The Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s or PhD programs at top Russian universities. It is organized by the Global Universities Association and supported by Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Winners receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and simplified university admission — all through an online competition process. To be eligible, you will need to register and submit your portfolio before the deadline.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Russia
- Host University: Russian Universities
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Monthly stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for your chosen Master’s or PhD program.
- Monthly stipend for all scholarship holders (note that other living expenses are not covered).
- Free one-year Russian language preparatory course if your selected program is taught only in Russian.
- Streamlined admission process into participating universities through the Open Doors system.
- Access to leading research universities in fields like AI, medicine, engineering, economics, and more.
See Also:
- Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Netherlands
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/27 | Fully Funded Scholarship in China
- Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Russia
Eligibility Requirements for Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship 2026
- Who can apply: Foreign citizens, stateless individuals, and Russian citizens living abroad.
- Master’s track: Applicants must hold (or be completing by 2025) a bachelor’s degree. The typical age range is around 20–33 years, but check official rules for exact limits.
- PhD track: Applicants must hold (or be completing by 2025) a master’s or specialist degree. The usual age range is 22–35 years.
- Language: Programs are available in both Russian and English, depending on the university. A language certificate isn’t mandatory at the application stage, but submitting one can improve your score.
Required Documents (First Stage Portfolio)
Mandatory:
- Typed motivation letter (follow the format in your personal account).
- Proof of education — either your degree certificate or an official transcript/grade sheet if your degree isn’t issued yet.
Optional but recommended:
- CV or résumé
- Research papers, conference posters, or patents
- Certificates, awards, and competition results
- Letters of recommendation
- Language certificates (English or Russian)
If selected, you will later need to provide notarized translations and official degree confirmations for admission.
Application Deadline: Key Dates
- Registration and portfolio submission: 1 September 2025 – 16 November 2025
- Second-stage online tests: December 2025 (dates vary by subject area)
- Doctoral interviews (PhD applicants): January–February 2026
How to Apply (Step-by-Step) for Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship 2026
- Create an account on the official Open Doors portal and review the competition rules and subject areas.
- Select your track (Master’s or PhD) and up to six universities of interest.
- Write your motivation letter and prepare your degree proof or transcript.
- Upload your portfolio with the required documents and any optional materials that strengthen your case (publications, awards, certificates).
- Submit your portfolio by 16 November 2025. You can edit and resubmit until the system’s cutoff date.
- Take the online tests if you pass the first stage. Results and next steps will appear in your account.
- PhD applicants: If you advance, you’ll be invited to interview with potential supervisors. Winners will then proceed with the university admission process.
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Tips for Applicants
- Choose subject areas that match your academic achievements.
- Upload all relevant documents to boost your portfolio score.
- Watch for official webinars from participating universities — they’re helpful for understanding the process.