The Open Doors Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue studies in Russia at the undergraduate, graduate, PhD, or postdoctoral level.
The project is organized by the Association of Global Universities with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia. It offers free tuition at some of the country’s top universities in fields such as computer science, engineering, medicine, and international studies.
Winners are selected through an online academic competition, rather than traditional entrance exams, making it accessible to students from around the world. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and allows students to study in English or Russian, depending on the university and program.
Applications are submitted online through the official portal, and all stages of the competition are held remotely.
Now, let’s apply for the Russian Open Doors Scholarship. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to know about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇
Table of Contents
Open Doors Scholarships Details:
| Host Country: | Russia |
| Host Universities: | Different Russian Universities |
| Funded By: | Russian Government |
| Eligible Countries: | All Nationalities |
| Degree Level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and Postdoctoral studies |
| Eligible Subjects: | Almost all subjects are covered |
| Application Fee: | $0 |
| Deadline: | November 16, 2025 |
Participating Universities in Open Doors Scholarship (2026):
- Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU)
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU)
- First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
- HSE University (Higher School of Economics)
- ITMO University (Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics)
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
- MGIMO University (Moscow State Institute of International Relations)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT / National Research University)
- Moscow Polytechnic University
- Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU)
- National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (UNN)
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI
- National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU)
- National Research Tomsk State University (TSU)
- Novosibirsk State University (NSU)
- People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) named after Patrice Lumumba
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU)
- Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”
- Samara University (Samara National Research University)
- Siberian Federal University (SibFU)
- Southern Federal University (SFedU)
- University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS)
- University of Tyumen
- Ural Federal University
Also Check: Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2026 in Qatar
Fields of Study:
Subject areas of the Open Doors Scholarship:
- 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
Also Check: Southeast University China Scholarships 2026
Benefits of Open Door Scholarship:
- Monthly stipend & accommodation support (depending on university policies)
- 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of study
- Visa support (assistance with study visa procedures)
- Free Preparatory Russian language training for students to study programs in Russian
- Direct admission to participating Russian universities (no standard entrance exams)
- Programs are taught in English or Russian (depending on the field and institution)
- Opportunity to study in Russia’s top universities in diverse fields (STEM, humanities, business, medicine, etc.)
- Networking with top researchers and professors in the chosen specialization
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Open to all international students, stateless persons, and Russian expatriates abroad.
- Educational Background for each track:
- Bachelor’s track: Completion of secondary education.
- Master’s track: Bachelor’s degree (can be pending).
- PhD track: Master’s degree (can be pending).
- Postdoctoral track: PhD degree, under 39 years of age.
- Language: Proficiency in Russian or English (depending on chosen program).
Also Check: ADB Scholarship Fully Funded Master’s
Required Documents for Open Doors Russian Scholarship:
- Valid Passport or National ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
- Motivation Letter/Essay
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Educational Certificates (school diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, depending on track)
- Recommendation Letters (usually 1–3 for Master’s/PhD/Postdoc tracks)
- Language Proficiency Proof (if program requires English/Russian test certificate)
- Portfolio (research papers, awards, projects—especially important for higher-level tracks)
Also Check: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 for MS and PhD in UK
How to apply for the Open Doors Scholarship:
Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply hassle-free:
- Register on Portal – Create an account on the official Open Doors website.
- Select Track & Field – Choose your study level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoc) and subject area.
- Complete Portfolio – Upload required documents such as transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, publications, research work, and awards.
- Portfolio Evaluation – Academic experts review submitted documents and shortlist candidates based on merit.
- Subject Exams – Shortlisted applicants complete online subject-based Olympiad tasks (problem-solving exams).
- Interviews – For PhD and Postdoctoral tracks, candidates are matched with potential supervisors and may be invited to online interviews or research presentations.
- Final Selection – Winners and runners-up are announced on the official portal.
- Placement – Scholarship recipients receive admission offers from participating Russian universities for the September 2026 intake (with tuition fully covered).
Also Check: Lester B. Pearson Scholarship in Canada
Open Doors Scholarship Timeline (2025–2026 Intake):
- 1 September 2025 – Registration begins
- 16 November 2025 – Deadline for portfolio submission
- 2–15 December 2025 – Online Olympiad tasks (Bachelor’s & Master’s)
- 12 January – 26 February 2026 – Supervisor interviews (PhD & Postdoc)
- May 2026 – Winners announced (final results published on official portal)
- September 2026 – Academic year begins in Russia (winners start programs with a full scholarship)
Also Check: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of the Open Doors Scholarship?
The Open Doors Scholarship offers full tuition coverage, direct admission to top Russian universities, and programs taught in English or Russian. Some universities may also provide housing, stipends, or additional support.
Does the Open Doors Scholarship cover living expenses?
The scholarship guarantees full tuition coverage. Living expenses like stipends, accommodation, and insurance are not included by default but may be offered by some participating universities.
Who can apply for the Open Doors Russian Scholarship?
It is open to all international students, stateless persons, and Russian compatriots living abroad. Applicants must meet the academic requirements for their chosen track (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or postdoc).
How do I apply for the Open Doors Scholarship?
Students apply online via the official portal (od.globaluni.ru), upload their portfolio, pass subject exams, and, for PhD/postdoc, attend interviews. Winners receive university placements with full tuition support.
What is the Open Doors Scholarship?
The Open Doors Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students to study in Russia at bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral level. It covers tuition and admission through an online Olympiad competition.
