The Open Doors Scholarship 2026, launched by the Russian government, invites talented international students to study at leading Russian universities without paying tuition fees. This fully funded program eliminates the need for entrance exams, making it easier for students to secure spots in undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.
Why Choose the Open Doors Scholarship?
This scholarship stands out for its accessibility and flexibility, catering to students from all countries. It supports a wide range of academic disciplines, with programs offered in both English and Russian, depending on the university and field of study. The initiative aims to attract bright minds to Russia’s top-tier institutions, known for their strong academic reputation and research opportunities.
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Key Benefits
- Full Tuition Coverage: The Russian government covers all tuition fees for selected candidates.
- Early Admission: Winners gain direct entry to participating universities without entrance exams.
- Language Flexibility: Choose between English or Russian-taught programs.
- Research Opportunities: Doctoral and postdoctoral candidates can work with leading research supervisors.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to:
- Foreign citizens, stateless individuals, and expatriates.
- Master’s applicants must hold or be completing a bachelor’s degree.
- Doctoral applicants need a master’s or specialist’s degree.
- Applicants must consent to personal data processing.
The program welcomes candidates from all nations, fostering diversity in Russia’s academic community.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
The application process is streamlined through a single-window online system, allowing students to apply to any participating Russian university. Here’s how it works:
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- Register Online: Sign up on the Open Doors Olympiad website between September 1 and November 16, 2025, using your email and password.
- Submit a Portfolio: In the first round, upload a portfolio showcasing your academic achievements and skills.
- Complete a Challenge: The second round involves a problem-solving task tailored to your field.
- Interview (Doctoral/Postdoctoral): Finalists for doctoral and postdoctoral tracks will discuss their research with supervisors.
Applicants can access detailed guidance on portfolio requirements, evaluation criteria, and sample tasks after registering. Note that only one account per applicant is allowed, and violations may lead to disqualification.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by November 16, 2025. Early preparation is key to crafting a strong portfolio and excelling in the competitive rounds.
What’s Next?
Selected candidates will join Russia’s vibrant academic community, gaining access to cutting-edge facilities and global research networks. The Russian Ministry of Education and Science, which oversees the program, emphasizes its commitment to fostering international talent. Updates on the selection process and results will be shared via the Open Doors Olympiad website.
