Open Doors Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded to Study in Russia) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: November 1, 2026

About the Scholarship

The Open Doors Scholarship is an international competition organized by the Global Universities Association under the auspices of Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education. It offers international students and young researchers the opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral (PhD), or Postdoctoral studies at leading Russian universities. Winners of the competition can receive the right to study tuition-free in Russia under the Government of the Russian Federation quota. Since 2017, the program has helped more than 6,000 international students access Russian higher education. The competition is held online and is free of charge.

Scholarship Benefits

For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Track Winners

• Full tuition coverage for the chosen study program (taught in English or Russian)
• One year of complimentary Russian language training for programs taught in Russian
• The opportunity to choose a university and degree program through a streamlined system
• A monthly stipend (amount varies by university)
• Support at every stage of the academic journey

For Postdoctoral Track Winners

• A postdoctoral position in a research project at one of Russia’s universities
• The opportunity to choose a university research project through a one-stop system
• The opportunity to work under the guidance of world-renowned scientists using state-of-the-art equipment

Important Note: The prize covers tuition only. Travel to Russia, accommodation, living costs, and health insurance are not covered by the scholarship and are the responsibility of the student. Some universities may offer a monthly stipend to help with living expenses, but this varies and should be confirmed directly with the chosen institution.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship is open to all nationals (foreign citizens and stateless persons).

Bachelor’s Track:

• Aged 16 to 23 at the time of registration
• Completed or completing general secondary education in the academic year of the competition
• Does not hold a bachelor’s or specialist’s degree

Master’s Track:

• Aged 20 to 33 at the time of registration
• Holds a bachelor’s degree or is completing one in the academic year of the competition
• Does not hold a specialist’s or master’s degree

Doctoral (PhD) Track:

• Aged 22 to 35 at the time of registration
• Holds a master’s or specialist’s degree or is completing one in the academic year of the competition
• Does not hold a doctoral degree

Postdoctoral Track:

• Aged 24 to 39 at the time of registration
• Holds a doctoral (PhD or equivalent) degree

Language Requirement: The official languages of the competition are English and Russian, and the competition is held in both languages.

Subject Areas

Applicants can choose from multiple subject areas, including (but not limited to):

• Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
• Biology and Biotechnology
• Business and Management
• Clinical Medicine and Public Health
• Computer and Data Science
• Economics and Econometrics
• Engineering and Technology
• Politics and International Studies
• Russian Language and Culture

Selection Process

Stage 1: Registration and Portfolio (August 20 – November 1, 2026)

• Create an account on the official Open Doors portal
• Choose the correct track (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral)
• Select a subject area related to your academic background
• Complete the entrance test
• Submit a portfolio of achievements and supporting documents

Portfolio Documents:

• Education certificate or current academic record
• Transcripts or grade sheets
• Motivation letter for the chosen subject area
• Awards, publications, internships, or project evidence

Stage 2: Second Stage Tasks (November – December 2026)

• Shortlisted participants complete a three-hour proctored task under online supervision
• For Doctoral and Postdoctoral tracks: Video presentation and interviews may be required

Stage 3: Final Selection

• Winners are announced and receive admission to a tuition-free program
• Completion of necessary visa, quota, and university enrollment procedures

Results:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s winners announced: December 21, 2026
• Doctoral winners announced: February 19, 2027

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official Open Doors portal (od.globaluni.ru) when registration opens on August 20, 2026

Step 2: Create one participant account using an active email address

Step 3: Choose the correct track and subject area

Step 4: Complete the entrance test

Step 5: Prepare a specific motivation letter and upload the required portfolio documents

Step 6: Submit all materials by November 1, 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Creating more than one account
• Using an email address, you may later lose access to
• Choosing the wrong academic track or a subject area unrelated to your previous education
• Uploading untranslated documents when translation is required
• Assuming travel and accommodation are covered—they are not
• Missing the portfolio submission deadline because the account was created but the portfolio was not submitted

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Open Doors Scholarship provides a pathway for international students to access tuition-free higher education at some of Russia’s leading universities. With over 24 participating universities, including HSE University, ITMO University, and MGIMO University, the scholarship offers opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.

For Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral candidates worldwide, this scholarship offers:

• Full tuition coverage at top Russian universities
• A streamlined, one-stop admission process
• Access to world-class research and academic resources
• A vibrant international student community

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Open Doors Portal