The Russian Federation has finally opened its doors for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Russia, and that too, Fully Funded. Applications for one of the most awaited “Russia Open Doors Scholarship” are now open for the September 2026 Intake. A fully funded scholarship by the Government of Russia offers an incredible opportunity to outstanding international students from all around the world to undertake Undergraudate, master’s, PhD & and post-doctoral degree programs in one top leading higher education institutes of the Russian Federation. In the previous (2025 Edition), a total of 6,300 scholarship awards were granted to the outstanding international students from all around the world, thus making it one of the biggest scholarships of all time.
There are no work restrictions; all the scholars selected under this program are permitted to work in Russia. Moreover, students will also be provided with a fast-track residence permit. A total of 24 leading Russian institutes are participating in this program. Open Doors scholarships are available in a wide range of disciplines, such as Computer & Data Sciences, Mathematics & AI, Business and Management, Economics, Engineering & Technology, Biology and Biotechnology, international relations, and more. Students from diverse academic backgrounds are invited to submit applications.
The objective of the “Open Doors” scholarship is to promote Russian Higher Education, attract global talent, and build a long-lasting professional and academic partnership between Russia and participating countries. To know more about the Open Doors Scholarship coverage, study fields, eligibility criteria, and application process, read the details below.
Russia Open Doors Scholarship 2026 Overview
- Host Country: Russia
- Sponsored by: Ministry of Science & Higher Education
- Open for: All Nationals
- Participating Institutes: Twenty-four
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: November 16th, 2025
Also, Check: KAIST University Graduate Scholarships 2026 in South Korea
Study Fields
A total of 24 leading Russian institutes are participating in the “Open Doors” scholarship and offering degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, such as:
- Mathematics & AI
- Business & Management
- Material Science & Chemistry
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Public Health & Clinical Medicine
- Computer & Data Sciences
- Economics
- Psychology & Education
- Engineering & technology
- International Studies
- Russian Language & Culture
- Urbanism & Civil Engineering
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Politics
Scholarship Coverage
- Full Tuition fee coverage for the program duration
- Admission fees
- A monthly stipend to cover their living expenses
- Accommodation
Benefits
The Open Doors scholarship offers a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Full tuition fees coverage of Bachelors, Masters, PhD & Post doctoral programs
- Opportunity to study at one of the leading higher education institutes of Russia
- No Application fee is required for the entire process
- The degree programs are available in a wide range of disciplines
- Selected students will be provided with a fast-track Russian Residence permit
- There are no work restrictions; students will be able to work during their studies
Eligibility Criteria
- The Open Doors is accepting applications from all nationals (Except Russians)
- Bachelor’s Applicants must have completed their secondary education
- Master’s Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s or be in the final year of the bachelor’s program
- PhD Degree Applicants must hold a Master’s degree
- Postdoctoral Applicants must have completed their PhD degree program
- Proficiency in English or the Russian Language, depending on program requirements
- Applicants with excellent academic records and strong academic research will be preferred.
Required Documents
- Applicants: Valid Passport/National ID Card copy
- Degree Transcripts and Certificates
- Language Proficiency Certificate (If Applicable)
- Personal Statement
- Academic Portfolio
- An updated Resume or CV
How to Apply for the Russian Open Doors Scholarship 2026?
The application process for the Russian Open Doors scholarship is online via the official portal – all interested applicants need to follow the following steps to successfully submit their applications:
- Visit the official portal mentioned at the bottom of the page
- Choose your preferred language, eg, Russian or English
- Sign up and create an account by clicking on “Register.”
- Complete your profile (Education, personal, and contact details)
- Select the level of study, eg, Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral.
- Choose your desired study field
- Submit all the above-mentioned required documents
- Participating in the Online Olympiad test consists of 2 Rounds
- Round 1 (Achievement & Documents are evaluated)
- Round 2: consists of written tests, interviews, proposal defence, and tasks
- Wait for the result announcement
- Selected students will receive an invitation letter from the Russian Institute
Also, check:
- University of Twente Scholarship 2026-27 in Netherlands (Valued upto € 22,000)
- APU MEXT UR Scholarship 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded)
Important tips
- Applicants can review past Olympaid tests in their desired study area on the official Open Doors website. This can give you a clear picture of the test.
- All applicants must highlight their awards, internships, and research papers aligned with the desired study area
- Don’t wait for the last date to submit your application; early applications get a faster review
- Increase your scholarship chances by applying for more than one subject area
- Get tips from the Alumni communities through forums or Facebook groups
