Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project

About the opportunity

The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is an international intellectual competition organized by a consortium of leading Russian universities. It provides international students and young researchers with the opportunity to secure tuition-free education and research careers in Russia. Participants can apply for various tracks including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral (PhD), and Postdoctoral levels, across a wide range of subject areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Clinical Medicine, Engineering, and more. The competition takes place entirely online, and winners and runners-up are awarded scholarships under the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation.

Funding and benefits

• Tuition-free education covered by the Government of the Russian Federation.
• Monthly stipend (amount varies by university).
• Opportunity for additional government grant support.

Who can apply?

• International students and young researchers.
• Postdoctoral track applicants must already hold a Candidate of Science, Doctor of Science, or PhD degree at the time of portfolio submission.

Required documents

• Motivation letter (mandatory).
• Proof of education level (degree certificate or official academic transcript/grade sheet) (mandatory).
• Optional: Individual achievements relevant to the selected track and subject area.
• Optional: Documents confirming Russian or English language skills.

When to apply

• Registration opens: 20 August 2026.
• Registration deadline: 1 November 2026.
• Second Stage registration deadline (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD): 16 November 2026.
• Postdoctoral video presentation deadline: 6 December 2026.
• Third Stage registration deadline (PhD and Postdoctoral): 10 January 2027.

How to apply

• Create an account on the Open Doors website.
• Select a track (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral) and a Subject area.
• Compile and submit a portfolio including mandatory documents and optional achievements.
• If successful in the First Stage, register for the Second Stage and select a time slot for tasks.
• Complete the Second Stage tasks (180 minutes) using online proctoring software for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral tracks, or upload a video presentation for the Postdoctoral track.
• Doctoral and Postdoctoral participants who advance to the Third Stage must register for and complete an interview with a prospective research supervisor or project leader.