Full Scholarship in Russia 2027: Open Doors International Olympiad Apply Now

Applications are officially open for the Open Doors International Olympiad 2027, a fully funded scholarship program that gives talented international students the chance to study at leading Russian universities at no cost. The program is organized in cooperation with Russian higher education institutions and relevant government authorities, and it is conducted in both English and Russian.

Whether you are finishing high school, holding a bachelor's degree, pursuing a master's, or already working on postdoctoral research, there is a track designed for you.

Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 Apply here: https://od.globaluni.ru/

Scholarship Benefits

Winners of the Open Doors Olympiad enjoy a comprehensive support package, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage and a monthly stipend at participating Russian universities
• Free admission through the established foreign-student quota
• The freedom to choose from a range of participating Russian universities
• Access to Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral opportunities, depending on the selected track
• No entrance examination required for winners admitted through the scholarship pathway
• The option to study in English or Russian, depending on the program and university
• For Doctoral-track winners: the ability to select a prospective research supervisor and take part in an interview
• For Postdoctoral-track winners: the opportunity to join an ongoing research project as a researcher.

Eligibility Criteria

The Open Doors Olympiad is open to foreign citizens and stateless persons, including compatriots residing abroad, who consent to the processing of their personal data in accordance with Russian legislation.

Each track has its own age and academic requirements:

1. Bachelor's Track

• Age 16 to 23 as of the registration opening date
• Must not already hold a Bachelor's, Specialist, or Master's degree
• Must hold, or be due to obtain during the relevant academic year, a qualification allowing entry into higher education under the laws of their country

2. Master's Track

• Age 20 to 33 as of the registration opening date
• Must not already hold a Specialist or Master's degree
• Must hold, or be due to obtain, a qualification equivalent to at least a Bachelor's degree

3. Doctoral Track

• Age 22 to 35 as of the registration opening date
• Must not have completed a doctoral (PhD) program
• Must hold, or be due to obtain, a Specialist or Master's degree

4. Postdoctoral Track

• Age 24 to 39 as of the registration opening date
• Must already hold a Candidate of Sciences, Doctor of Sciences, or PhD degree as of the registration opening date

Available Programs

The Olympiad spans a wide range of academic fields across all four tracks:

• Bachelor's / Undergraduate programs
• Master's programs
• Doctoral / PhD-equivalent programs
• Postdoctoral research opportunities

The exact list of subjects and available universities varies by track, so applicants should carefully review the subject options during registration and choose a field that matches their academic background and career goals.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following ahead of registration:

• Valid personal identification information
• Academic records and educational qualifications
• Information needed to build the applicant's online portfolio
• Documents showing academic achievements and other relevant accomplishments
• Any additional documents requested for the selected track

Once registered, applicants will receive a personalized checklist in their online account. It's important to follow it closely, since requirements can differ slightly by track and university.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Visit the official application portal: https://od.globaluni.ru/
2. Click "Sign Up" to create an account
3. Enter your personal information and email address, and set a password
4. Log into your personal account after successful registration
5. Complete your portfolio according to the stated requirements
6. Review the portfolio evaluation criteria and available subject areas
7. Take part in the required stages of the Olympiad, starting with a portfolio-based first stage followed by a problem-solving second stage
8. Doctoral-track applicants will additionally go through a research-supervisor selection process and an interview
9. Follow further instructions in your personal account regarding subsequent stages and university admission

The entire process is conducted online, so applicants can register and compete from anywhere with an internet connection.

A Quick Note on Language Requirements

Since the Olympiad is conducted in English and Russian, applicants planning to study in an English-taught program should be ready to demonstrate strong English proficiency. Many Russian universities accept the Duolingo English Test as part of their admission requirements.

Want to give yourself the best shot at a strong score? Register for our Duolingo English Test coaching class through The Light of Engineering and get guided preparation before you apply.

Final advice

The Open Doors International Olympiad 2027 is one of the more accessible fully funded routes into Russian higher education, with no entrance exam for winners and a clear, transparent process from registration to admission. With the deadline set for November 1, 2026, interested students, graduates, and researchers should begin preparing their documents and portfolios as early as possible.

For official and up-to-date information, always apply directly through the official platform: https://od.globaluni.ru/

This article is for informational purposes. Always verify eligibility details, subject lists, and deadlines directly on the official Open Doors website before applying.