Open Doors Scholarship Russia 2027: Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD Scholarship

The Open Doors Scholarship allows international students to study at universities in Russia. You can apply for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The Russian government offers the Open Doors Scholarship, which is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Russia. Many scholarships demand IELTS, an application fee, or a bank statement, but this one does not, making it much easier to apply, especially if you do not yet have an English test score. You can also select up to six universities in a single application, increasing your chances of admission.

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Quick Overview

• Country: Russia
• Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and Postdoctoral
• IELTS: Not required
• Universities: Select up to 6
• Language of Teaching: Russian + English

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About the Scholarship

Russian universities provide programs in both Russian and English. If you choose a Russian-taught program, you don’t need to have a Russian language certificate. Under this scholarship, you receive a free one-year Russian language course to help you prepare. You can study in the language that is most comfortable for you while still learning a new language.

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Who Can Apply?

The eligibility criteria for the Open Doors Scholarship in Russia are as follows.

• Bachelor’s: 12 years of prior education (finished school/collage) 16 to 23 years old
• Master’s: 16 years of study (typically a completed bachelor’s degree), age 20 to 34
• PhD: 18 years of previous education (typically a completed master’s degree), age 22 to 35
• Postdoctoral: Hold a PhD degree. Applicants aged 24 to 39 are eligible to participate in the Open Doors Postdoctoral track if they hold a Candidate of Sciences, Doctor of Science, or PhD degree as of the registration opening date.

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Scholarship Benefits

• No application fee: You can apply for free, and so can everyone else.
• No tuition fee: Your tuition is covered, which is usually the biggest cost of studying abroad.
• Monthly stipend: You receive a monthly allowance to help with living expenses.

The exact stipend amount is not stated in the information I have, so check the official website for the current figure.

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Documents you need

The document list is short, which makes this scholarship easier to prepare for than most.

1. Passport: You need a valid passport to apply. If you don’t have one, get it first, because it can take time.
2. Education documents: These are your certificates and transcripts. They prove that you meet the education requirement for your chosen level.
3. Motivational letter: Explain why you want to study in Russia, why you chose your field, and what you plan to do with your degree. Be specific and honest and avoid generic statements.

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Programs

The website lists all the available programs and universities. Take your time with it. Compare programs, check which ones are taught in English, and choose the universities that best match your field and goals:

Subject areas of the Open Doors Scholarship

• 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

Choose the subject area that matches your previous degree and your future goals, because the Stage 2 test is based on your field.

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How to Apply?

The application is done through the official portal and has up to three stages. For the official portal, click here.

Stage 1: Online application and general test. Apply on only one portal. Don’t create multiple applications on different sites. At the end of the application, you will take a general test.

Stage 2: Subject test. This is a second test related to your chosen field. It is more difficult than the general test, so prepare for it by reviewing the basics of your subject.

Stage 3: Interview. This stage is only for PhD and postdoctoral applicants. Be ready to talk about your research interests and background.

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Deadline

The last date to apply is 1 November 2026. It’s best to avoid waiting until the last day to apply, as the process includes tests. Applying early gives you time to resolve problems, such as a missing document or a slow internet connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is IELTS required?

No. You don’t need to submit an IELTS score for this scholarship.

2. Is there an application fee?

No. The application is completely free.

3. Do I need a bank statement?

No. A bank statement is not required.

4. How many universities can I select?

You can select up to 6 universities in one application. Choose them wisely, based on your field and the programs they offer.

5. Is the Russian language test compulsory for Russian-taught programs?

Not necessarily. Programs are taught in both Russian and English, and a 1-year Russian language course is provided free.

6. Is there an interview?

Only PhD and postdoctoral applicants have an interview in Stage 3.

7. Can I apply on more than one portal?

No. Apply on only one portal.

🌐 Official Website ➜▶️ Complete Guide ➜▶️ How to Fill Application Form ➜

 

Good luck with your Open Doors Scholarship 2027 application!