Open Doors 2027 Scholarship in Russia for Foreign Citizens
An international academic competition (also known as the Open Doors Olympiad) run by Russia's Association of Global Universities, through which foreign citizens compete for tuition-free Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral or Postdoctoral places at leading Russian universities.
Eligibility
- Foreign citizen or stateless person, including compatriots living abroad
- Bachelor's track: aged 16-23, without a Bachelor's or higher degree, completing secondary-level qualifying education
- Master's track: aged 20-33, holding or completing at least a Bachelor's degree
- Doctoral track: holding a Specialist's or Master's degree; Postdoctoral track: holding a PhD or equivalent, aged under 39
Who is not eligible: anyone outside the age brackets for their intended track, or without the required prior qualification level.
What you need to apply
- An online portfolio with academic information and achievements
- Selection of a subject area (14 available) and language of instruction (Russian or English)
- Passing a proctored online examination in the second stage
Position yourself
Winning this is a genuine academic competition, not a straightforward application — treat the portfolio stage and the proctored exam as real, separately-weighted hurdles, and prepare for the exam specifically rather than assuming a strong portfolio alone secures a place.
What to do if you are not eligible
If you fall outside the eligible age range for your intended track, note that a different track (Master's instead of Bachelor's, for instance) may fit your qualifications better — check the exact age and qualification brackets for each track before ruling yourself out entirely.
Benefits
A monthly stipend (amount varies by university)
Government quota pathway for eligible winners, subject to Russian authorities' processing
Free participation — no competition entry fee
A year of complimentary Russian-language study for those choosing Russian-taught programmes
How to apply
Registration is open now and closes 1 November 2026. Register online, build your portfolio, and select your subject area and track. Second-stage examinations run 17 November to 7 December 2026 for qualifying candidates, with doctoral and postdoctoral applicants also interviewed by prospective research supervisors.
Application tip
Register as early in the window as you can — the portfolio and subsequent exam stages take real preparation time, and leaving registration to the final days compresses your prep time for the harder second stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the competition really free to enter?
Yes, participation at every stage is free.
Can I study in English if my Russian isn't strong?
Yes, both the competition and many host programmes are available in English, depending on subject area and track.
Other opportunities for African undergraduates and recent graduates: browse the full, current list on our Opportunities & Updates page.
Official application: apply directly through the Open Doors programme's own site. STUF curates opportunities but does not control external selection, so confirm every detail on the official source before applying.
Written by
✍️ Samuel Sodunke
Samuel is a content writer, freelance journalist, and judicial correspondent with an interest in human rights, social justice, and gender issues. He holds a BA …