For international students aspiring to study in Russia, the Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity to access world-class universities. Organized by the Global Universities Association and supported by the Government of the Russian Federation, this fully funded scholarship is open to international applicants at bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels.

This article explains everything students need to know — from eligibility, benefits, and application process to FAQs.

About the Open Doors Russian Scholarship

The Open Doors project is a competitive scholarship program that allows international students and stateless persons to study or conduct research in Russia. Applicants compete in subject-specific tracks such as Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Clinical Medicine, Engineering, and many more.

The winners receive the opportunity to study tuition-free, funded by the Government of Russia, while postdoctoral winners gain employment opportunities at leading Russian universities.

With over 20+ subject areas, multiple degree levels, and prestigious universities as partners, the program makes Russia an attractive destination for global learners.

Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Name of Scholarship	Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026
Offering Institution	Government of the Russian Federation & Global Universities Association
Available Programs & Fields	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral across 14 subject areas (AI, Medicine, Engineering, Economics, etc.)
Language of Instruction	Russian & English
Duration	Depending on degree track (Bachelor’s: 4 yrs, Master’s: 2 yrs, PhD: 3–4 yrs, Postdoc: 6–24 months employment)
Deadline	Registration starts Sept 1, 2025; Deadline Nov 16, 2025; Final results announced Feb 27, 2026
Scholarship Positions	Multiple (varies by track and field)
Location	Russia (multiple universities)
Funding	Fully funded tuition; stipend & housing self-managed; preparatory Russian language courses funded if required

Benefits of the Open Doors Russian Scholarship

The scholarship provides several academic and career advantages:

• Full tuition coverage by the Russian government.
• Winners may choose their degree program and university from a wide network.
• Preparatory Russian language course funded by the government (if needed).
• Postdoctoral fellows offered employment at Russian universities.
• Exposure to global research and networking opportunities.
• No participation fee for application.

Eligible Fields of Study

The program offers a wide variety of fields, making it inclusive for applicants from diverse academic backgrounds:

• Applied Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
• Biology & Biotechnology
• Business & Management
• Chemistry & Materials Science
• Clinical Medicine & Public Health
• Computer & Data Science
• Earth & Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
• Economics & Econometrics
• Education & Psychology
• Engineering & Technology
• Physical Sciences & Technology
• Politics & International Studies
• Russian Language & Culture
• Urbanism & Civil Engineering

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Track – Must hold or be completing an academic degree equivalent to secondary/higher education.
• Master’s Track – Must hold or be completing a bachelor’s degree.
• Doctoral Track (PhD equivalent) – Must hold or be completing a master’s or specialist’s degree.
• Postdoctoral Track – Must be under 39 years old and hold a PhD, doctoral, or candidate of science degree.
• Open to foreign citizens and stateless persons, including Russian compatriots abroad.
• Proficiency in English or Russian (depending on program language).

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply successfully:

1. Register Online – Create an account on the official portal (from Sept 1, 2025).
2. Submit Portfolio – Upload academic records, research papers, certificates, awards, and achievements (until Nov 16, 2025)
3. First Stage (Portfolio Review) – Results announced on Nov 28, 2025.
4. Second Stage (Online Test/Video Presentation) – Held between Nov–Dec 2025 depending on track.
5. Third Stage (For PhD & Postdoc) – Online interviews with supervisors/research leaders.
6. Final Results – Bachelor’s & Master’s: Dec 30, 2025; PhD & Postdoc: Feb 27, 2026.
7. Confirmation & Enrollment – Upload documents and confirm your readiness to study/work in Russia.

Comparison of Open Doors vs Other Global Scholarships

Feature	Open Doors (Russia)	Fulbright (USA)	Chevening (UK)
Funding	Full tuition (Govt. of Russia)	Full tuition + stipend	Full tuition + stipend
Degree Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoc	Master’s, Research	Master’s
Number of Fields	14 diverse subject areas	Wide range	Limited to leadership-focused fields
Language of Instruction	English & Russian	English	English
Unique Benefit	Russian language prep + postdoc employment	U.S. institutional placements	Networking with UK leaders
Competition Level	High, global participation	Very high	Very high

FAQs About Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2026

1. Q1: Is the Open Doors Scholarship fully funded?
   Yes, tuition fees are fully covered by the Government of the Russian Federation. However, students must manage accommodation and living expenses.
2. Q2: Can I apply if I don’t know Russian?
   Yes, many programs are in English. Additionally, a free preparatory Russian course is available if needed.
3. Q3: Can runners-up also study in Russia?
   Yes, runners-up in bachelor’s and master’s tracks may receive admission if quota spots remain.
4. Q4: Is there an application fee?
   No, the application process is completely free.
5. Q5: What is the age limit for postdoctoral applicants?
   Applicants must be under 39 years old at the time of application.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to apply for the 2026 Open Doors Russian Scholarship. Apply now before the 16 November 2025 deadline and take the next step in your academic career with one of the Russian leading universities. APPLY NOW. Check out the official website for more info and details.

Subscribe to OpportunitiesPath.com for more scholarships, fellowships, and internships that can elevate your academic and professional journey.