About the Scholarship
The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is an international initiative overseen by the Association of World Russian Universities in cooperation with the Russian government. The project aims to attract talented students from around the world to study in Russia free of charge and to enhance the standing of Russian universities as leading global centers of science and research.
The Open Doors Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Russia, offering international students the opportunity to study at Russian universities free of charge at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral levels. Winners are selected through an online academic competition (an international Olympiad) that includes academic evaluation and subject-specific tests. Winners receive free placements at top Russian universities, with the option to choose their field of study and university.
Applicant Criteria
- Nationality: No specific nationality required
- Age: 18-60
- Gender: Both
- Location: Russia
- Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Application deadline: November 25, 2025.
Benefits and Advantages
- Full tuition waiver at participating Russian universities.
- Free preparatory program for learning Russian (if needed).
- Option to choose a university and major from a list of participating universities.
- Opportunity to study at prestigious academic institutions supported by the Russian government.
- Excellent academic support and research supervision for postgraduate students.
Application Criteria
- Open to all non-Russian international students.
- For undergraduate studies: High school diploma or equivalent.
- For master’s studies: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- For doctoral studies: Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Excellent academic performance and a strong educational background.
- Commitment to participate in the online competition stages.
- Proficiency in Russian is not required at the time of application; a preparatory course is available.
How to Apply?
- Create an account on the official Open Doors project website during the registration period.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required documents (certificates, transcripts, ID, and letter of motivation).
- Participate in the competition’s evaluation phases, which include online academic tests in your chosen field.
- PhD applicants may be required to attend an interview with a potential academic supervisor.
- Await the final results and then select your university and specialization after winning.
