Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project

The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project was launched in 2017 as Russia's first initiative to attract talented international students through a streamlined, one-stop online competition format.

Over the past eight years, approximately 500,000 participants from more than 190 countries have joined, with nearly 90% representing Asia and Africa, and over 12,000 winners have been granted tuition-free study at Russia's leading universities.

Key features of the programme:

• Completely free — No registration fee, no application fee, no hidden costs

• 100% online — All stages conducted remotely via the official portal

• Two languages — Participate in English or Russian

• Four academic tracks — Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral

• 14 subject areas — Covering engineering, medicine, AI, business, humanities, and more

• 24 top universities — Winners choose from Russia's leading institutions

• Direct admission — No additional entrance exams required for winners

• Government-funded support — Monthly stipend, travel, medical insurance, and accommodation reimbursement for Russian-taught programmes

Related: Learn more about studying in Russia and the Association of Global Universities.

Winners and runners-up in the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD tracks receive:

• 100% tuition-free study at the Russian university of their choice within the government quota

• Complimentary Russian language training — One full year of free Russian language preparation for students enrolling in Russian-taught degree programmes

• Monthly stipend — Provided to students in Russian-taught programmes throughout their studies

• Travel expense reimbursement — Reimbursement of travel costs related to arrival in Russia and departure upon completion of studies

• Medical insurance — Health coverage during the period of study

• Accommodation expense reimbursement — Support for housing costs during the study period

• One-stop admission system — Streamlined process to choose a university and programme without separate entrance exams

• Postdoctoral positions — Postdoc track winners are offered research positions at Russian universities with access to state-of-the-art equipment and world-renowned scientists

Note: Students enrolling in English-taught programmes receive full tuition exemption but do not typically receive the monthly stipend, travel, or accommodation support package. The comprehensive grant package is primarily for Russian-taught programmes.

All applicants must prepare the following for their online portfolio:

• Motivation letter — Typed directly in the portal, explaining your academic background, chosen subject area, reasons for studying in Russia, and future goals

• Proof of education — Degree certificate, transcript, or current academic records (with English or Russian translations)

• Entrance test — Automated online test completed during registration

• Optional portfolio evidence — Academic awards, publications, conference certificates, internships, work experience, research projects, patents, online course certificates, language certificates, and extracurricular achievements

• Passport or national ID — For identity verification during registration and proctoring

• CV/Resume — Summarising academic and professional background

• Research proposal — For PhD applicants (may be required at later stages)

• Recommendation letters — May be required for postgraduate or doctoral levels

Note: Translations into English or Russian are required for documents not originally in these languages. Notarisation is not required at the competition stage but may be needed later for university enrolment.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Foreign citizens, stateless persons, or compatriots residing abroad

• Age limits (approximate; verify in official rules):

  • Bachelor's: 16–23

  • Master's: 20–33

  • PhD: 22–35

  • Postdoctoral: 24–39

• Education level: Must hold or be completing the degree required for the chosen track:

  • Bachelor's: secondary school completion

  • Master's: Bachelor's degree or higher

  • PhD: Master's or Specialist degree

  • Postdoc: PhD or Candidate/Doctor of Sciences degree

• Language: Can participate in English or Russian; no language certificate required for the competition itself, though universities may verify proficiency for the selected programme

• Equipment: Stable internet connection and a suitable device for online testing and proctoring

Follow these steps to participate in the Open Doors competition:

1. Register on the official portal — Create an account at od.globaluni.ru during the registration period

2. Choose your track and subject area — Select the academic level and subject that best matches your background and interests

3. Complete the entrance test — Finish the automated online test in your personal account

4. Upload your portfolio — Submit your motivation letter, education documents, and any optional supporting evidence

5. Submit before the deadline — Ensure all materials are complete and submitted by 1 November 2026

6. Await first-stage results — Check your account for portfolio evaluation results

7. Register for the second stage — If shortlisted, register for the proctored online exam (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) or submit your video presentation (Postdoc)

8. Complete second-stage tasks — Take the proctored exam under online monitoring or submit your postdoc video by the given deadline

9. PhD/Postdoc interviews — If advancing to the third stage, attend online interviews with prospective research supervisors

10. Await final results — Winners are announced in December 2026 (Bachelor's/Master's) and February 2027 (PhD/Postdoc)

11. Choose your university — Winners select their preferred university and programme through the one-stop admission system

Tip: Start preparing your documents and motivation letter early. Do not wait until the final day — technical issues, translation delays, or upload problems can cost you your place.