Are you dreaming of pursuing higher education at a world-class university without the burden of tuition fees? The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is your chance to turn that dream into reality. Organized by the “Global Universities” Association, this project offers a direct path to tuition-free study and a research career at one of 24 leading Russian universities.
This prestigious intellectual competition is known worldwide, having attracted approximately 500,000 participants from over 190 countries. With over 6,300 winners already benefiting from this opportunity, it’s a proven gateway to academic excellence. Best of all, participation is completely free and conducted entirely online, allowing you to apply from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection.
Why Choose the Open Doors Scholarship?
The benefits of becoming an Open Doors winner are significant, offering more than just a degree.
• Tuition-Free Education: The Government of the Russian Federation covers your full tuition fees for the duration of your program. Winners also receive a monthly stipend.
• Prestigious Universities: Gain admission to one of 24 top-tier Russian universities without entrance exams. The organizing universities include:
◦ Far Eastern Federal University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), HSE University, ITMO University, Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, MGIMO University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow Polytechnic University, Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, National Research Tomsk State University, Novosibirsk State University, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, Samara University, Siberian Federal University, Southern Federal University, University of Science and Technology MISIS, University of Tyumen, Ural Federal University.
• Globally Recognized Degrees: Russian degrees are recognized in many countries, especially throughout Asia, Africa, and the BRICS and CIS nations.
• Employment Opportunities: Winners of the post-doctoral track gain employment in scientific projects. All international students can work in Russia without needing a special permit, and many universities assist with job placements, sometimes on campus.
• Diverse Fields of Study: The scholarship covers a vast range of subject areas. You can apply in the following fields:
◦ 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.
Are You Eligible?
The competition is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons who either hold a higher education degree or will be completing their current level of education in 2026. The project features four distinct tracks:
1. Bachelor’s Track
2. Master’s Track
3. Doctoral Track (analogous to PhD)
4. Post-doctoral Track
Important Note for Post-doctoral Applicants: You must possess a PhD, Candidate of Science, or Doctor of Science degree at the time you submit your portfolio. A document confirming your degree is a mandatory component of your application.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Timeline
The competition is held in two stages for the Bachelor’s and Master’s tracks and three stages for the Doctoral and Post-doctoral tracks. All stages are conducted entirely online.
Stage 1: Registration and Portfolio Submission (September 1 – November 16, 2025)
This is the foundational stage where you make your first impression.
1. Register: Create a new account on the official project website: od.globaluni.ru. Registration is open from September 1 to November 16, 2025. Once your registration is complete, you cannot change your personal information yourself; you must contact the organizers via the feedback form for any corrections.
2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your academic showcase.
◦ Mandatory Documents: A motivation letter and proof of your current education level are required for submission. If you don’t have your final degree yet, you can upload an official transcript or grade sheet.
◦ Boost Your Score: Include any additional achievements like research papers, certificates, awards, and honors in your chosen subject area to increase your chances. Language certificates (Russian/English) are not obligatory but can also boost your score.
◦ Motivation Letter: Your letter should detail your scientific and career goals, professional achievements, and your reasons for choosing your subject area and wanting to study in Russia. Doctoral participants are strongly advised to include a summarized thesis and a prospective research plan.
◦ Entrance Test: You must also complete an entrance test in your personal account.
3. Submit Before the Deadline: The final deadline for portfolio submission is November 16, 2025. You will not be able to edit your portfolio after this date, but you can use an automatic assessment system in your account to estimate your score.
Pro Tip: You can apply for multiple subject areas, but you must write a unique motivation letter for each one. Be mindful of the Stage 2 schedule, as exams for different subjects might be on the same day.
• Portfolio Grading: November 17 – 27, 2025.
• Stage 1 Results Announcement: November 28, 2025 (in your personal account).
Stage 2: The Academic Challenge (December 2025)
Winners of the portfolio competition are invited to participate in the second stage.
• Crucial Registration: You must register for Stage 2 between November 28 and December 1, 2025. If you don’t register in time, you won’t be able to take your exam and will be disqualified.
For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Tracks (December 2 – 15, 2025):
• The Task: You will have three hours to complete online tasks in a proctored format. During the exam, you are prohibited from using mobile devices, contacting others, or opening other browser tabs.
• Exam Schedule:
◦ 02.12.2025 Clinical Medicine and Public Health
◦ 03.12.2025 Computer and Data Science
◦ 04.12.2025 Biology and Biotechnology
◦ 05.12.2025 Business and Management
◦ 06.12.2025 Engineering and Technology
◦ 08.12.2025 Earth and Environmental Sciences for Sustainability; Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
◦ 09.12.2025 Politics and International Studies; Economics and Econometrics; Russian Language and Culture
◦ 10.12.2025 Urbanism and Civil Engineering; Education and Psychology; Chemistry and Materials Science
◦ 10.12.2025 Physical Sciences and Technology
For the Post-doctoral Track:
• The Task: Participants must prepare and upload a video presentation of their research results.
• Deadline: The video must be uploaded by December 14, 2025.
• Stage 2 Results Announcement (BSc, MSc, PhD): December 22, 2025.
• Appeal Period: If you disagree with your score, you have a very short window to appeal: December 22 – 24, 2025. Appeals are only permitted for Stage 2 results.
Stage 3: Interviews (Doctoral and Post-doctoral Tracks Only)
• Who Participates: Lists of third-stage participants will be published on December 30, 2025.
• Interview Period: January 12 – February 26, 2026.
• The Process:
◦ Doctoral participants will interview with up to three prospective research supervisors. The winner will be enrolled at the university where their chosen supervisor works.
◦ Post-doctoral participants will interview with up to six research supervisors.
Final Winners Announcement
• Bachelor’s & Master’s Tracks: Winners and runners-up will be announced on December 30, 2025.
• Doctoral & Post-doctoral Tracks: Winners will be announced on February 27, 2026.
Hear from Past Participants
Tonny Mayambala, Uganda: “Open Doors is a great opportunity for international students who want to study in Russia for free and enjoy the benefits of university variety… The organizers of the Olympiad are great, they are ready for cooperation and open to communication”.
Nina Kolosova, Uzbekistan: “Participation in the Open Doors Olympiad is absolutely cool! … It is quite simple to take part in it… Of course, it’s a little scary to decide to participate. But why not give it a try?”.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What exactly does the scholarship cover? The scholarship, provided by the Government of the Russian Federation, covers your full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend. You are responsible for all other costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, food, and personal expenses. However, universities provide inexpensive campus housing; for example, at SPbPU, the cost for winners is approximately 2,000–3,500 rubles per month.
• If I win in multiple subject areas, can I accept all offers? No, if you become a winner or runner-up in several areas, you must choose just one subject and one university program.
• Do I need to speak Russian? Not necessarily. Universities offer programs in both Russian and English. If you choose a program taught only in Russian and need to improve your language skills, you can enroll in a one-year preparatory language course before starting your degree.
• What happens after I win? Once you are selected, your chosen university will provide all further communication and support for your admission. Certificates for winners and runners-up will be available in your personal account after the project ends.
• What if I don’t win? Don’t be discouraged! You can try again next year or explore other scholarship opportunities, like those offered by Rossotrudnichestvo. Some universities may also offer you alternative admission options outside of the Open Doors project.