolio. Proof of degree is mandatory. Applicants cannot apply if they are still waiting to graduate.
Note: Applicants can choose multiple subject areas, but in the end, only one program and one university can be selected if they win.

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Application Process of the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Prokect 2026:

The application process for the Open Doors Scholarship is fully online and takes place in several stages:

Register Online:
- Go to the official website: https://od.globaluni.ru/
- Create an account using your email address.
- Fill in your personal details carefully, as you cannot edit them later.
Choose Subject Areas:
- Select one or more subject areas you want to apply for.
- Write a motivation letter for each subject area you choose.
Prepare and Upload Your Portfolio:
Upload mandatory documents:
- Motivation letter
- Proof of education (degree certificate, transcript, or grade sheet)
Upload optional documents to strengthen your profile, such as certificates, awards, language proficiency proof, or publications.
Submit your portfolio before the deadline (November 2025).
First Stage – Portfolio Evaluation:
- The jury evaluates your portfolio based on academic achievements, motivation letter, and uploaded documents.
- High scores allow you to move to the Second Stage.
Second Stage – Problem-Solving Challenge:
- Participate in an online exam in your chosen subject area.
- Rules include using only allowed materials, no screenshots, and stable internet connection.
- If you cannot attend due to a valid reason, you may request to join on the reserve day.
Third Stage (PhD and Postdoctoral Only):
- Doctoral and postdoctoral candidates must attend an online interview with potential supervisors.
- Final placement depends on supervisor approval.
Results Announcement:
- Winners and runners-up receive certificates in their personal account.
- They must then select 1 university and 1 program from the list of participating universities.
Submit Final Documents:
- Winners must provide notarized translations of their documents to the chosen university.
- The university will then handle the enrollment under the Russian Government quota.