Scholarships in Russia
The main way to study free in Russia is the Russian Government quota. It pays tuition, a preparatory year and a monthly scholarship. Open Doors and some universities also offer free places.
Russia Scholarship Overview
The Russian Government quota pays full tuition for selected students.
How Scholarships Work in Russia
The Russian Government quota is a free place paid by the Russian state. It covers bachelor's, master's and postgraduate study.
You apply online, take selection tests at the Russian House or the Russian embassy, then get an invitation from a university.
Key Date
Why Apply for Scholarships?
- Full tuition paid.
- A preparatory year (a year to learn Russian first), if you need it.
- A monthly scholarship.
- A dormitory place.
Types of Scholarships
Three ways to get a free or cheaper place.
Russian Government quota
Free tuition, a preparatory year and a monthly scholarship, paid by the Russian state.
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Postgraduate
Open Doors
A contest for a free place at one of 24 Russian universities. You send a portfolio, a test and a motivation letter.
- Bachelor's level
- Master's level
- PhD level
University awards
Some universities run their own free places and grants.
- HSE University full scholarships
- ITMO University scholarships
Each Option Is Different
Russian Government Quota
The quota is the biggest free-place option for international students in Russia.
A Russian government agency, Rossotrudnichestvo, runs the Russian Houses abroad. It and the Russian embassies run the quota outside Russia. You can list up to six universities.
Key Benefits of Russia Government Scholarships
Full tuition fees.
A preparatory year (a year to learn Russian first), if you need it.
A monthly scholarship for the whole course.
A dormitory place. At NUST MISIS, quota students pay RUB 2,500 to 3,769 (Russian roubles) a month for it. Students who pay their own fees pay RUB 5,400 a month for a place in a double room.
University Scholarships
Some universities offer free places or grants to international students.
Check Each University
University awards have their own rules and dates. Read the university's page.
Where to Look
- The university's international admissions page.
- The Education in Russia portal for the quota.
Application Tips
- Read the portfolio rules early.
- Note each deadline in your calendar.
How to Apply for the Quota
The steps to apply for the quota.
Register on the Education in Russia website (education-in-russia.com). Choose your level, subject and up to six universities. Upload your passport and education papers.
At the Russian House (a Russian government centre in your country), or at the Russian embassy if your country has none.
From 2027-28, you apply through Gosuslugi, Russia's website for government services. You prove who you are in the ruID app.
Translate your papers
Papers in other languages must be translated into Russian. A notary (an official who confirms papers are true) must check the translation.
Put your best choice first
Put the university you want most at the top of your list.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after 15 January 2027.
- Uploading papers without a Russian translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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