Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project

Open Doors is described by Russia's Ministry of Science and Higher Education as a fully funded scholarship for international students across 14 subject areas. Applicants can apply to leading Russian universities completely online.

The Russian government pays your tuition and winners receive a monthly stipend that varies by university. Travel, food, accommodation, insurance, communication and personal costs are not covered, though university housing is generally inexpensive.

You can work while studying, either remotely or offline, and no work permit is required. Most universities help with job placements and some offer vacancies on campus. Contact your university directly for details.

Registration is for foreign citizens. The degree levels are bachelor's, master's and doctoral, plus a post-doctoral track for applicants who already hold a PhD. No language certificate is needed to apply, and no age limit is stated. Programmes are taught in Russian or English depending on the university. If your programme is offered only in Russian and you need to improve your language, you can begin with a one-year preparatory Russian course, and your place in the programme is secured for the following academic year.

Selection has three stages. Stage 1 is a portfolio with a motivation letter and an entry test. Stage 2 is online proctored tasks lasting 180 minutes. Stage 3, for PhD and postdoctoral applicants only, is an interview.

You can enter as many subject areas as you like, with a separate motivation letter for each. Check the Stage 2 schedule, because task sessions for different areas may fall on the same day. If you win or are runner-up in more than one area in the Final, you choose just one subject area and one degree programme at the university you prefer.

Open Doors offers 14 subject areas:

• 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

Twenty-seven Russian universities take part:

• Far Eastern Federal University
• Bauman Moscow State Technical University
• First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
• HSE University
• Irkutsk National Research Technical University
• ITMO University
• Kazan (Volga region) Federal University
• MGIMO University
• Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University)
• 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
• Plekhanov Russian University of Economics
• Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI"
• Samara National Research University
• Siberian Federal University
• Southern Federal University
• Ufa University of Science and Technology
• University of Science and Technology MISIS
• University of Tyumen
• Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin

Can I enter several subject areas? Yes, there is no limit. Each one needs its own motivation letter, and Stage 2 sessions may be scheduled on the same day. In the Final, winning or placing as runner-up in more than one area means choosing only one subject area and one degree programme.

Can I work while studying in Russia? Yes, remotely or offline, with no work permit. Most universities assist with job placements and some list on-campus vacancies. Ask the university directly.

What language will I study in? Russian or English, depending on the university. If your programme is Russian-only, you can start with a one-year preparatory Russian course, and your place is secured for the following academic year.

Dates here are for the 2026-2027 competition, and Stage 1 registration closes 1 November 2026. The site does not list eligible countries, so confirm that Vietnam is accepted when you register.

Documents

• Online registration and applicationRequired
• Motivation letterRequired
• Proof of education and passportRequired