The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2026/2027 is an excellent opportunity for international students and young researchers who want to pursue higher education or research in Russia.

The competition is organized by the Association of Global Universities with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

The program is open to international applicants from more than 200 countries and offers opportunities at Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral and Postdoctoral levels.

One of the biggest advantages of the Open Doors competition is that successful winners can obtain the right to study in Russia under the Russian Government quota, meaning tuition fees are covered for eligible degree programs.

The entire competition is conducted online, allowing international applicants to participate from their home countries.

Open Doors Scholarship 2026/2027 at a Glance

Category	Details
Scholarship	Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project
Country	Russia
Intake	2027
Competition	2026
Organizer	Association of Global Universities
Government support	Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation
Eligible applicants	International students and researchers
Study levels	Bachelor, Master and Doctoral and Postdoctoral
Subject areas	14 interdisciplinary areas
Participating universities	Official project list includes leading Russian universities
Tuition	Covered under the Russian Government quota for eligible winners
Stipend	Available, amount depends on the university
Language	Russian or English depending on the program
Application	Online
Application fee	No fee is stated by the official project
Registration opens	20 August 2026
Registration deadline	1 November 2026
Bachelor’s and Master’s results	21 December 2026
Doctoral and Postdoctoral results	26 February 2027

Who Can Apply?

The Open Doors competition is intended for foreign citizens and stateless persons, including compatriots living outside Russia.

There are four main academic tracks.

Bachelor’s Track

Applicants for the Bachelor’s track must:

• Be between 16 and 23 years old on 20 August 2026

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

• Hold or expect to obtain during the relevant academic year, an educational qualification that allows them to enter higher education in their country

This track is suitable for international students who are completing secondary education and want to continue their university studies in Russia.

Master’s Track

Applicants for the Master’s track must:

• Be between 20 and 33 years old on 20 August 2026

• Not already hold a Specialist or Master’s degree

• Hold, or expect to obtain during the relevant academic year, a qualification equivalent to at least a Bachelor’s degree

This can be particularly interesting for students who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree and are looking for Master’s opportunities in areas such as Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business, Engineering, Economics and other disciplines.

Doctoral Track

Applicants for the Doctoral track must:

• Be between 22 and 35 years old on 20 August 2026

• Not have completed a doctoral or PhD degree

• Hold, or expect to obtain during the relevant academic year, a Specialist or Master’s degree

The Doctoral track also includes an additional interview stage with potential research supervisors.

Postdoctoral Track

The Postdoctoral track is designed for researchers who already hold a:

• PhD

• Candidate of Sciences

• Doctor of Sciences

degree.

Applicants must be within the applicable age requirement and must already possess the required doctoral qualification when their portfolio is evaluated.

Available Study Areas

The 2026 Open Doors competition covers 14 major interdisciplinary subject areas.

1. Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

This area can be suitable for applicants interested in:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Machine Learning

• Applied Mathematics

• Mathematical modelling

• Algorithms

• Computational methods

• Related mathematical and computational disciplines

2. Biology and Biotechnology

This area includes disciplines connected with:

• Biology

• Biotechnology

• Bioengineering

• Bioinformatics

• Fundamental biology

• Applied biological sciences

3. Business and Management

Applicants interested in business related fields can explore areas such as:

• Business Administration

• Management

• Business Informatics

• Entrepreneurship

• Strategic Management

• Business Analytics

• International Management

• Trade and related disciplines

4. Chemistry and Materials Science

This area includes:

• Chemistry

• Materials Science

• Chemical technologies

• Materials engineering

• Related physical and chemical disciplines

5. Clinical Medicine and Public Health

This area covers medical and health related disciplines, which may include:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

• Pediatrics

• Nursing

• Public Health

• Preventive Medicine

Applicants must check individual university requirements because available programs vary by institution.

6. Computer and Data Science

This is one of the most important areas for students with backgrounds in technology and computing.

It may be relevant to applicants interested in:

• Computer Science

• Data Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Machine Learning

• Information Technology

• Software

• Computing

• Data Analysis

• Digital Technologies

Students should carefully check the programs available under this subject area at each participating university.

7. Earth and Environmental Sciences for Sustainability

This area includes:

• Environmental Science

• Earth Sciences

• Sustainability

• Climate related research

• Environmental technologies

• Sustainable development

8. Economics and Econometrics

Applicants interested in economics can explore:

• Economics

• Econometrics

• Economic analysis

• Quantitative economics

• Financial modelling

• Economic modelling

• Related disciplines

9. Education and Psychology

This area includes:

• Education

• Psychology

• Teacher education

• Educational research

• Human development

• Related social sciences

10. Engineering and Technology

This is a broad area covering many engineering disciplines.

Depending on the university and program, applicants may find opportunities related to:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Electronics

• Computer Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Energy

• Manufacturing

• Technology

• Other engineering disciplines

11. Physical Sciences and Technology

This area covers:

• Physics

• Applied Physics

• Physical Sciences

• Technology

• Related scientific disciplines

12. Politics and International Studies

This area can be suitable for applicants interested in:

• Political Science

• International Relations

• International Studies

• Public Policy

• Political Analysis

• Related disciplines

13. Russian Language and Culture

This area includes:

• Russian Language

• Russian Literature

• Linguistics

• Philology

• Russian Culture

• Related cultural and language studies

14. Urbanism and Civil Engineering

This area covers:

• Civil Engineering

• Urban Planning

• Urban Development

• Construction

• Sustainable Urban Development

• Related disciplines

Applicants should always check the official Open Doors subject area pages because the specific programs available can differ between universities.

Russian Universities Participating in Open Doors

The Open Doors project provides opportunities at leading Russian universities, including institutions such as:

1. Far Eastern Federal University
2. Bauman Moscow State Technical University
3. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
4. HSE University
5. ITMO University
6. Kazan Federal University
7. MGIMO University
8. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
9. Moscow Polytechnic University
10. Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
11. Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod
12. National Research Nuclear University MEPhI
13. Tomsk Polytechnic University
14. Tomsk State University
15. Novosibirsk State University
16. RUDN University
17. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
18. Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”
19. Samara National Research University
20. Siberian Federal University
21. Southern Federal University
22. University of Science and Technology MISIS
23. University of Tyumen
24. Ural Federal University
25. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

The exact number and participating institutions should be checked against the official Open Doors university list when submitting the application because university participation and available programs can change.

Is the Open Doors Scholarship Fully Funded?

This is an important point that applicants should understand before applying.

The Open Doors competition provides successful eligible winners with the opportunity to study tuition free under the Russian Government quota.

The standard support includes tuition coverage and a monthly stipend, with the stipend amount depending on the university and applicable funding arrangements.

However, applicants should not automatically assume that every living expense will be covered.

Depending on the specific funding arrangement, students may still need to consider:

• Travel expenses

• Accommodation

• Food

• Medical insurance

• Transportation

• Communication

• Personal expenses

There is also additional government grant support associated with certain Russian language degree programs. Depending on the applicable conditions, this additional support may include travel reimbursement, medical insurance, accommodation and other expenses.

Therefore, applicants should carefully distinguish between the Open Doors Government quota and any additional funding arrangements available for their particular program.

Language of Study

Open Doors opportunities may be available in Russian or English, depending on the selected university and degree program.

A language certificate is not necessarily required simply to participate in the Open Doors competition.

However, applicants should understand that individual universities and programs can have their own language requirements.

For applicants entering a Russian taught degree program who require additional Russian language preparation, the applicable rules provide for a preparatory Russian language program.

Applicants should therefore check the language of instruction before selecting a degree program.

How the Open Doors Application Works

The competition is conducted in several stages.

Stage 1: Registration and Portfolio Competition

The first stage runs from approximately 20 August to 13 November 2026, with registration closing on 1 November 2026.

Applicants need to:

1. Create an account on the Open Doors platform.
2. Select their academic track.
3. Select their subject area or areas.
4. Complete the required entry test.
5. Prepare their motivation letter.
6. Provide information about their education.
7. Upload the required documents.
8. Add relevant academic and professional achievements.
9. Submit their portfolio before the deadline.

The portfolio is an important part of the competition because applicants are evaluated based on the information and achievements submitted during this stage.

Can You Apply for More Than One Subject Area?

Yes.

According to the supplied Open Doors information, there is no fixed limit on the number of subject areas a participant can select.

However, applicants should remember that a separate motivation letter is required for each subject area.

Applicants should also consider the competition schedule because examinations for different subject areas may overlap.

If an applicant becomes a winner or runner up in more than one subject area, they will ultimately need to choose one subject area and one degree program according to the applicable rules.

Documents You Should Prepare

Applicants should prepare their documents early.

The required materials can include:

• Passport

• Educational certificates

• Academic transcripts

• Motivation letter

• Evidence of academic achievements

• Evidence of professional achievements where relevant

• Other supporting documents required by the selected competition track

If your educational documents are not in Russian or English, translation requirements may apply.

For the initial competition stage, applicants should follow the document instructions provided by Open Doors.

Winners and runners up may later need properly prepared, legalized or notarized documents for the university admission process.

Stage 2: Online Competition

Applicants who successfully pass the first stage proceed to the second stage.

For Bachelor, Master and Doctoral applicants, this stage involves online subject specific tasks.

The examination is conducted under online proctoring.

Applicants have approximately:

180 minutes

to complete the assigned tasks.

The examination process may involve identity verification, webcam monitoring and recording of the participant’s computer environment.

Applicants should therefore prepare:

• A reliable computer

• A functioning webcam

• Stable internet

• Required identification documents

• Required proctoring software

• A quiet and suitable examination environment

Preparation should begin well before the examination date.

The official Open Doors platform provides subject area information, preparation materials and sample tasks that applicants can use to understand the competition format.

How to Prepare for Stage 2

Do not wait until the examination date to start preparing.

A strong preparation strategy should include:

1. Reading the official program for your chosen subject area.
2. Studying the competencies expected from applicants.
3. Reviewing the sample tasks.
4. Practicing under timed conditions.
5. Reviewing your academic fundamentals.
6. Checking your computer and internet connection.
7. Testing your webcam and microphone.
8. Preparing the required identification documents.
9. Becoming familiar with the online examination environment.
10. Reading the official competition rules carefully.

When Are the Winners Announced?

For Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants, winners and runners up are scheduled to be announced on:

21 December 2026

For Doctoral and Postdoctoral applicants, the final results are scheduled for:

26 February 2027

Doctoral and Postdoctoral applicants have additional stages before the final results.

What Happens After Winning?

Winning the Open Doors competition is a major achievement, but applicants still need to complete the required admission and government quota procedures.

Successful candidates will need to:

1. Confirm their scholarship status.
2. Review the available university and degree programs.
3. Select their preferred university or universities according to the applicable rules.
4. Complete the required government quota documentation.
5. Submit any additional documents requested by the university.
6. Complete document legalization or translation requirements where applicable.
7. Receive the relevant admission documentation.
8. Complete visa procedures where required.
9. Prepare for travel and enrollment in Russia.

Applicants should carefully follow instructions from Open Doors, the selected university and the relevant Russian authorities.

How Many Universities Can You Select?

Applicants can select up to six universities in the relevant application process.

This is useful because applicants can indicate multiple preferences rather than relying on only one institution.

However, applicants should not choose universities randomly.

Before selecting your preferences, compare:

• Available degree programs

• Language of instruction

• Academic requirements

• Research opportunities

• Location

• Accommodation options

• University reputation in your field

• Funding arrangements

• Program duration

Can You Study Any Degree?

No.

Open Doors operates through defined interdisciplinary subject areas.

You must participate in a subject area that corresponds to your intended academic field.

For example, a student interested in Computer Science may consider:

Computer and Data Science

or potentially:

Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

depending on the specific degree program.

You should then check which eligible universities offer programs corresponding to that subject area.

Bachelor’s Opportunities

The Bachelor’s track can be particularly attractive for international students who have completed or are completing secondary education.

Applicants should verify:

• Their age

• Their secondary education qualification

• University admission requirements

• Available Bachelor’s programs

• Language of instruction

• Subject area requirements

• Government quota conditions

Students should begin preparing their academic documents and motivation materials early.

Master’s Opportunities

The Master’s track is especially relevant for applicants who already hold a Bachelor’s degree.

Possible areas include:

• Computer Science

• Data Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Engineering

• Business

• Economics

• International Relations

• Environmental Sciences

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Education

and many other disciplines.

Applicants should first identify the Open Doors subject area that best matches their intended Master’s program.

Doctoral Opportunities

The Doctoral track is designed for applicants who want to continue into PhD level study.

Applicants need to meet the relevant educational and age requirements.

The Doctoral competition also includes an additional stage involving interviews with potential research supervisors.

This means doctoral applicants should think carefully about:

• Their research interests

• Proposed research direction

• Academic achievements

• Research experience

• Potential supervisors

• Target universities

Postdoctoral Opportunities

The Postdoctoral track is designed for researchers who already hold a doctoral qualification.

The competition focuses on research achievements rather than admission to another degree.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Research experience

• Academic achievements

• Publications where applicable

• Research interests

• Research plans

• Potential contribution to the selected research project

Open Doors 2026/2027 Important Dates

Date	Important Event
20 August 2026	Registration opens
20 August to 13 November 2026	First stage
1 November 2026	Registration deadline
13 November 2026	First stage results
13 November to 21 December 2026	Second stage
16 November 2026	Second stage registration deadline for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral applicants
6 December 2026	Postdoctoral video submission deadline
21 December 2026	Second stage results
21 December 2026	Bachelor’s and Master’s winners announced
22 December 2026 to 26 February 2027	Third stage for Doctoral and Postdoctoral applicants
10 January 2027	Third stage registration deadline
26 February 2027	Doctoral and Postdoctoral winners announced

The most important deadline for new applicants is 1 November 2026.

Do not wait until the final day to create your account and submit your application.

Is There an Application Fee?

The Open Doors application process does not state an application fee.

Applicants should register through the official Open Doors platform and be cautious of anyone asking for money simply to register for the official competition.

You can seek professional guidance for preparing your application, but applicants should always verify important information directly through official sources.

Can African Students Apply?

Yes.

The competition is open to international applicants, including foreign citizens and stateless persons who satisfy the requirements of the relevant track.

Applicants from African countries can therefore participate if they meet the academic and eligibility requirements.

This makes Open Doors an opportunity worth considering for students from countries across Africa who are looking for international Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral opportunities.

Can You Apply From Your Home Country?

Yes.

One of the major advantages of Open Doors is that the competition is conducted online.

Applicants do not need to travel to Russia simply to participate in the competition.

If selected as a winner, the applicant then proceeds through the required admission, government quota and visa procedures.

Can International Students Work in Russia?

The supplied Open Doors information states that international students can work remotely or offline in Russia under the applicable conditions.

Students should nevertheless verify the current immigration, employment and university rules after receiving admission because regulations can change.

Recommended Fields for Computer Science and Data Science Students

Students with backgrounds in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology and related areas should pay particular attention to:

Computer and Data Science

This is the most directly relevant area for applicants interested in:

• Computer Science

• Data Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Machine Learning

• Software

• Computing

• Data Analysis

• Information Technology

Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

This may be particularly suitable for applicants interested in:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Machine Learning

• Algorithms

• Mathematical modelling

• Computational mathematics

• Applied mathematics

Engineering and Technology

Students whose intended degree is more strongly connected to engineering or technology should also examine this subject area.

The final decision should always be based on the exact degree program available at the university.

Important Things Applicants Must Understand

Open Doors is a competitive scholarship competition, not automatic admission.

Being eligible to register does not guarantee a scholarship.

Applicants must successfully progress through the relevant competition stages.

Also remember:

1. Tuition coverage is provided to eligible winners under the Russian Government quota.
2. A monthly stipend is available, with the amount depending on the university.
3. Not every living expense is automatically covered under the basic arrangement.
4. Additional government grant support may be available under specific conditions.
5. English and Russian taught programs may be available.
6. Program availability differs between universities.
7. Applicants should carefully select their subject area.
8. Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral applicants have an online second stage.
9. The second stage is proctored.
10. Doctoral and Postdoctoral applicants have additional selection stages.
11. Applicants should prepare their documents before registration.
12. The application deadline is 1 November 2026.

How FOSANews Can Help You

If you are interested in the Open Doors Russian Scholarship, do not wait until the deadline to begin preparing.

Our professional team can help students understand the opportunity, identify suitable study options, organize their application information and prepare their scholarship application materials.

Apply with our professional team today and let us help you prepare your scholarship application step by step.

We encourage every applicant to verify final eligibility, deadlines, available programs and funding conditions through the official Open Doors platform before submitting an application.