Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026-27

The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2026-27 is an international scholarship competition for talented students and researchers from around the world who want to study or conduct research in Russia.

The project is organized by the Association of Global Universities and supported by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Rossotrudnichestvo.

The competition is conducted completely online, and there is no application fee.

Successful applicants in the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral tracks can receive the right to study at participating Russian universities with tuition funded through the Russian Government's quota for foreign citizens.

The project also offers a Postdoctoral track for researchers who have already completed a doctoral qualification and want to continue their academic or research careers in Russia.

Open Doors Scholarship 2026-27 Overview

The Open Doors competition is available at four academic levels:

1. Bachelor's

2. Master's

3. Doctoral (PhD)

4. Postdoctoral

Applicants must select the track that matches their current education level and eligibility.

The competition is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons, including eligible compatriots living abroad.

Open Doors Scholarship 2026 Registration Dates

For the 2026 competition, registration for all four tracks opens on:

August 20, 2026

The registration deadline is:

November 1, 2026

Applicants should complete their registration and portfolio before the deadline.

The competition continues through additional stages after registration, depending on the selected academic track.

Open Doors Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements vary by academic track.

Bachelor's Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants for the Bachelor's track must:

• Be a foreign citizen or stateless person.

• Be between 16 and 23 years old on the registration opening date.

• Not already hold a Bachelor's, Specialist, or Master's degree.

• Have completed, or be expected to complete during the relevant academic year, the education required for admission to higher education in their country.

This track is intended for international students who have completed or are completing their secondary education and want to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Russia.

Master's Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants for the Master's track must:

• Be a foreign citizen or stateless person.

• Be between 20 and 33 years old on the registration opening date.

• Not hold a Specialist or Master's degree.

• Have completed, or be expected to complete, a higher education qualification equivalent to at least a Bachelor's degree.

This track is intended for students who have completed or are completing a Bachelor's degree and want to pursue Master's-level study in Russia.

Doctoral or PhD Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants for the Doctoral track must:

• Be a foreign citizen or stateless person.

• Be between 22 and 35 years old on the registration opening date.

• Not have completed a doctoral or PhD program.

• Hold, or be expected to obtain, a Specialist or Master's degree.

Doctoral applicants must also be prepared to discuss their research interests and work with potential research supervisors during the later stage of the competition.

Postdoctoral Track Eligibility

The Postdoctoral track is intended for researchers who have already completed a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification.

Applicants must:

• Be a foreign citizen or stateless person.

• Be between 24 and 39 years old.

• Hold a PhD, Candidate of Sciences, or Doctor of Sciences degree.

Unlike the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral tracks, the Postdoctoral track is intended for research positions rather than a new degree program.

Open Doors Scholarship Subjects

The Open Doors 2026 competition covers 14 major subject areas.

Applicants should select a subject area that matches their academic interests and intended field of study.

1. Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

This subject area covers mathematics, computational methods, artificial intelligence, and related technologies.

2. Biology and Biotechnology

This area covers biological sciences, biotechnology, and related scientific disciplines.

3. Business and Management

This subject area includes business and management-related fields, including management, business administration, entrepreneurship, and related areas.

4. Chemistry and Materials Science

This area focuses on chemistry, materials science, and related research fields.

5. Clinical Medicine and Public Health

This subject area covers clinical medicine and public health-related studies.

6. Computer and Data Science

This area focuses on computer science, data science, data analysis, and related technological fields.

7. Earth and Environmental Sciences for Sustainability

This subject area covers Earth sciences, environmental studies, and sustainability-related fields.

8. Economics and Econometrics

This area is intended for students interested in economics, econometrics, and related disciplines.

9. Education and Psychology

This subject area covers education, psychology, and related academic fields.

10. Engineering and Technology

This area covers a wide range of engineering and technology disciplines.

11. Physical Sciences and Technology

This subject area includes physical sciences and related technological disciplines.

12. Politics and International Studies

This area covers politics, international studies, and related academic fields.

13. Russian Language and Culture

This subject area focuses on Russian language, culture, and related studies.

14. Urbanism and Civil Engineering

This area includes urbanism, civil engineering, and related fields.

Applicants should review the detailed subject-area information on the official Open Doors website before selecting their field.

What Does the Open Doors Scholarship Cover?

The main benefit of the Open Doors competition is the opportunity to study in Russia with tuition funded through the Russian Government's quota for eligible winners.

Tuition-Free Education

Winners of the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral tracks can receive the right to study in Russia under the foreign-citizen education quota.

Tuition is funded from the Russian federal budget.

Choice of University

Winners can select eligible Russian universities and degree programs according to the rules of their track and subject area.

Bachelor's and Master's winners can list up to six higher education institutions when completing the quota application.

Available choices depend on the selected subject area and degree program.

English or Russian Study

Eligible degree programs may be taught in English or Russian.

Applicants must meet the language requirements of their selected university and program.

Russian Language Preparation

If a winner chooses a Russian-taught degree program and requires additional Russian-language preparation, the rules provide for preparatory study funded from the federal budget.

After completing the preparation, the student must demonstrate the required Russian-language proficiency.

Additional Government Support

The 2026 rules also state that eligible winners and runners-up may apply for Russian Government grant support under the applicable regulations if they meet the stated conditions.

This support is separate from the basic tuition-free quota. Applicants should check the current grant requirements before assuming that additional financial support will be awarded.

Is Open Doors a Fully Funded Scholarship?

The Open Doors project provides successful participants with an opportunity for tuition-free education.

For eligible Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral winners, the main benefit is tuition funding under the Russian Government quota.

Applicants should not assume that every expense, including airfare, personal expenses, or all living costs, is automatically covered.

Students should check the specific university, program, and applicable government support conditions before making financial plans.

How Does the Open Doors Competition Work?

The competition process depends on the selected academic track.

Bachelor's Track

The Bachelor's competition has two stages.

Stage 1: Portfolio Competition

Applicants complete their portfolio, which includes:

• An entry test

• A motivation letter

• Information about relevant personal achievements

• Supporting documents

Stage 2: Final Tasks

Applicants who advance to the second stage complete online Open Doors tasks in their selected subject area.

Master's Track

The Master's track also has two stages.

Stage 1: Portfolio competition, including the entry test, motivation letter, achievements, and supporting documents.

Stage 2: Online Open Doors tasks in the selected subject area.

Doctoral Track

The Doctoral track has three stages:

Stage 1: Portfolio competition.

Stage 2: Online Open Doors tasks.

Stage 3: Interviews with prospective research supervisors and/or Doctoral Track managers.

The interviews help determine whether the applicant is suitable for doctoral study and research under the proposed supervision.

Postdoctoral Track

The Postdoctoral track also has three stages:

Stage 1: Portfolio competition.

Stage 2: Video presentation of research achievements.

Stage 3: Interviews with research project leaders.

Successful candidates may receive a research position at an organizing university.

Documents Required for Open Doors Scholarship

Applicants should prepare the required documents before completing their portfolio.

The official rules require participants to upload a scanned copy of the passport they intend to use for identification in Russia.

Depending on the selected track, applicants may also need supporting documents for their academic achievements and other information included in the application.

Important documents may include:

1. Passport

2. Academic documents relevant to the selected track

3. Evidence supporting claimed achievements

4. Documents required for the portfolio

5. Translations where required

Supporting documents must be in Russian or English. Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by a translation into the language selected for participation.

Applicants should follow the document requirements shown in their Open Doors participant account because requirements can vary according to the selected track.

How to Apply for Open Doors Scholarship 2026-27

Applicants can follow these steps to complete the application.

Step 1: Visit the Official Open Doors Website

Visit the official Open Doors website and create a participant account.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Enter your personal information, including:

• Name

• Date of birth

• Citizenship

• Email address

• Telephone number

• Other required information

Make sure the information matches your passport.

Step 3: Select Your Academic Track

Choose the appropriate track:

• Bachelor's

• Master's

• Doctoral

• Postdoctoral

Select the track according to your current education level and eligibility.

Step 4: Select Your Subject Area

Choose the subject area related to your intended academic field.

Review the subject-area information carefully before making your selection.

Step 5: Complete Your Portfolio

Complete the portfolio through your participant account.

Depending on the track, you may need to provide an entry test, motivation letter, academic achievements, and supporting documents.

Step 6: Upload Your Passport

Upload a scanned copy of the passport you intend to use for identification.

Your name, date of birth, and citizenship information should match the passport.

Step 7: Submit Your Portfolio

Review all information carefully and submit your portfolio before the applicable deadline.

Step 8: Participate in the Next Stage

If you qualify for the next stage, information will be provided through your Open Doors participant account.

Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral applicants complete online tasks during the second stage.

Doctoral and Postdoctoral applicants who advance further participate in interviews.

Open Doors Scholarship 2026 Important Dates

Applicants should check their participant account regularly for the latest schedule and instructions.

Is There an Application Fee?

No.

The official Open Doors rules state that participation is free of charge.

Applicants should be careful if anyone asks them to pay an application fee specifically to participate in the Open Doors competition.

Can Pakistani Students Apply for Open Doors Scholarship?

Yes.

The Open Doors competition is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons who meet the requirements for their selected track.

Eligible students from Pakistan can therefore participate if they meet the applicable age, education, document, and subject-area requirements.

Can Students Apply to More Than One Subject Area?

The official Open Doors information states that participants can take part in multiple subject areas.

Applicants need to submit a motivation letter for each selected subject area.

The schedules for second-stage tasks can overlap.

If a participant becomes a winner or runner-up in more than one subject area, the rules require them to choose one subject area and one degree program for exercising the associated admission rights.

Important Rules for Open Doors Applicants

Before applying, keep the following points in mind:

1. Participation is free.

2. Use only one Open Doors account.

3. Register only once during the competition year.

4. Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport.

5. Do not provide false information.

6. Upload genuine documents.

7. Make sure documents are clear and readable.

8. Provide translations when required.

9. Complete your portfolio before the deadline.

10. Maintain a stable internet connection during online tests.

11. Check your participant account regularly for announcements.

12. Follow the official instructions for online proctoring and identity verification.

Providing false or inaccurate information can result in disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Open Doors Russian Scholarship?

Open Doors is an international scholarship competition that gives eligible international students an opportunity to obtain tuition-free study opportunities in Russia through the Russian Government's foreign-student quota.

Is the Open Doors Scholarship free to apply for?

Yes. The official rules state that there is no participation fee.

Which degree levels are available?

The 2026 competition has four tracks:

• Bachelor's

• Master's

• Doctoral

• Postdoctoral

How many subject areas are available?

The 2026 competition covers 14 major subject areas, including artificial intelligence, biology and biotechnology, business and management, chemistry, medicine and public health, computer and data science, economics, education and psychology, engineering, physical sciences, politics and international studies, Russian language and culture, and urbanism and civil engineering.

Can Bachelor's students apply?

Yes, provided they meet the Bachelor's track requirements, including the applicable age, education, citizenship, and other conditions.

Can Master's students apply?

Yes. Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete a Bachelor's-level qualification can apply if they meet the age and other requirements.

Can students apply for the PhD track?

Applicants who hold or are expected to obtain a Master's or Specialist degree and meet the Doctoral track requirements can apply.

The Doctoral track includes an additional interview stage with prospective research supervisors or Doctoral Track managers.

Is there a Postdoctoral track?

Yes. The project has a Postdoctoral track for eligible researchers who already hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.

Successful Postdoctoral candidates may receive an opportunity for a research position at an organizing Russian university.

Does Open Doors cover tuition fees?

For eligible winners of the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral tracks, tuition is funded through the Russian Government's quota for foreign citizens.

Does the scholarship cover airfare?

Applicants should not assume that airfare is automatically covered. The Open Doors rules primarily establish the tuition-free quota opportunity and applicable government support. Students should check the specific financial conditions before making travel plans.

Can I study in English?

Yes. Eligible Open Doors programs may be taught in English or Russian, depending on the available degree program.

Applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen university.

Do I need to know Russian?

Not necessarily for an English-taught program.

For Russian-taught programs, applicants may receive access to funded Russian-language preparatory study when additional preparation is required, subject to the applicable program rules.

Apply for Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026-27

The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2026-27 provides eligible international students and researchers with an opportunity to compete for tuition-free study or research opportunities in Russia.

Before applying, carefully check your age, education level, subject area, and document requirements.

Complete your registration and portfolio through the official Open Doors platform before the relevant deadline.

Participation in the Open Doors competition is free.