Scholarship in Russia: Requirement and more

Studying abroad is a dream for many. However, high tuition and living costs can often be discouraging. Fortunately, academic scholarships are available for international students who want to achieve their educational goals without financial strain. In 2025, Russia stands out as one of the top destinations for global learners. The country offers prestigious, government-backed programmes that attract thousands of students each year. In this article, you’ll discover the best scholarship to study in Russia, including their requirements, benefits, and application process.

Whether you want to expand your academic horizons, embrace a new culture, or simply reduce the cost of your education, these opportunities can make your goal a reality.

The best scholarships to study in Russia

Russia offers a wide range of scholarships designed for international students at all academic levels—from undergraduate to PhD. These funding opportunities open the door to top-ranked universities across fields like science, engineering, humanities, and more. Below, we’ll highlight five of the best scholarship options for 2025, along with their key features, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. Stay tuned to start planning your next academic adventure in Russia.

1. Russian Government Scholarships

• Each year, the Russian Government offers the “State Quota” scholarship for international students. This programme aims to attract global talent and provide access to top public universities across the country.
• General requirements:
  • Strong academic performance in your previous level of study.
  • Admission to a participating Russian university.
  • Valid passport and translated academic certificates.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition fee waiver.
  • Monthly stipend to basic expenses.
  • Subsidised university accommodation available
• Type of studies offered:
  • Undergraduate, Master’s and doctorate programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • International students of any nationality.
  • No age restrictions in most cases.
• How to apply?
  • Visit the official platform education-in-russia.com.
  • Fill out the online form and upload all required documents.
• Opening date: November.
• Closing date: February of the following year.

2. Open Doors scholarships for postgraduate studies

• The Open Doors Scholarship is organised by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. It offers full scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and PhD programmes at leading Russian universities.
• General requirements:
  • Hold a university degree that meets international academic standards.
  • Successfully pass the online academic competition, which includes several evaluation stages.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition fee waiver.
  • Subsidised accommodation in student residences.
  • Monthly stipend (varies by university).
• Type of studies offered:
  • Master’s and doctorate programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • High-performing international students, candidates interested in fields like engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
• How to apply?
  • Register and participate in the academic competition via the official platform: opendoors.study.
• Opening date: September.
• Closing date: December.

3. MSU Scholarships

• Moscow State University (MSU) offers competitive scholarships to foreign students interested in pursuing degrees in fields such as mathematics, political science, economics, and the humanities.
• General requirements:
  • Pass the university’s entrance exam.
  • Maintain an excellent academic record.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Russian or English, depending on the programme.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full or partial exemption from tuition fees.
  • Access to affordable on-campus accommodation.
  • Discounts on extra services, such as public transport.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Undergraduate, Master’s and doctorate programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • International students interested in MSU specific programmes.
• How to apply?
  • Visit the official MSU website (msu.ru) to request information and complete the application process.
• Opening date: March.
• Closing date: June.

4. Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology Scholarships (Skoltech Scholarships)

• The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) in Russia offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in science and technology.
• General requirements:
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the chosen programme.
  • Demonstrate strong research and technological development skills.
  • Provide standardised test results such as TOEFL or IELTS.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition waiver.
  • Competitive monthly stipend.
  • Involvement in advanced research projects.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas.
• Aimed at:
  • International students interested in technological research.
• How to apply?
  • Submit your application and required documents through the official Skoltech portal: skoltech.ru.
• Opening date: January.
• Closing date: April.

5. BRICS Academic Cooperation Programme Scholarships

• This scholarship initiative promotes educational cooperation among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). It enables students from these countries to pursue academic degrees at Russian universities with special benefits.
• General requirements:
  • Be a citizen of one of the BRICS countries.
  • Have an outstanding academic record.
  • Meet the entry requirements of the participating university.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Tuition fee reduction or full exemption.
  • Subsidies for accommodation and transport.
  • Access to cultural exchange events and activities.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Undergraduate, Master’s and doctorate programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • BRICS nationals aiming to build academic and cultural ties with Russia.
• How to apply?
  • Contact the Russian embassy in your country or visit the official website: brics-edu.org.
• Opening date: April.
• Closing date: August.

6. Global Education Programme Scholarships

• The Global Education Programme, funded by the Russian government, supports both Russian and international students pursuing high-quality education at top institutions within or outside Russia.
• General requirements:
  • Be accepted by one of the eligible universities listed in the programme.
  • Meet academic performance criteria.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition exemption.
  • Monthly stipends for living expenses.
  • Access to exclusive academic resources and networks.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Undergraduate, Master’s and doctorate programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • International students interested in strategic careers such as technology, natural sciences and humanities.
• How to apply?
  • Apply directly through the official website: educationglobal.ru.
• Opening date: April.
• Closing date: July.

7. St. Petersburg State University Scholarships

• Saint Petersburg State University offers scholarships to outstanding students from around the world who wish to join its academic community in one of Russia’s most iconic cities.
• General requirements:
  • Submit an excellent academic record.
  • Pass the university’s admission exam.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Partial or full tuition waiver.
  • Affordable on-campus accommodation.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Undergraduate, Master’s and doctorate programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • International students interested in social sciences, humanities and natural sciences.
• How to apply?
  • Register and apply through the official portal: spbu.ru.
• Opening date: February.
• Closing date: May.

8. Scholarships of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture

• This programme is managed by Russian embassies and cultural centres across various countries, offering excellent opportunities to study in Russia with strong financial support.
• General requirements:
  • Be selected through calls organised by Russian cultural centres in your home country.
  • Have a solid academic background.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition waiver.
  • Subsidised accommodation.
  • Academic and cultural support during your stay.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
• Aimed at:
  • International students aiming to promote cultural and academic cooperation between Russia and their home countries.
• How to apply?
  • Contact the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in your country or visit their official website: rs.gov.ru.
• Opening date: March.
• Closing date: September.

9. Pushkin Institute Scholarships

• The Pushkin Institute offers scholarships for international students who want to study Russian as a foreign language or pursue academic programmes in Russian literature and linguistics.
• General requirements:
  • A demonstrated interest in the Russian language.
  • Meet the academic criteria for the selected course.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full or partial tuition exemption.
  • Free educational materials.
  • Discounts on accommodation and extracurricular activities.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Language courses, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the humanities.
• Aimed at:
  • International students passionate about Russian language, literature and culture.
• How to apply?
  • Submit your application via the official institute website: pushkininstitute.ru.
• Opening date: August.
• Closing date: November.

10. Scholarships of the Russkiy Mir Foundation

• The Russkiy Mir Foundation, dedicated to promoting Russian culture abroad, offers scholarships for educational programmes in Russia. These are primarily focused on cultural studies, language, and social sciences.
• General requirements:
  • Outstanding academic record.
  • Commitment to promoting Russian culture in the applicant’s home country.
• Coverage and benefits:
  • Full tuition waiver.
  • Stipends for living expenses.
  • Access to exclusive cultural activities.
• Type of studies offered:
  • Specialised courses, master’s and doctoral programmes.
• Aimed at:
  • International students interested in cultural research and outreach
• How to apply?
  • Visit the official website to review requirements and apply: russkiymir.ru.
• Opening date: January.
• Closing date: April.

Tips on how to get a scholarship in Russia

Russia is a country with a rich academic tradition and an education system that values excellence. If you’re planning to apply for a scholarship in Russia, it’s important to tailor your approach to the country’s specific academic and cultural context. Here are some tips adapted to the Russian context:

Learn Russian or show interest in the language

While many programmes are offered in English, knowledge of Russian is highly valued. Enrol in a language course or earn a certificate to strengthen your application.

Research universities and their programmes

Each Russian university has its own academic strengths. For example, MSU focuses on science and humanities, while MIPT is known for engineering. Customise your application to align with the institution’s academic goals.

Engage with Russian cultural programmes

Russian embassies and cultural centres often organise academic fairs, contests, and language workshops. Participation shows your commitment to the country and helps build useful connections.

Prioritise programmes with bilateral agreements

Check if your country has an educational agreement with Russia. These often come with reserved places or extra benefits for scholarship applicants.

Write a strong motivation letter

Russian institutions place great importance on motivation letters. Explain why you’re interested in studying in Russia, how you’ll contribute to its academic community, and what you hope to achieve.

Apply early and respect deadlines

Scholarship deadlines in Russia are usually several months ahead of the academic year. Gather documents early, translate them into Russian or English, and don’t miss any key dates.

Connect with alumni or current students

Join online forums, university groups or LinkedIn communities to gain insights from students who’ve already gone through the process.

Top universities to study in Russia

Russia has world-renowned universities, especially in fields such as engineering, natural sciences, medicine and the humanities. Here are some of the most prominent institutions and recommended areas of study:

1. Lomonosov Moscow State University

• Top fields: Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Philology, Natural Sciences.
• Awards: Considered the best university in Russia and one of the oldest, with a strong focus on research.
• Why choose it: Russia’s top-ranked university, strong in research and global collaborations.

2. St. Petersburg State University

• Top fields: Humanities, Law, IT, Social Sciences.
• Awards: Recognised for its focus on applied research and for pioneering bilingual programmes.
• Why choose it: Located in a cultural hub with bilingual programmes and international projects.

3. Moscow Institute of Physics & Tech

• Top fields: Robotics, Space Engineering, Physics.
• Awards: Known as the ‘MIT of Russia’ for excellence in technology and innovation.
• Why choose it: Known as the “MIT of Russia”, strong industry ties and innovation focus.

4. National Research Nuclear University

• Top fields: Sustainable Energy, Nuclear Engineering, Physics.
• Awards: Leader in specialist training for the nuclear industry.
• Why choose it: Partnered with Rosatom, ideal for careers in the nuclear sector.

5. Novosibirsk State University

• Top fields: Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Medicine.
• Awards: Noted for its interdisciplinary approach and its location in the scientific centre of Siberia.
• Why choose it: Located in a top science and tech hub, strong interdisciplinary focus.

6. Kazan Federal University

• Top fields: Linguistics, Archaeology, Chemistry, Biotechnology.
• Awards: Known for her historic contributions to the development of science in Russia.
• Why choose it: Rich academic history and strong in cultural preservation and modern sciences.

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