Open Doors Scholarship provides international students and researchers a chance to win tuition-free enrollment or research employment in Russia. The Open Doors Olympiad awards winners the opportunity to enroll for free in master’s or postgraduate programs, or to be employed as a researcher on the postdoctoral track.
The scholarship is administered by the Open Doors International Olympiad organisers and detailed information, rules, subject areas and demo assignments are available on the official Open Doors website and Support section. The Olympiad accepts participants from any country and runs tracks in Russian or English.
Open Doors Scholarship Benefits
- Winners of the Olympiad will be able to enroll for free in the master’s or postgraduate programs of their chosen University.
- If the postdoctoral track is chosen, to get employed as a researcher in one of the suggested research projects.
- Winners of the doctoral track will be able to choose a future research supervisor and pass an interview with them during the Olympiad.
- Participation in the Olympiad and further education at the University are possible in Russian or English.
- This year there are 14 subject areas available.
Open Doors Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Foreigners from ANY country can participate in the Olympiad, as well as compatriots permanently residing abroad and stateless persons.
- Participants of the master’s track must have a bachelor’s or specialist’s degree (or plan to complete it in 2025 and present documents when issued).
- Participants of the doctoral track will need a specialist’s or a master’s degree (documents may be presented when issued if completing in 2025).
- Postdoctoral track participants must get their PhD or candidate/doctor of science degree no later than the registration start day (September 16).
- Applicants will have to pass a short test in each of the selected subject areas; three attempts at this test are provided.
How to Apply for Open Doors Scholarship?
- Registration for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral tracks is open from September 5, 2024, to November 20, 2024.
- Registration for postdoctoral track is open from September 16, 2024, to December 10, 2024.
- Applicants must complete the required preliminary short test in each selected subject area (three attempts provided).
- Subject area programs, demo versions of second-round assignments, doctoral materials and complete rules are available on https://od.globaluni.ru/en.
- Check the Support section on the official site for answers to major inquiries at every stage of the Olympiad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Open Doors Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, selection process, deadlines and how to apply based on the official Olympiad information.
What is the Open Doors Scholarship?
The Open Doors Scholarship is an outcome of the Open Doors International Olympiad. Winners can enroll tuition-free in master’s or postgraduate programs at participating Russian universities, or, for the postdoctoral track, be employed as a researcher in suggested research projects.
Who can participate in the Olympiad?
Foreigners from any country, compatriots permanently residing abroad and stateless persons can participate. The Olympiad accepts applicants for master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral tracks with track-specific degree requirements outlined by the organisers.
What are the degree requirements for each track?
Master’s track participants must have a bachelor’s or specialist’s degree or be completing it in 2025. Doctoral track participants need a specialist’s or master’s degree or to complete it in 2025. Postdoctoral participants must have a PhD or candidate/doctor of science degree by the registration start day (September 16).
In which languages are programs and the Olympiad available?
Participation in the Olympiad and further education at the university are possible in Russian or English. Specific program language details and subject area information are available on the official site.
What is the selection process for master’s and doctoral tracks?
Both master’s and doctoral tracks include two online rounds: a portfolio competition followed by proctored online tests. The doctoral track additionally includes online interviews with up to three potential research supervisors.
How does the postdoctoral selection work?
The postdoctoral track includes three rounds: a portfolio competition, uploading a video presentation for each chosen research project, and interviews with research project leaders who confirm interest after viewing the presentation.
Are there subject area materials and demo assignments available?
Yes. Subject area programs, demo versions of second-round assignments and doctoral track materials, as well as complete rules and requirements, are available on the official Open Doors site at https://od.globaluni.ru/en.
What preliminary tests are required to participate?
Applicants must pass a short preliminary test in each selected subject area to evaluate knowledge level and acquaint them with the Olympiad interface. Three attempts at this test are provided for each subject area.
When is registration open?
Registration for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral tracks is open from September 5, 2024, to November 20, 2024. Registration for the postdoctoral track is open from September 16, 2024, to December 10, 2024.
Where can I find support and further information?
Full details, rules, subject areas and support are available on the official Open Doors website. The Support section addresses major inquiries at every stage of the Olympiad and provides guidance for participants.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Scholarships in USA 
Scholarships in Egypt 
Scholarships in UK 
Scholarships in South Africa