Apply for Open Doors Scholarship 2025! Fully-funded study in Russia for international students. Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD programs.
Open Doors Scholarship 2025: Complete Application
What is the Open Doors Scholarship 2025?
The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project 2025 is an international competition organized by leading Russian universities through the Global Universities Association, with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo. This prestigious scholarship program offers international students the opportunity to pursue fully-funded higher education in Russia across bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programs.
The competition provides winners with admission to top Russian universities without entrance examinations, with tuition fees covered by the Russian Federation government. Registration opens on September 1, 2025, and runs until November 16, 2025, making this an excellent opportunity for students worldwide seeking quality education in diverse academic fields.
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Available Study Programs and Academic Fields
The Open Doors Scholarship 2025 covers 14 comprehensive subject areas, including:
- Applied Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Business & Management
- Chemistry & Materials Science
- Clinical Medicine & Public Health
- Computer & Data Science
- Earth & Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
- Economics & Econometrics
- Education & Psychology
- Engineering & Technology
- Physical Sciences & Technology
- Politics & International Studies
- Russian Language & Culture
- Urbanism & Civil Engineering
Students can participate in multiple subject areas, though they must prepare a separate motivation letter for each subject.
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
What the Scholarship Covers
The Open Doors Scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend to winners. The government quota ensures that accepted students receive comprehensive financial support for their academic programs at participating Russian universities.
What Students Need to Cover
Students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs, insurance, and personal expenses. However, university accommodation in Russia is generally inexpensive, and many institutions provide affordable housing options on their campuses.
Work Opportunities
Scholarship recipients can work remotely or in person without needing a work permit for employment in Russia, and most universities assist with job placements.
Application Timeline for 2025-2026
The Open Doors Scholarship 2025 follows a structured timeline with registration opening on September 1, 2025, and closing on November 16, 2025 for all tracks.
First Stage (Portfolio and Entrance Testing)
The first stage is held remotely from September 1 to November 28, 2025, for all tracks, involving a portfolio competition and entrance testing.
Second Stage (Final Examination)
The second stage for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral tracks takes place from December 1 to December 15, 2025.
Important Deadline: Portfolio withdrawal is only available until November 10, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
General Eligibility
The Open Doors Scholarship welcomes international students from all countries seeking to pursue higher education in Russia. Eligibility varies by track:
- Bachelor’s Track: High school graduates or equivalent
- Master’s Track: Bachelor’s degree holders
- Doctoral Track: Master’s degree holders with research interests
- Postdoctoral Track: Requires possession of a Candidate of Science, Doctor of Science, or PhD degree at the time of portfolio submission
Language Requirements
There is no mandatory requirement to confirm language skills with certificates for participation in the Open Doors competition. However, submitting language proficiency certificates (Russian or English) can boost your portfolio score.
Universities offer study programs in Russian or English, depending on the institution, and if your chosen program is only available in Russian, you can start with a one-year preparatory language course.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Create Your Account
Create a new account on the Open Doors website and submit personal information and portfolio materials. Visit the Open Doors Registration Page to begin your application.
Step 2: Choose Your Subject Areas
Select up to multiple subject areas based on your academic interests and career goals. Remember that you should complete a motivation letter for each subject.
Step 3: Prepare Your Portfolio
Mandatory Documents
Only the motivation letter and education level proof are mandatory for portfolio submission. Without these documents, you cannot advance to the second stage.
- Motivation Letter: Should contain information about your scientific and career goals, professional achievements, reasons for choosing the Open Doors subject, and motivation to study in Russia. Doctoral track participants should include a summarized thesis and prospective research plan.
- Educational Documents: If you haven’t received your degree yet, you can upload your official final transcript, current year academic transcript, grade sheet, or other documents confirming your education level.
Optional Portfolio Materials
While not mandatory, additional documents can significantly boost your first-stage score:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research publications or papers
- Professional certifications
- Language proficiency certificates
- Awards and achievements
- Recommendation letters
- Relevant work experience
Step 4: Document Translation Requirements
Certified translation is not obligatory at the first stage for portfolio submission, but if you become a winner or runner-up, you’ll have to notarize translations in the Russian Embassy/Consulate or at any public notary’s office.
Step 5: Submit Your Portfolio
Submit your complete portfolio before the deadline. If you need to submit additional documents or make changes after submission, you can withdraw your portfolio until November 10.
Step 6: Take Entrance Tests
Complete the online entrance testing during the first stage. Ensure your computer and internet connection meet technical requirements.
Step 7: Prepare for Second Stage Examinations
After the first stage ends, you’ll receive an email with detailed instructions, and these instructions, together with second-stage rules, will be available in your personal account.
Second Stage Rules
During second-stage exams, it is prohibited to use mobile devices or electronic gadgets, or be in contact with others, and you cannot open any browser pages except the Open Doors one. Rule violations can result in result annulment without appeal rights.
Step 8: Select Universities
When registering, you can choose 1 to 6 universities in order of priority. Research each institution carefully through their websites and attend webinars offered by the Open Doors program.
Selection Process and Evaluation
Portfolio Scoring
Evaluation criteria differ depending on the subject, with maximum possible scores for every achievement category displayed in participants’ personal accounts.
Results and Appeals
You can check your results through your personal account. You can appeal second-stage results within two days after publication, but appeals are not allowed after the first stage portfolio evaluation.
Winners and Runners-Up
If you become a winner or runner-up in several subjects, you will have to choose just one, as well as only one study program at a university.
Participating Universities
The Open Doors Scholarship partners with leading Russian universities, including:
- HSE University
- Sechenov University
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
- Kazan Federal University
- And many other prestigious institutions
For a complete list and detailed information about each university, visit the “Universities” section on the Open Doors official website.
Doctoral Track Special Requirements
Winners of the doctoral track choose potential scientific advisors instead of universities, and when a mentor and winner choose each other, the winner will conduct research at the university where the mentor works. The doctoral track includes three stages, with interviews as part of the selection process.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin preparing your documents well before the September 1 deadline
- Strong Motivation Letter: Craft a compelling narrative about your academic goals and why Russia
- Complete Portfolio: Include all optional materials that demonstrate your achievements
- Multiple Subjects: Apply to several relevant subject areas to increase your chances
- University Research: Thoroughly research participating universities and their programs
- Technical Preparation: Ensure your computer meets all requirements for online testing
- Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to all submission and registration deadlines
- Attend Webinars: Participate in information sessions hosted by universities
Contact and Support
If you can’t find answers on the website, contact support via the feedback form, including screenshots or videos of any issues, noting that it takes an average of 24 hours to process messages.
For more information and to access your participant dashboard, visit the Open Doors Login Page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I participate in multiple subject areas?
Yes, the number of subjects for participation is not limited, but you must complete a motivation letter for each subject. However, consider the second-stage trial schedule, as multiple subjects may be scheduled for the same day, and ultimately you must choose only one subject if you win in several areas.
2. What happens if I miss the second stage exam?
No matter how many points you get for the first stage, you won’t get the scholarship if you did not take the second stage exam. However, if you submit a request on the same day when the challenge is set up to participate on the reserve day, and rules allow it, you may be provided with that opportunity.
3. Can I change my personal information after registration?
After registration is complete, you won’t be able to change your personal information yourself, but you can contact support via the feedback form and corrections may be made if the rules allow it.
4. Do I need to choose a university before applying?
Yes, when registering for participation, you can choose 1 to 6 universities in priority order. You can research universities independently through their websites and the Open Doors social media channels. The final university choice is made at the document submission stage if you win the competition.
5. What if my first-choice university doesn’t offer my desired program?
If the top priority university does not offer the study program of your choice, your application will be transferred to the following university on your priority list.
6. Can I refuse the scholarship after winning?
Yes, if you decide to refuse the right to study within the government quota through Open Doors, you must write a statement of refusal in free form, sign it, and send it by email to the university coordinator, copying the Project Office at op*******@*******ni.ru.
7. What if I don’t win the scholarship?
If you weren’t able to become a winner or runner-up, it’s recommended to try again next year or look at other ways to get Russian Government scholarships, such as through Rossotrudnichestvo. Some universities might offer alternative admission possibilities unrelated to Open Doors.
8. Do participants receive certificates?
There are no certificates for participants who didn’t become winners or runners-up. For winners and runners-up, certificates are available in their personal accounts after the Open Doors competition ends.
Conclusion
The Open Doors Scholarship 2025 represents an exceptional opportunity for international students to access world-class education in Russia with full financial support. With comprehensive coverage across 14 subject areas, flexible language options, and admission to prestigious Russian universities, this program opens doors to academic excellence and international experience.
Start your application journey today by visiting the official Open Doors website and take the first step toward your future in Russian higher education.
Related Resources:
- Open Doors Official Website
- Registration Portal
- Competition Rules and Regulations
- Participant Login Dashboard
Last Updated: October 2025
