The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project

The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project is your chance for an early admission

to a tuition-free study program at one of the leading universities in Russia

WIN AND ENTER A BACHELOR'S, MASTER'S AND PhD PROGRAM FOR FREE

Dear participants in The Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project conducted by the "Global Universities" Association, welcome to the
Novosibirsk State University site.
Winning the Open Doors makes it possible for talented students from foreign countries to enroll in Russian university Bachelor’s, Master's and PhD programs without entrance examinations and to study for free
(paid for by the Russian Federation government).

If you are a young and ambitious PhD holder, this is your chance to get a postdoc position at one of the leading universities in Russia. Participation in the Open Doors is free of charge and the competition is held online.

What's in it for you?

Early admission and tuition-free education on a Bachelor’s, a Master's and PHD program of your choice, an engaging student life experience and vibrant campus environment, ongoing support and assistance provided at every stage of the academic journey at one of the top universities in Russia. Students who have selected a degree program taught in Russian are entitled to a year of complimentary Russian language training

Who can participate?

Foreign citizens;
Stateless people;
Russian citizens who live abroad;
Who already have Secondary education (for those who apply for undergraduate programs), or already have a Bachelor’s, Specialist’s or Master’s degree or are completing their education in 2025. Participants of the postdoctoral track should have a PhD or a candidate/doctor of science degree

In what languages will the Open Doors be conducted?

Open Doors will be conducted in Russian and English

Stages

The Open Doors has two stages for Bachelor’s or Master's degree and three stages for PhD, both are conducted on-line

Registration

1 September 2025

Hurry up to register and fill out all the information you need to participate in the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project of the Global Universities Association.

Portfolio filling

1 September — 16 November 2025

Prepare your portfolio and take the entrance test in your personal account. All research papers, certificates, awards and honors that you have ever received are of value. Please include all achievements in the selected Subject area in your portfolio to increase your chances for success. The portfolio structure is unified for all Subject areas and tracks.

Deadline for portfolio submission

16 November 2025

You will not be able to edit your portfolio after the deadline. While waiting for the result of your portfolio review, you can use a system of automatic assessment to estimate your approximate score. The system will be available in your personal account.

The First stage. Grading of the portfolios

17 — 27 November 2025

Announcement of the First stage results

28 November 2025

The results of portfolio evaluation are published in the participants' personal accounts.

The Second stage. Registration of the participants

28 November — 1 December 2025

Winners of the portfolio competition are welcome to participate in the Second stage.
The Second stage of the bachelor’s track, master’s track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD) includes completing tasks of different types and complexity during three hours in the proctoring mode. To prepare effectively, please read the Subject area program and pass the Second-round Sample Tasks available on the Subject area page.
The Second stage of the post-doctoral track includes competition of the video presentation of research results. To prepare effectively, please read the Structure of a video presentation available on the Subject area page and its loading guide in the personal account.

Completion of the Second stage tasks of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)

2 — 15 December 2025

The schedule of the Second stage task sessions by Subject areas will be available later.

Grading of the Second stage of the competition of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)

3 — 21 December 2025

Announcement of the Second stage results of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)

22 December 2025

The results are available in the participant`s personal account

Appeal process of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)

23 December 2025

Announcement of the Russian Scholarship Project winners and runners-up of the bachelor's track and master's track by Subject areas

30 December 2025

The lists of the Third stage participants of the doctoral track (analogous to PhD) and post-doctoral track are published on the Subject area pages.

The Third stage (for participants of the doctoral track (analogous to PhD) and post-doctoral track)

12 January — 26 February 2026

Participant of the doctoral track can sign up for an interview with three prospective research supervisors in the personal account, while participant of the post-doctoral track can sign up for an interview with six research supervisors whose interests align with those of participant. To effectivly prepare for the interview, please read the interview program available on the page of the selected Subject area.

Announcement of the Russian Scholarship Project winners of the doctoral track (analogous to PhD) and post-doctoral track by Subject areas

27 February 2026

Sign up

Testimonials

Akim Guerreiro

Program: Oil and Gas Management
Country: Portugal

I have studied both in Western European and American universities for my Bachelor' degree; for the Master's program, I wanted to study in another region of the world. My choice, very logically, was Russia. I wanted to combine two of my passions, Geology and Economics (Russia is well known for Oil & Gas and its very specific Geology), and if possible in English with a course on Russian as a Foreign Language. The only Master's Program I found in Russia matching my dream was the Oil and Gas Management Master's at the NSU Economics Faculty. I am often asked, "Oh my, isn't there a big difference with Western Europe and the U.S.?" I answer, "There is a difference, but the quality isn't any lower". So far, it is one of the richest years in my life in terms of academic knowledge, discovering new educational methods & systems and also in terms of cultural and social differences. The differences are sometimes wide, it is true. But what I learned here more than anywhere is that differences are very beneficial because you learn how to adapt, and it broadens your mind and your spirit. Nothing in the world would make me regret this choice to involve myself into this new life project, studying in NSU and living in a little, warm, scientific town, truly the heart of knowledge in Siberia, Akademgorodok".
Mubaraq Sadiq Abubakar

Program: General Medicine
Country: Нигерия

I am a proud citizen of my country Nigeria and came from a family of 5 children, 2 boys and 3 girls. Since childhood I've been passionate about a future career in medicine which is the reason why I am here in Russia, to fulfill my ambition. I heard about Russia from different people in my country and I always wanted to be here someday.
It is a great opportunity that not everyone is privileged to have - to be at NSU. When I started studying at NSU I was a bit lazy at first but after a while, I got into the habit of regular reading and hard work, this is the impact that NSU has made in my life.
Marine Deheuvels

Program: Field Trip
Country: France

I participated in the geology field training in the Altai to make progress in Russian, to acquire some professional vocabulary, and to learn more about the geology of these Mountains.
During the two weeks in the middle of mountain ranges, in a magical environment, my expectations were exceeded! The recent finds (the Quaternary period) indicate a very different geological history than the Alps. Knowing this will allow me to pause and remain critical when studying other rock outcrops that I will probably encounter in the future during my research.
I was greeted very well as soon as I arrived at Novosibirsk airport, and accompanied for the administrative formalities. The professors and students were very friendly, patient and ready to discuss many different subjects. So, one can learn a lot about geology, but also about culture, the Siberian point of view, current and old ways of life.
In summary, I loved it and I recommend it!

About Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk, one of the fastest growing cities in the country, is the cultural and economic center of Siberia and a major transportation hub. Novosibirsk is the third largest city in Russia with more than 80 nationalities living here.

Novosibirsk is in the top 100 best student cities according to the QS 2017 ratings. Novosibirsk is the unofficial capital of Siberia and a Russian scientific center.

The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is located here along with 35 research institutes, Novosibirsk State University (the #7 university in Russia in QS international ratings) which prepares highly qualified specialists working in domestic and international scientific organizations. In Novosibirsk, you can get a quality higher education with a relatively low tuition and cost of living.

As a center for cultural life, Novosibirsk is home to more than 20 theatres and studios within its 500 square kilometers.
Learn more

Population

Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia. The population of Novosibirsk as of January 1, 2025 is 1637.3 thousand people.
Distance to the capital

The distance from Novosibirsk to Moscow is 3191 km
Climate

The climate of Novosibirsk and its suburbs is continental. The average temperature in July is +19 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in January is -19 degrees Celsius.
Cultural center of Siberia

Novosibirsk is the cultural center of Siberia. The city has more than 10 theaters, a circus, a philharmonic hall, Russia's largest zoo, a Botanical garden, two planetariums, more than a dozen museums and parks.
Developed infrastructure

Novosibirsk is a city of developed infrastructure. The city has everything for a comfortable life: large shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants and cafes, a wide network of pharmacies and private clinics, a developed public transport network represented by metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams and rail transport.
The city also has an international airport, Tolmachevo, which serves both domestic and international flights.
Average cost of living

The average monthly cost of living for one person excluding rent is approximately 46,944.9 rubles, which is about $521. For students, it is approximately $300.

About NSU

NSU is a world class classical education

NSU provides a modern, internationally competitive, classical fundamental education. We pay special attention to the comprehensive development of each student. Education at NSU will teach you how to think more broadly, to find creative solutions, and to achieve success in any field. Together with lectures and seminars, our education includes fieldwork: all students spend part of their summer doing practical work in the field starting in their first years of study. NSU is a national research university, and is closely linked to science.

More about NSU

NSU is a real science

More than 80% of NSU teachers are scientists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which gives students the opportunity to gain first—hand knowledge — to learn about breakthroughs and discoveries long before they are written about in textbooks. There are over 50 scientific laboratories operating at NSU, 9 of which are for youth.

More about the university's programs

NSU is open university

NSU actively participates in international educational and scientific collaborations, implementing joint programs with leading universities around the world. Today, more than 1,800 international students from 57 countries study at NSU. International students take an active part in the life of the university from the first day of their stay at NSU. This is largely due to the support of student volunteers and the International Student Support Center, which helps solve migration, domestic and other issues of foreign students. For foreign citizens wishing to receive an education at NSU, there are three trajectories for admission to the university: 1) by quota of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of the Russian Federation 2) based on the results of Olympiads, one of which is the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project 3) based on the results of exams.

the ISSC

Features of admission of foreign students

NSU is a world-class campus

The NSU campus is a dormitory located in an ecologically clean area of Akademgorodok. Within walking distance from it are the Scientific Institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Novosibirsk Technopark, Botanical Garden. Supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, a hospital, polyclinic and fitness clubs are located near the campus. There are also a sports center with a swimming pool, saunas, gyms, tennis court, volleyball courts, student canteen, buffets on the campus. The residents of the campus can use the services of a laundry, a hairdresser, a shoe repair shop and many others. Dorm fees average $63 per semester.
It is possible to rent housing outside the campus. If necessary, the International Student Support Center provides the necessary consulting assistance. Contacts: intersupport@nsu.ru, +7 (383) 363-43-56

More about the campus and living costs

NSU is an active student life

The active student's life of the university is represented by a variety of music, dance, leisure clubs and associations, and various sports clubs where everyone can find something interesting.

More about student's clubs

More about sports life

NSU cares about alumni and their employment

Alumni are an important part of University. The alumni association “NSU union” connects in one community people sharing the values, philosophy and interests of our University. All the work of the association is aimed at NSU’s development and advancement.
The team of NSU Career Development Center help our students and alumni with employment and career development.

Association of alumni site

NSU Career Development Center

At NSU there is an opportunity to study Russian during the period of study at the university

In 1989 the first course of Russian as a Foreign Language were held in NSU.
Over 2000 students from all over the world have studied at our Center for international educational programs (CIEP). There are over 14 teachers of Russian as a Foreign Language. People from different countries, of different age groups, with different interests and from different backgrounds have been coming to study Russian in CIEP. Programs are tailor-made to suit various language learning purposes. All members of our teaching staff have extensive experience of teaching Russian as a foreign language. Foreign students of our University can count on the 24/7 support from the International department of NSU. Each student is provided with necessary advice and assistance in preparing and registering all the necessary documents on arrival.

More about the CIEP

International achievements

NSU ranked 15-th in the 2025 Forbes ranking of the best universities in Russia

NSU occupies high positions in world rankings, including QS University Rankings by Subject, where it is represented in various fields. In particular, NSU is in the top-100 in the subject ranking of Petroleum Engineering and in the top-200 in Archeology, Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

International double degree programs

Simultaneously obtain master's degrees from two universities and successfully adapt to the specifics of two educational systems

01
Gain unique experience of communication and living in another cultural environment and skills of fluency in a foreign language

02
Gain competitive advantages in the labor market, both in Russia and abroad, and an additional advantage to your resume

03

List of educational programs

NSU develops the following areas of international activity: training of personnel within the framework of the Network Universities of Eurasia, promotion of Russian-language education abroad, inter-university agreements and projects, partnership with foundations, international associations. NSU also cooperates with 98 universities in 21 countries

Partner universities

Winners and runners-up

Winners and runners-up are the participants who passed the two (three for PhD) stages of the Open Doors with a total point score that places them in the range of from 5% to 25% of the top of the score ranking list.
The Open Doors winners will be admitted to the university free of charge and without exams, awardees can receive 20% discount on tuition for the selected program.

Bachelor’s degree

View Subject areas

Master's degree

Innovative Entrepreneurship and Management

Department of Economics
Duration: 2 years
Language: Russian

Modern Economic Theory and Modeling

Department of Economics
Duration: 2 years
Language: Russian

Analytical Chemistry