Catalog
All categories

Open Doors Scholarship Russia Guide: Apply & Requirements

today at 17:41 3
100% Tuition-Free Scholarship

The Ultimate Guide to Open Doors Scholarship in Russia

Your golden opportunity to study at top Russian universities without traditional entrance exams

📌 Scholarship Overview

The Open Doors International Olympiad is the first and largest free international academic competition organized by the Global Universities Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo.

It offers winners 100% tuition-free education under the quota of the Russian Government. The entire selection process is conducted online without requiring prior travel.

🎓 Academic Tracks & Age Requirements

The scholarship covers 4 academic tracks with specific age criteria and academic prerequisites as of the registration opening date:

1. Bachelor’s Track For high school diploma holders or current final-year high school students.
2. Master’s Track Applicants aged between 20 and 33 who hold (or will obtain during the academic year) a Bachelor’s degree, and do not hold a Specialist or Master’s degree.
3. Doctoral (PhD) Track Applicants aged between 22 and 35 who hold (or will obtain during the academic year) a Master’s or Specialist degree, and have not completed a PhD program.
4. Postdoctoral Track Applicants aged between 24 and 39 who already hold a Candidate of Sciences, Doctor of Sciences, or PhD degree at the time of registration.
🌐 Language of Instruction: You can apply and study in either English or Russian. If you choose a Russian-taught program and do not speak the language, the scholarship includes a 100% free preparatory year to learn Russian before starting your degree program.

📚 14 Available Subject Areas

The competition covers over 80% of academic programs across 14 subject fields:

🤖 Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
💻 Computer & Data Science
⚛️ Physical Sciences
🧪 Chemistry & Materials Science
🧬 Biology & Biotechnology
⚙️ Engineering & Technology
📈 Economics & Econometrics
💼 Business & Management
🌍 Politics & International Studies
🧠 Neuroscience & Psychology
🩺 Clinical Medicine & Public Health
🌱 Earth & Environmental Sciences
📖 Linguistics & Modern Languages
👨‍🏫 Education

📋 Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

  • Citizenship: Foreign citizens, stateless individuals, and Russian expats living permanently abroad.
  • Language Certificates: Not required (No TOEFL or IELTS certificates needed).
  • Stage 1 (Portfolio):
    • Identity documents (Passport).
    • Academic certificates and transcripts (translated into English or Russian).
    • Motivation Letter.
    • Academic achievements, certificates of participation, conference presentations, or work experience (if available).
  • Stage 2 (Online Exam): A computer with a working camera, microphone, and stable internet connection to take online proctored exams.

🏛️ Full List of 24 Participating Universities

Winners can choose to study at one of Russia's 24 top-tier universities participating in the Olympiad:

  • 🏫 HSE University
  • 🏫 Tomsk State University (TSU)
  • 🏫 ITMO University
  • 🏫 Moscow Institute of Physics & Tech (MIPT)
  • 🏫 MEPhI National Research Nuclear University
  • 🏫 RUDN University
  • 🏫 NTMU MISIS
  • 🏫 Ural Federal University (UrFU)
  • 🏫 Novosibirsk State University (NSU)
  • 🏫 Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (LETI)
  • 🏫 Sechenov University
  • 🏫 St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU)
  • 🏫 Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU)
  • 🏫 Siberian Federal University (SFU)
  • 🏫 Kazan Federal University (KFU)
  • 🏫 Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU)
  • 🏫 Lobachevsky University (UNN)
  • 🏫 Samara National Research University
  • 🏫 Southern Federal University (SFedU)
  • 🏫 South Ural State University (SUSU)
  • 🏫 University of Tyumen
  • 🏫 Pavlov University
  • 🏫 Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU)
  • 🏫 Moscow State University (MSU - participating faculties)

⏳ Official Schedule & Key Dates

1
20 August – 13 November

Registration & Portfolio Submission (Stage 1)

Register an account, fill out the portfolio, select preferred subjects and universities, and upload all required documents.

2
14 November – 30 November

Portfolio Evaluation

Scientific committees evaluate portfolios and publish the list of candidates qualified for Stage 2 exams.

3
1 December – 18 December

Stage 2: Online Proctored Exams

Online exams for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral track participants under proctored supervision.

4
24 December

Winner Announcements (Bachelor's & Master's)

Official publication of final results and winners for Bachelor's and Master's tracks.

5
9 January – 18 February

Stage 3: Online Interviews (PhD & Postdoctoral)

Online interviews with potential academic supervisors for PhD and Postdoctoral candidates.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is applying for the scholarship free?
A: Yes, applying is 100% online and completely free of charge at all stages.
Q: What financial benefits are included?
A: The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, provides a monthly state stipend, and offers subsidized university dormitory accommodation.
Q: Can I apply for more than one subject area?
A: Yes, you can participate in multiple subject tracks simultaneously to increase your chances of winning.
Q: Do I need to travel to Russia for the exams?
A: No, all selection stages (portfolio submission, exams, and interviews) are conducted entirely online from your home country.

Comments

Menu
Personal account
Login or register

Register on our website

and get 500 ﷼ي.ق to your bonus account!

Sign up

This site uses cookies for user convenience. By continuing to use the Site, you agree to this. More detailed information is available in the Cookie Policy

Understood
Auction ended
minutes
seconds
Selected
Add
Auction ended
Hide parameters
All parameters
Do you really want to delete the page?