10 Best Scholarships in Russia for international Students (2025)

The Russian Government Scholarship (also called the State Quota Scholarship or Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project) is a fully funded program offered to international students by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. It allows students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees at top Russian universities.

This scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation in university dormitories, and a monthly stipend, making higher education in Russia affordable for talented students worldwide. However, students are expected to cover their airfare, visa, and personal living expenses.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Institution: Russian Government & Partner Universities
Study in: Russia
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, dormitory housing, stipend)
Deadline: Applications usually open in November and close in February for the next academic year.

The Russian Government Quota Scholarship (also known as the State Quota Scholarship) is a fully funded program offered by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for international students. Each year, thousands of students from more than 170 countries are selected to study at Russia’s top universities under this prestigious scholarship.

The program covers 100% tuition fees, monthly stipends, and subsidized university housing, enabling students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies. However, students are expected to cover their airfare, visa, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Institution(s): Russian Public Universities (400+ options)
Study in: Russia
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, dormitory housing)
Deadline: Applications usually open in November and close in February/March

The HSE University Scholarships are offered by the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow, one of Russia’s top universities, consistently ranked among the leading institutions in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. These scholarships are designed to attract academically outstanding international students and are available for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.

The program provides full tuition fee waivers (100%) for exceptional students, as well as partial scholarships (25%, 50%, or 75% tuition reductions) for others. While the scholarship covers tuition costs completely, students must arrange their own living expenses, housing, airfare, and insurance.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Bachelor’s & Master’s
Institution(s): HSE University (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
Study in: Russia
Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (100% tuition) or partial (25%–75%)
Deadline: Application deadlines vary by program (generally January–August)

The Skoltech Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in cutting-edge STEM fields in Russia. Established in collaboration with MIT, Skoltech University provides world-class academic training, innovative education models, and access to globally recognized faculty. Students benefit from advanced research facilities, industry partnerships, and international exchange opportunities with leading universities worldwide, making Skoltech one of the most attractive destinations for ambitious scholars in science, engineering, and technology.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s & PhD

• Institution: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)

• Study in: Russia

• Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, medical insurance)

• Deadline: Master’s (mid-July), PhD (early July) — check official website for exact dates

The MEPhI Scholarships are prestigious opportunities for international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in fields such as nuclear physics, engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and applied mathematics. MEPhI is one of Russia’s top research universities, affiliated with Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation, and plays a leading role in advanced scientific innovation.

International students can apply through the Russian Government Quota Scholarship and the Open Doors Olympiad, which provide full tuition, a monthly stipend, and subsidized housing.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

• Institution: National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow, Russia)

• Study in: Russia

• Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, dormitory housing)

• Deadline: Applications typically open November–February via Russian Government Scholarship portal

Russia is home to some of the world’s oldest and most reputable medical schools such as First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Kazan Federal University, RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia), and Kursk State Medical University. These universities admit thousands of international students each year, many of whom study under government-funded scholarships.

The Russian Government Quota Scholarship and the Open Doors Olympiad are the main pathways for fully funded medical education. They cover tuition, monthly stipend, and dormitory housing, while students must cover airfare, visa, insurance, and personal living expenses.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Master’s, PhD (medical and health sciences)

• Institutions: Leading Russian Medical Universities (Sechenov, Pirogov, RUDN, Kazan, Kursk, etc.)

• Study in: Russia

• Scholarship Value: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, dormitory) via government quota

• Deadline: Applications typically open November–February (for the next academic year)