Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program: Your Gateway to Study in Russia
Are you an international student aspiring to pursue graduate studies in Russia? The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program, also known as the Open Doors Olympiad, offers a unique opportunity to study at top Russian universities tuition-free. This p
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About the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program
The Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project is an international Olympiad for prospective Master’s and PhD students. It’s organized by the Association of Global Universities and supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo.
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Tracks and Subject Areas
The Olympiad offers two tracks:
- Master’s Track: For those applying to Master’s programs
- PhD Track: For those applying to PhD programs
Subject areas include:
- Biology and Biotechnology
- Computer and Data Science
- Economics and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry and Material Sciences
- Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
- Physics and Astronomy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Linguistics and Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Creative Industries
Benefits of Russian Scholarship
Winners of the Olympiad receive:
- Free tuition for the entire duration of the program
- The opportunity to study at a top Russian university
Note: Additional benefits may vary depending on the chosen university and program.
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Eligibility Criteria for Russian Scholarship
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a non-Russian citizen
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s programs) or a Master’s degree (for PhD programs)
- Meet the specific requirements of your chosen program and university
There are no age restrictions for applicants.
Application Process
The Olympiad consists of two rounds:
- First Round (Online):
- Registration on the Olympiad website
- Online portfolio competition
- Online testing
- Second Round (Online):
- Proctored online testing OR
- Project proposal competition (depends on the track and subject area)
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Key Dates
The Olympiad typically runs annually. For the most current dates, please check the official website at https://od.globaluni.ru/. The competition usually opens in the fall for admission in the following academic year.
Tips for Success
- Start Early: Begin preparing as soon as the competition opens.
- Choose Wisely: Select a subject area that aligns with your academic background and career goals.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Review past Olympiad materials and subject-specific content.
- Showcase Your Achievements: Highlight your academic and professional accomplishments in your portfolio.
- Practice Time Management: The online tests are time-limited, so practice working efficiently.

FAQs About Open Doors Russian Scholarship
- Q: Is knowledge of Russian required? A: Not necessarily. Many programs are offered in English, but knowing Russian can be beneficial.
- Q: Can I apply for multiple subject areas? A: You can only participate in one subject area per year.
- Q: How many winners are selected? A: The number of winners varies each year and depends on the subject area.
- Q: If I win, can I choose any Russian university? A: You can choose from the list of participating universities in your subject area.
- Q: Is the scholarship available for Bachelor’s programs? A: No, the Open Doors Olympiad is only for Master’s and PhD programs.
The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Program presents an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue graduate studies in Russia at no cost. With its diverse subject areas and the chance to study at top Russian universities, this program can be a stepping stone to a successful academic and professional career.
Remember, the competition is rigorous, so thorough preparation is key. Start your journey by visiting the official website at https://od.globaluni.ru/ for the most up-to-date information and to begin your application when the next cycle opens.
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