Applications for the Open Doors Scholarship 2027 will officially open on 20 August 2026. The prestigious international scholarship offers talented students worldwide the opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies at leading universities in Russia.
Organized annually since 2017 by the Association of Global Universities, with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo, the competition provides a simplified pathway for international students to study or conduct research in Russia.
Participation is completely free, and the competition is conducted online in English and Russian.
Open Doors Scholarship 2027 Overview
- Host Country: Russia
- Scholarship: Open Doors Scholarship 2027
- Study Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral (PhD), and Postdoctoral
- Eligible Applicants: International students and researchers
- Application Opens: 20 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Mode: Online
About the Open Doors Scholarship
The Open Doors Scholarship is one of Russia’s largest international academic competitions, attracting more than 100,000 applicants from around the world each year.
The competition covers 14 interdisciplinary subject areas, including engineering, medicine, economics, natural sciences, information technology, education, social sciences, and linguistics.
Successful applicants receive admission to one of Russia’s top universities through a streamlined application process. Since its launch, more than 6,000 international students have benefited from the program.
Scholarship Benefits
For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Winners
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition waiver for their chosen degree program
- Opportunity to study in English or Russian
- One year of free Russian language training for students enrolling in Russian-taught programs
- Admission to one of Russia’s leading universities through a simplified application process
- Access to modern campuses and student facilities
- Continuous academic and administrative support throughout the program
For Postdoctoral Winners
Selected postdoctoral researchers will receive:
- A funded postdoctoral research position at a participating Russian university
- Opportunity to select a research project through a centralized placement system
- Supervision by internationally recognized researchers
- Access to advanced research laboratories and facilities
- Ongoing support throughout the research period
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons, including compatriots living abroad.
Applicants must meet the following age and academic requirements:
Bachelor’s Track
Applicants must:
- Be between 16 and 23 years old
- Not already hold a bachelor’s, specialist, or master’s degree
- Have completed or be completing secondary education that qualifies them for university admission
Master’s Track
Applicants must:
- Be between 20 and 33 years old
- Hold or be completing a bachelor’s degree
- Not already possess a specialist or master’s degree
Doctoral (PhD) Track
Applicants must:
- Be between 22 and 35 years old
- Hold or be completing a specialist or master’s degree
- Not already hold a doctoral degree
Postdoctoral Track
Applicants must:
- Be between 24 and 39 years old
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree)
Competition Languages: English and Russian.
Competition Timeline
- Registration Opens: 20 August 2026
- Portfolio Submission: 20 August – 1 November 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
First Stage
- Portfolio Evaluation: 2–12 November 2026
- Results Announcement: 13 November 2026
Second Stage
- Registration: 13–16 November 2026
- Competition Tasks: 17 November – 7 December 2026
- Evaluation: 18 November – 10 December 2026
- Postdoctoral Video Submission: 6 December 2026
- Results: 11 December 2026
- Appeals: 11–13 December 2026
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Winners Announced: 21 December 2026
Third Stage
(Doctoral and Postdoctoral Applicants Only)
- 22 December 2026 – 26 February 2027
Final Results: 26 February 2027
Why Apply?
The Open Doors Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to:
- Study at top Russian universities
- Receive a fully funded education
- Conduct research with leading academics
- Access world-class laboratories and research facilities
- Join an international academic community
- Build global professional and research networks
- Gain internationally recognized qualifications
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Open Doors Scholarship portal. Interested candidates should register, complete their portfolio, and submit all required documents before 1 November 2026.
APPLY NOW THROUGH THE OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK BELOW
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