ASSOCIATION OF GLOBAL UNIVERSITIES OF RUSSIA
Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project
tuition only · masters, phd
- Tuition-free placePrize
- No entrance examsBenefit
- Master's & PhDStudy level
- 2-stage olympiadFormat
- 100+ countriesReach
- Since 2017Running
At a glance
tuition only
Funding
€6k
Max amount
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Open to international (non-Russian) applicants from any country
Country
Association of Global Universities of Russia
Provider
Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is an international olympiad that offers tuition-free places for master's and doctoral study at universities in Russia. It is organised by the Association of Global Universities of Russia, a group of the country's research universities, with the support of the Russian government. Winners earn the right to enrol at a participating Russian university without entrance examinations and to study on a tuition-free (state-funded) basis. The contest has run since the 2017/2018 academic year and is held in 2 main stages — an online portfolio/qualifying round and a final online assessment — across subject tracks such as engineering, computer and data science, mathematics, physics, economics, biology, and the humanities. Each year tens of thousands of applicants from more than 100 countries register. Registration usually opens in the autumn, with a closing date around 1 November (est.), and the finals are held in winter. Treat the date here as an estimate and confirm the current tracks, rules, and deadlines on the official Open Doors website.
What's covered
- Tuition-free study — A state-funded place that waives tuition (otherwise around ~$3,000–$6,000 per year) at a participating Russian university.
- Admission without exams — Winners can enrol without the usual entrance examinations.
- Subject tracks — Competition across many fields — engineering, IT/data, sciences, economics, and humanities.
- Levels — Separate competitions for master's and for doctoral (PhD) entry.
- Not covered — Living costs, accommodation, and travel are generally not included — budget for these.
How to apply
Register on the official Open Doors platform, then complete the olympiad's stages in your chosen track.
- Register online — Create an account on the official Open Doors platform and select your track and level.
- Qualifying round — Complete the portfolio/qualifying stage with your academic record and motivation.
- Final assessment — Take part in the final online assessment for your track.
- Results — Winners and prize-winners are announced after the finals.
- Choose a university — Select a participating Russian university and programme that accepts your win.
- Enrol — Use your award to enrol without entrance exams on a tuition-free basis.
Eligibility
International applicantA non-Russian citizen (foreign national) prospective student.
LevelEntering master's (after a bachelor's) or doctoral (after a master's) study.
Subject trackCompeting in a track that matches your background and intended programme.
RegistrationRegistering on the official platform and completing each stage on time.
LanguageProgrammes may be in Russian or English — meet the language requirement of your chosen course.
The prize is a tuition-free place and exam-free admission, not a living stipend. Confirm whether your target university and programme participate before relying on the win.
Eligible countries
Open to international (non-Russian) applicants from any country
Deadlines
2027 entry2026-11-01
Selection
Open Doors selects winners through a 2-stage olympiad: a qualifying round based on academic record, portfolio, and motivation, followed by a final assessment in each subject track. The strongest performers earn tuition-free, exam-free admission to participating Russian universities.
Verified sources
- Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project — Official Websiteod.globaluni.ruofficial
About the provider
The Association of Global Universities of Russia is a group of the country's research universities that organises the Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project, an international olympiad offering tuition-free, exam-free admission to master's and doctoral study in Russia, with support from the Russian government.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project?
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An international olympiad organised by the Association of Global Universities of Russia that lets prospective international students win tuition-free, exam-free admission to master's and doctoral programmes at Russian universities.
What do winners get?
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The right to enrol at a participating Russian university without entrance examinations and to study tuition-free on a state-funded basis.
Does it cover living costs?
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No — the prize is a tuition-free place. Living costs, accommodation, and travel are generally not covered, so budget for these.
Who can take part?
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International (non-Russian) prospective students entering master's study (after a bachelor's) or doctoral study (after a master's).
What subjects can I compete in?
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Many tracks — engineering, computer and data science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, business, and the humanities and social sciences.
How does the competition work?
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In 2 main stages: an online portfolio/qualifying round, then a final online assessment in your chosen track.
How do I apply?
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Register on the official Open Doors platform, choose your track and level, and complete each stage by its deadline.
When does registration close?
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Usually in the autumn, around 1 November; the 2026 date here is an estimate. Check the official site for the exact deadline.
Are courses in English or Russian?
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Both — some participating programmes are taught in English and others in Russian. Check the language of your target programme.
How long has it run?
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Since the 2017/2018 academic year, growing to tens of thousands of registrants from more than 100 countries.
Is there an entry fee?
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No — taking part in the Open Doors olympiad is free; you register and compete online at no cost.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the official Open Doors website, which lists the current tracks, rules, participating universities, and deadlines.