5 Top Scholarships in Russia: Types and Requirements

If you are interested in studying in Russia, you made the right decision. Russia is the world’s largest country in the area. It has a significant number of world-renowned universities. Russia became a destination for many international students each year.

After discussing the cost of studying and living in Russia, students may want to find out about the scholarships in Russia, to finance the study and even living costs.

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Government Scholarships for international students in Russia

Both international and Russian students can apply to get a government scholarship. But in order to get a scholarship, you have to pass the entrance exam or the so-called Uniform State Examination (EGE).

Indeed, every year, the Russian government grants a group of students a number of scholarships in Russia. Such scholarships include the coverage of the university tuition fees. This means that the student will study for free. It may also include the accommodation fees, in addition to a 1,500 rubles monthly scholarship.

Students may also benefit from a dormitory accommodation if it is available.

How to Apply for a Government Scholarship

1- Visit Study in Russia Website and check the available scholarships

2- Contact the consulate in your country and check the number of available government scholarships and disciplines. Getting a state scholarship depends on the relation between your country and Russia. For some countries, there are limits to the number of scholarships, but also the type of disciplines.

3- Register on the aforementioned website and download a scholarship application form.

You have to provide the following:

Personal information (full name, date of birth, country of residence, e-mail, and contact telephone number)
Level of your education and the earned certificates
The discipline you will study in Russia
Level of Russian
Copy of passport

4- Wait for an invitation to participate in the admission exam

You will be contacted to take examinations and interviews to determine whether you will get the scholarship or not.

5- Find your name among the accepted candidates;

This information will be available on the scholarships’ website or sent via email directly to the student.

6- If you were on the list, you would have to provide additional documents, such as a medical certificate. You have to submit all the required documents, altogether with the Russian translation.

7- After completing the previous steps, you will get a message to confirm your request to study at the selected university.

Non-Governmental or Russian Universities Scholarships

High School of Economics scholarships

The Russian University of National Research, Higher School of Economics is one of the most competitive and innovative universities in Russia. And the institution offers a few scholarship programs, financial aid and funding for international students in the country.

Also, these scholarships are for the most part awarded to students with high academic achievements. Like the State Academic Scholarship which grants 1821 rubles monthly to bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s degree students with high academic performance.

The Scholarship of the Lukoil Fund grants 5 scholarships to students from the 3rd and 4th year bachelor’s and 2nd year master’s. The scholarship amounts 2 500 rubles and 3 000 rubles if the student is renominated and is granted for the purpose of increasing students’ interest in higher education while offering social protection.

On the other hand, the Vladimir Potanin Fund Scholarship Program is awarded to the best master’s students from the leading Russian universities. The fund amounts 15 000 rubles grant, and is offered to 500 students from 75 Russian universities.

Learn more about the grants and scholarships of the HSE university

Open Doors Russian Scholarships

This program is the fruit of the collaboration between the Russian Ministry of Education and Science along with Global Universities’ Association. The scholarship is granted on a basis of the Open Door Olympiad competition, where the winners get a chance to study their master’s or doctoral degree in one of the prominent universities in Russia.

It is a chance for international students to get a 100% scholarship to study one of the 14 subjects offered: Business & Management, Computer & Data Science, Engineering & Technology, Clinical Medicine & Public health, Biology & Biotechnology… to name a few

Learn more about the Olympiad competition, the universities and the subjects of studies involved on the website of Open Doors

Scholarship from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology

This is another scholarship opportunity for students to earn their Master and PhD qualifications for free. It exists since 2011 and is the fruit of the collaboration with US Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is granted to international students and aims to solve important technological research problems in Russia.

The standard funding covers all tuition fee, along with a stipend of 40,000 rubles for master’s students, a medical insurance and any additional amount that the admission committee will decide on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more on the website of Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology

Eastern European University Association Scholarship (EEUA)

Established in 2019, the EEUA scholarship help international students financially during their higher education studies in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Students get a fully-funded tuition fee is along with a stipend to cover their accommodation charge for the first academic year. Students admitted in an undergraduate program at any university of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine can benefit from this scholarship.

Learn more on the website of EEUA

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MITP) Scholarship

Along with the Russian government scholarship, outstanding international students at the MITP can also apply for scholarships. These scholarships, since they are based on academic performance, are granted on a competitive basis to students. Moreover, during their studies, international students at MITP can also receive a monthly stipend, likewise based on academic merit.