The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2026 offers international students and researchers an opportunity to pursue higher education and research at leading universities in the Russian Federation. Organised by a consortium of Russian universities since 2017, the international online academic competition identifies talented applicants across various academic disciplines.
The initiative provides pathways for eligible international participants to access tuition-free education and research opportunities, subject to the competition rules and applicable funding conditions.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The application deadline is 1 November 2026. Registration opened on 20 August 2026, and prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the closing date.
Applications, competition guidelines and official updates are available through the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project website: https://od.globaluni.ru/
AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIP TRACKS
The competition offers four academic pathways designed for applicants at different stages of their educational and research careers:
- Bachelor’s track: For eligible applicants seeking undergraduate education.
- Master’s track: For graduates pursuing postgraduate qualifications.
- Doctoral track: For candidates intending to undertake PhD studies.
- Postdoctoral track: For qualified researchers seeking opportunities to advance their research careers at Russian universities.
AVAILABLE STUDY AND RESEARCH AREAS
The competition covers 14 subject areas, providing opportunities across scientific, technological, social science and humanities disciplines. These include:
- Business and Management
- Biology and Biotechnology
- Engineering and Technology
- Clinical Medicine and Public Health
- Computer and Data Science
- Earth and Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
- Education and Psychology
- Politics and International Studies
- Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
- Russian Language and Culture
- Urbanism and Civil Engineering
- Physical Sciences and Technology
- Chemistry and Materials Science
- Economics and Econometrics
Applicants are encouraged to select a subject area that aligns with their academic qualifications, professional interests and future research objectives.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The competition is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons who satisfy the eligibility requirements for their selected track on the opening date of registration.
The stated age and academic qualification requirements are as follows:
- Bachelor’s: Ages 16–23, with secondary education.
- Master’s: Ages 20–33, with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Doctoral (PhD): Ages 22–35, with a Specialist or Master’s degree.
- Postdoctoral: Ages 24–39, with a PhD or Doctor of Sciences qualification.
Applicants should consult the official competition rules to verify the requirements, supporting documentation and assessment criteria applicable to their chosen pathway.
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
Successful Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral applicants may qualify for tuition-free education in the Russian Federation through the Education Quota for foreign citizens. Eligible winners may also receive government grant support, subject to the relevant conditions.
Depending on eligibility, grant support may include travel to the place of study and return travel after completing the programme, a monthly allowance subject to satisfactory academic performance, voluntary medical insurance and reimbursement of accommodation expenses.
Postdoctoral participants may have opportunities to secure research positions at Russian universities.
These benefits are subject to the sponsor’s terms and conditions. Financial assistance is not automatically guaranteed to every winner, and applicants should verify the precise benefits available to their circumstances.
COMPETITION FORMAT AND KEY DATES
The competition is conducted online, with participation available in English or Russian. Its three stages are:
- Stage 1: Portfolio competition: 20 August–1 November 2026.
- Stage 2: Subject-specific competition tasks: 13 November–21 December 2026.
- Stage 3: Interviews and research assessments, where applicable: 22 December 2026–26 February 2027.
Bachelor’s and Master’s candidates complete portfolio and subject-specific assessments. Doctoral applicants also participate in interviews with prospective research supervisors, while Postdoctoral candidates submit video presentations of their research achievements and interview with research project leaders.
The announced winner dates are 21 December 2026 for Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants, and 26 February 2027 for Doctoral and Postdoctoral applicants.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should visit the official Open Doors website, carefully read the participation rules and select the appropriate academic track. They should then choose a relevant subject area, review programme information and sample competition tasks, and check the technical requirements for online participation.
Applicants must register and submit the required information through their Open Doors accounts. Successful candidates seeking tuition-free education must subsequently complete the relevant Education Quota application and upload the required supporting documents.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN APPLICANTS
The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project is not offered by South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Applicants are responsible for researching their selected programmes and institutions and confirming whether their qualifications will be recognised in South Africa through the South African Qualifications Authority and relevant professional bodies.
DHET does not provide additional financial support for this opportunity. Where information differs, the scholarship sponsor’s official rules and guidance take precedence.
