The Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity for international students who dream of studying in Russia. Organized by the Association of Global Universities with the support of the Russian Government, this scholarship allows students to study tuition-free at some of the best universities in Russia. Winners also receive a monthly stipend to help cover part of their living costs.

This scholarship is open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral applicants. More than 24 leading Russian universities are part of the project, offering a wide range of subject areas including Artificial Intelligence, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Political Science, Russian Language and Culture, and more.

🔆 Host Country
✅ Russia

🔆 Host Universities
✅ 24 leading Russian universities including:

• HSE University

• ITMO University

• Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

• Kazan Federal University

• Novosibirsk State University

• And many others

🔆 Degree Levels
✅ Bachelor’s
✅ Master’s
✅ PhD
✅ Postdoctoral

🔆 Programs Available
✅ 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

🔆 Benefits
✅ Tuition-free education at top Russian universities
✅ Monthly stipend provided by the host university
✅ Access to modern laboratories and research opportunities
✅ Opportunity to study in English or Russian (depending on the program)
✅ Entire application and selection process online (no travel required)
✅ Job placement support and on-campus vacancies
✅ Chance to join Russia’s vibrant international student community

🔆 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Bachelor’s Track: Must have completed or be in the final year of secondary education (high school). Transcript or grade sheet required.
✅ Master’s Track: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or be in the final year. Degree certificate or transcript required.
✅ PhD Track: Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent. Research proposal and interview required.
✅ Postdoctoral Track: Must hold a Candidate of Science, Doctor of Science, or PhD degree. Proof of degree required. Applicants waiting for graduation cannot apply.
✅ Applicants can apply to multiple subject areas, but final selection allows only one program at one university.

🔆 How to Apply
✅ Register Online

• Visit official website: https://od.globaluni.ru/

• Create an account with your email address

• Fill personal details (cannot be edited later)

✅ Choose Subject Areas

• Select one or more fields of interest

• Write a motivation letter for each selected area

✅ Prepare and Upload Portfolio

• Mandatory documents:

  • Motivation letter

  • Proof of education (certificate/transcript/grade sheet)

• Optional documents:

  • Certificates, awards

  • Proof of language proficiency

  • Publications or research work

• Submit before deadline

✅ First Stage – Portfolio Evaluation

• Jury evaluates based on achievements and motivation letter

• High scorers proceed to stage two

✅ Second Stage – Problem-Solving Challenge

• Online exam in chosen subject area

• Must follow exam rules (no screenshots, only allowed materials, stable internet)

✅ Third Stage – For PhD & Postdoctoral Only

• Online interview with potential supervisors

• Final placement depends on supervisor approval

✅ Results Announcement

• Winners and runners-up receive certificates in their account

• Must select 1 university and 1 program

✅ Submit Final Documents

• Notarized translations required for enrollment

• University finalizes admission under Russian Government quota

🔆 Require Documents
✅ Motivation letter
✅ Degree certificate / transcript / grade sheet (depending on level)
✅ Optional: Awards, certificates, publications, language proof
✅ Final winners: Notarized translations of documents

🔆 Deadline
✅ Usually in November 2025 (exact date announced on official website).