Full Program Details
Open Doors is an online competition that gives international students free study places at Russian universities. It is run by the Global Universities Association in Moscow, and the 2026/27 round covers 24 universities in 12 cities. Entry is free and the whole contest takes place online, in English or Russian.
Winners get a tuition-free place in their subject area, with fees paid by the Russian government, plus a monthly stipend from their university.
Details at a glance:
- Organiser: Global Universities Association
- Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD and postdoctoral tracks
- Location: 24 universities in 12 Russian cities
- Subject areas: 14, from Computer and Data Science and Applied Mathematics and AI to Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Business and Economics
- Registration opened: 20 August 2026
- Deadline for registration and portfolio: 1 November 2026
What Winners Get
- A tuition-free place on a programme in their chosen subject area
- Tuition paid by the Government of the Russian Federation
- A monthly stipend, with the amount set by each university
The award does not cover flights, accommodation, insurance or personal costs. Winners also pay to have their documents translated and notarised. Plan for these costs before you apply.
Who Can Apply
- Foreign citizens, stateless persons and compatriots living abroad
- Applicants with proof of their previous education. If you have not yet graduated, a current transcript is accepted at the first stage.
- Postdoctoral applicants must already hold a PhD or equivalent when they submit the portfolio
No language certificate is required, though having one can raise your portfolio score.
How to Apply
- Create an account on the Open Doors website.
- Choose your track (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD or postdoc) and a subject area. You may enter more than one subject area, with a separate motivation letter for each.
- Pass the online entry test for your subject area.
- Build your portfolio with your achievements, a motivation letter, proof of education and your passport.
- Choose up to six universities in order of preference and submit everything before 1 November 2026.
Competition Timeline
- First stage results: 13 November 2026
- Second stage (a timed 180-minute online task with proctoring for Bachelor's, Master's and PhD applicants): 13 November to 21 December 2026
- Bachelor's and Master's winners announced: 21 December 2026
- PhD and postdoc interviews with supervisors: 22 December 2026 to 26 February 2027
- PhD and postdoc winners announced: 26 February 2027
GizPulse Verdict
Who this is for: Students from Nigeria and across Africa who want a free degree in fields such as computer science, engineering or medicine and can cover their own travel and living costs.
Who should pause: This is not a fully funded scholarship. If you cannot pay for flights, housing and insurance in Russia, think carefully before you accept a place.
One tip to stand out: The second stage is a proctored online exam, and it decides who wins. Use a wired internet connection, test your setup early and practise timed problems in your subject.
Read the rules and register on the official Open Doors website.
