Open Doors Scholarship Russia
Get full details on eligibility, benefits, and application deadlines below.
Application Status
Country
Russia
Program Level
BS, MS, PhD
Start Date
Sep 01, 2025
Deadline
Nov 16, 2025
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all international students (non-Russian citizens)
- Academic background required:
- Bachelor applicants → completed high school
- Master applicants → Bachelor’s degree
- PhD applicants → Master’s/Specialist degree
- Strong academic performance (merit-based)
- Language: English or Russian (proof recommended but not always mandatory)
Required Documents
- Valid Passport / ID
- Academic transcripts & degree certificates
- CV / Resume
- Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose
- Portfolio of achievements (awards, publications, certificates)
- Language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or Russian test – if available)
- University & program preferences (up to 6 choices)
Entrance Tests / Selection Method
No GRE/GMAT required
Selection via Olympiad competition:
- Stage 1: Portfolio submission (grades, CV, achievements, motivation)
- Stage 2: Online subject-specific test (proctored exam)
- Stage 3 (PhD only): Research proposal defense / interview
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver (100%)
- Monthly stipend (varies by university)
- Accommodation support (dormitory – free or low cost)
- Visa support provided by host institution
- No application fee
Application Process
- Register on Open Doors portal
- Complete personal & educational profile
- Select degree level + subject area + preferred universities
- Upload documents (transcripts, CV, motivation letter, achievements)
- Submit Stage 1 portfolio before 16 November 2025
- If shortlisted → take online Olympiad exam (Stage 2)
- PhD candidates may need to defend research proposal (Stage 3)
- Winners announced in early 2026 → receive admission offer
- Apply for Russian student visa & prepare travel
- Begin studies in September 2026