The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2025

Applications are now open for the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 2025, a prestigious initiative by the Global Universities Association offering tuition-free education and research opportunities at leading Russian universities. This fully funded scholarship supports bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral tracks across 14 diverse fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Medicine, and International Studies.

Open to foreign citizens, stateless persons, and Russian compatriots abroad, the program welcomes applicants aged 16–39, depending on the track. The competition is conducted entirely online with no application fee, and the deadline for registration is November 16, 2025. Winners receive tuition-free education under the Russian Government Quota, with additional support for Russian language training if needed, while postdoctoral winners secure research positions. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here. 

Key Details

• Program Tracks: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral.
• Subject Areas: 14 fields
• Funding: Fully funded tuition; monthly stipend (varies by university); travel, accommodation, and insurance not covered.
• Application Fee: None
• Registration Deadline: November 16, 2025.
• Stages:
  • Stage 1 (Portfolio): September 1–November 28, 2025.
  • Stage 2 (Tasks): November 28–December 30, 2025.
  • Stage 3 (Interviews, Doctoral/Postdoctoral): January 12–February 26, 2026.
• Universities: 24 top Russian institutions
• Nationality: Open to all
• IELTS Required: No

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to participants meeting the following requirements:

Bachelor’s Track

• Age: 16–23 at the time of registration.
• Education: Must not hold a bachelor’s or specialist/master’s degree and must have completed or be completing a program qualifying for higher education admission in their country during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Master’s Track

• Age: 20–33 at the time of registration.
• Education: Must not hold a specialist’s or master’s degree and must have completed or be completing at least a bachelor’s degree during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Doctoral Track

• Age: 22–35 at the time of registration.
• Education: Must not hold a doctoral degree and must have completed or be completing at least a specialist’s or master’s degree during the 2025–2026 academic year.

Postdoctoral Track

• Age: 24–39 at the time of registration.
• Education: Must hold a doctoral (PhD or equivalent) degree at the time of portfolio submission.

Note: Participants must use Russian or English for all stages, as these are the official languages of the program.

Best opportunity: CoCirculation3 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Turkey

Subject Areas

The Open Doors Scholarship covers 14 diverse subject areas, allowing you to pursue your passion at top Russian universities:

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

Also check: Canon Foundation Research Fellowship In Europe and Japan

Application Process

The Open Doors Scholarship is conducted online via the Open Doors IT platform (accessible at http://od.globaluni.ru). The process varies by track and includes up to three stages.

Registration

• When: September 1–November 16, 2025.
• How: Register on the official Open Doors website by clicking “Registration.” Provide personal information, an email-based login, and a password.
• Important: Only one account per participant is allowed. Multiple accounts may lead to disqualification.

Stage 1: Portfolio Competition

• When: September 1–November 28, 2025.
• What to Do: Complete your portfolio in your participant account, including:
  • A motivation letter (mandatory).
  • Proof of education level (mandatory, e.g., transcript or degree certificate).
  • Optional documents (e.g., language certificates, awards) to boost your score.
• Languages: All documents must be in Russian or English or include translations.
• Evaluation: A jury evaluates portfolios, and scores are published in your participant account (not subject to appeal).

Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)

Stage 2: Online Tasks

• When: November 28–December 30, 2025.
• Who Qualifies: Participants advancing from Stage 1 (notified by November 28, 2025).
• Requirements:
  • Submit additional personal information (passport details) and a clear photo/scan of your identity document.
  • Complete proctored online tasks (175 minutes for written tasks, 5 minutes for oral tasks).
  • Identity verification via webcam is mandatory.
• Appeals: You can appeal written task scores within two days of result publication. Appeals are reviewed within five days, and decisions are final.

Stage 3: Interviews (Doctoral and Postdoctoral Tracks Only)

• When: January 12–February 26, 2026.
• Format: Online interviews with potential research supervisors or project heads (up to six interviews).
• Doctoral Track: Participants must secure a supervisor’s recommendation to be named a winner.
• Postdoctoral Track: Participants must be approved for employment by a research project head.
• Technical Requirements: Stable internet (minimum 256 Kbps) and webcam for identity verification.

Also check: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2025-2026

Results and Next Steps

Publication of Results

• Bachelor’s and Master’s Tracks: Winners and runners-up are announced on December 30, 2025, based on ranked lists by subject area.
• Doctoral Track: Winners are announced after Stage 3 (by February 26, 2026), based on interview results and ranked lists.
• Postdoctoral Track: Winners are announced after Stage 3, based on interview outcomes.

What Winners and Runners-Up Receive

• Bachelor’s and Master’s Tracks:
  • Tuition-free education under the Russian Government Quota.
  • Option to enroll in 2025 or 2026.
  • Priority in choosing a degree program at participating universities.
• Doctoral Track:
  • Tuition-free doctoral studies with a confirmed research supervisor.
  • Option to enroll in 2025 or 2026 (subject to supervisor confirmation).
• Postdoctoral Track:
  • Employment as a researcher at a participating university.
• Preparatory Course: If Russian language training is needed, winners can attend a tuition-free preparatory program.

For Exchange programs, click here!
For fully funded conferences visit here!

Required Actions

• Submit documents to the Russian Ministry’s Information System (https://russia-edu.minobrnauki.gov.ru/) within 10 days of result announcement.
• Bachelor’s and master’s winners select one field of study and rank up to six universities.
• Doctoral winners specify a specialization and supervisor.
• Postdoctoral winners follow employment instructions provided via email and participant account.

Participating Universities

The scholarship is offered by 24 leading Russian universities, including:

• Far Eastern Federal University
• Bauman Moscow State Technical University
• HSE University
• ITMO University
• Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
• Novosibirsk State University
• Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”
• Ural Federal University
• And more (full list on the Open Doors website).

Check this: CERN Short Term Internship 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for multiple subject areas?

Yes, you can apply for multiple subject areas, but you must submit a motivation letter for each. Note that Stage 2 tasks for different areas may be scheduled on the same day. If you win in multiple areas, you must choose one track and one subject area.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend (amount varies by university). You are responsible for travel, accommodation, insurance, and personal expenses. University housing is affordable—check university websites for details.

Do I need to prove language proficiency?

Language certificates are not required but can boost your portfolio score. Proficiency in the chosen language of instruction is assessed by the admitting university.

How do I choose a university?

Research universities using the Open Doors website, university webpages, or social media. Webinars with university representatives are also available—check the schedule in your participant account.

What documents are required for Stage 1?

A motivation letter and proof of education (e.g., transcript or degree certificate) are mandatory. Other documents (e.g., awards, language certificates) are optional but can improve your score.