Russian Scholarship 2025–2026 | Fully Funded is a prestigious academic competition organized by the Association of Global Universities in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. This fully funded opportunity offers international students the chance to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees at top-ranked Russian universities.
Below is a quick overview of the program:
Summary of the Scholarship
- Study Level: Bachelor, Master, PhD
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- Languages of Instruction: English or Russian
- Location: Russia
- Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition + stipend)
- Organisers: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation & Association of Global Universities
- Registration Period: 5 September – 20 November 2025
About the Open Doors Russian Scholarship
This annual Olympiad-style competition enables winners and runners-up to study at any participating Russian university with a 100% tuition fee waiver and a government stipend. Applicants may choose from a wide range of disciplines, including Biology, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Economics, Linguistics, and more.
Eligibility
- Open to all foreign nationals, stateless persons, and compatriots living abroad.
- Bachelor’s track applicants must have completed secondary education.
- Master’s track applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree.
- PhD track applicants must possess a Master’s or Specialist’s degree.
- Participation is possible in English or Russian.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage at a leading Russian university.
- Monthly stipend (varies by institution).
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and academic networks.
Note: Students are responsible for travel, accommodation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Participating Universities
The Open Doors Scholarship includes many of Russia’s most respected institutions, such as:
- Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)
- National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)
- Kazan Federal University
- Novosibirsk State University
- Ural Federal University
- Far Eastern Federal University
- ITMO University
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN)
(Full list available on the official website)
Fields of Study
Participants can choose from diverse academic areas, including:
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Computer & Data Science
- Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
- Business & Management
- Politics & International Relations
- Chemistry & Materials Science
- Clinical Medicine & Public Health
- Earth Sciences for Sustainability
- Education & Psychology
- Urbanism & Civil Engineering
Olympiad Structure
- Bachelor & Master Tracks: Two online stages (portfolio + problem-solving).
- PhD Track: Three stages (portfolio, problem-solving, supervisor selection + interview).
Key Dates for 2025–2026
- Registration Start: 5 September 2025
- Registration Deadline: 20 November 2025
- Portfolio Review: 21–27 November 2025
- First Stage Results: 2 December 2025
- Second Stage Results: 10 January 2026
- Final Winners (Bachelor & Master): 17 January 2026
- Final Winners (PhD): 21 February 2026
Application Process
- Register online via the official Olympiad portal between 5 September and 20 November 2025.
- Submit required documents:
- Motivation Letter
- Proof of Education (diploma, certificate, or transcript)
- Complete each stage of the competition as instructed.
Apply here: Open Doors Scholarship Registration Portal