The Open Doors Scholarship in Russia 2026 offers international students a unique opportunity to pursue Master’s and PhD programs at some of Russia’s leading universities — tuition-free. Officially known as the Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project, the program is organized by the Association of Global Universities in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
Winners of the competition gain direct admission to Russian universities without entrance exams, and their tuition fees are fully covered by the Russian Federation. This makes it one of the most attractive options for students looking to study in Europe at minimal cost.
About Open Doors Scholarship in Russia
The Open Doors Scholarship is an Olympiad-style academic competition that allows students from around the world to demonstrate their expertise in specific subject areas. Based on their performance, winners receive scholarships to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees at participating Russian universities.
The program is designed to:
- Attract top international talent to Russian universities.
- Support students in pursuing advanced research and postgraduate education.
- Strengthen Russia’s position as a global education hub.
For more similar opportunities, see our Masters Scholarships and PhD Scholarships pages.
Open Doors Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Russia |
| Host Institutions | Leading Russian universities under the Association of Global Universities |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded (tuition waiver) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s and PhD |
| Eligible Subjects | Various (Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, Humanities, etc.) |
| Eligible Countries | All international students |
| Scholarship Coverage | Full tuition fee waiver; tuition paid by the Russian Federation |
| Application Deadline | December 2025 (expected) |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
Benefits of the Open Doors Scholarship
- Full tuition fee waiver for Master’s or PhD studies at Russian universities.
- Direct admission without entrance exams.
- Wide choice of universities and programs in English or Russian.
- Opportunity to study in one of the largest higher education systems in the world.
- Access to Russia’s world-class research facilities and academic mentors.
Note: The scholarship does not usually cover living expenses, accommodation, or travel, which students must arrange independently.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be international students (non-Russian citizens).
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) for Master’s program applications.
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) for PhD program applications.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in their chosen subject area.
- Participate in and successfully pass the Olympiad competition in their selected field.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Open Doors competition typically covers:
- Computer Science & Data Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Chemistry & Materials Science
- Business & Management
- Political Science & International Relations
- Economics & Econometrics
- Education & Psychology
- Linguistics & Modern Languages
- History & Archaeology
- Physics & Astronomy
Required Documents
- Completed online application form.
- Valid international passport or ID.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / résumé.
- Motivation letter.
- Proof of English or Russian language proficiency (if required by the chosen university).
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: September 2025
- Deadline: December 2025
- First Round (Portfolios Evaluation): December 2025 – January 2026
- Second Round (Online Exams/Assessments): February–March 2026
- Final Results: April 2026
- Enrollment: September 2026
How to Apply for Open Doors Scholarship in Russia 2026
- Visit the Open Doors Scholarship official portal and create an online account.
- Select your preferred subject area and degree level (Master’s or PhD).
- Upload the required documents, including transcripts and CV.
- Submit your portfolio for the first round evaluation.
- If shortlisted, complete the second round assessments (online exams or interviews).
- Winners receive an official invitation letter for admission to Russian universities.
For more opportunities, explore our pages on Scholarships by Countries, Fellowships, and Internships.
Explore More Opportunities
FAQs – Open Doors Scholarship in Russia
1. Who funds the Open Doors Scholarship?
It is funded by the Russian Federation through the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
2. Does it cover living expenses?
No. The scholarship covers tuition only. Students must cover accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
3. Can I apply in English?
Yes. Many programs are available in English, but students can also study in Russian.
4. What is the selection process?
It is based on academic portfolio evaluation (Round 1) and online exams/assessments (Round 2).
5. Which universities are included?
Leading Russian universities under the Association of Global Universities, such as HSE University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), and Tomsk State University.
Final Thoughts
The Open Doors Scholarship 2026 in Russia is a competitive program that allows international students to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees tuition-free at top Russian universities. With its focus on academic excellence and international cooperation, it offers an excellent pathway to study in Europe without financial barriers.
If you are an ambitious student seeking a fully funded opportunity, prepare your portfolio early and apply before the December 2025 deadline.