Russian Government Scholarships

Overview

Russian Government Scholarships are offered by the Russian Federation through the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. These scholarships are available to foreign citizens wishing to study at Russian federal universities and institutions at the bachelor’s, specialist, master’s, and postgraduate (doctoral) levels. The programme supports educational exchanges and promotes Russian higher education globally. Applications are typically submitted through the official Rossotrudnichestvo (Russian Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation) channels or directly through Russian embassies.

What’s Included?

Russian Government Scholarship holders typically receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage at a state-funded Russian university place
• Monthly stipend (approximately RUB 1,400–3,000 per month, subject to annual adjustments)
• Free dormitory accommodation at the university campus (in most cases)
• Access to Russian state university medical services
• Opportunity for a Russian language preparatory course at some universities (one academic year)

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Russian Government Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a foreign country (not a Russian citizen)
• Meet the academic entry requirements for the programme applied to
• Be under 25 years of age for bachelor’s programmes, under 30 for master’s programmes, and under 35 for postgraduate programmes (age limits may vary)
• Be medically fit (health certificate required)
• Demonstrate Russian language proficiency (or willingness to complete a Russian language preparatory course)

How to Apply

The application process is managed through two main channels:

• Rossotrudnichestvo channel: Apply through the Russian Cultural Centre (Rossotrudnichestvo office) or Russian Embassy in your country; submit documents directly to that office for forwarding to Russian universities
• Direct application (Quota system): Register on the official Russian Government portal for foreign students (education-in-russia.com) during the application window, upload required documents, and select up to 6 preferred universities and programmes
• Required documents typically include: passport copy, educational certificates and transcripts, language certificate, medical certificate, and photographs

Key Dates

Application portal opens	Typically December–January
Application deadline (online portal)	Typically March–April
University selections and offers	April–June
Academic year starts	September 1

Contact Information

To apply, visit the official Russian Government scholarship portal. You may also contact the Russian Embassy in your country for further assistance.