The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project provides international students with early admission to tuition-free PhD (doctoral) programs at top Russian universities. It's supported by the Global Universities Association, the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and Rossotrudnichestvo.
This doctoral track is structured in three stages: portfolio and test, supervised exam, and a final interview with potential PhD supervisors.
Notes
For PhD applicants, the Second Stage also consists of a supervised online exam after Profile evaluation.
This exam checks your theoretical knowledge and research readiness in your chosen academic field.
You must use a webcam and show a passport/ID for verification before taking the test.
The exam will be taken online under strict supervision.
Unlike the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, PhD candidates who pass this exam will then proceed to the Third Stage, which includes a supervisor interview to evaluate research interests and potential
Benefits
Full Tuition Coverage under the Russian Government Quota doctoral students study tuition-free.
Early Admission / Priority Placement winners typically bypass entrance examinations and gain streamlined admission.
Preparatory Russian Language Year available for programs taught in Russian.
Monthly Stipend & Additional Support many universities provide financial support, housing and visa assistance depending on the institution.
Deferred Enrollment Option winners may defer their admission by one year if needed.
Requirements
National ID, Applicant Photo, Passport Copy, Field of Study, Extracurricular Activities and CV, Research proposal
Recommendation Letters: 1
Statement of Purpose Required
all nationalities
Age Requirements:
Between 22 and 35 years
Research Proposal Required
Competition is held in Russian or English, programs may require either language mentioned
Must hold or be completing a Master’s or Specialist’s degree during the academic year of application
