Russian Government Scholarships for Indian Students: A Gateway to Higher Education

The Russian Government is offering scholarships for the academic year 2026-27 to 300 Indian students seeking to pursue higher education. This initiative covers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs across multiple universities in Russia, excluding a few prestigious institutions. The scholarships include tuition fee coverage and do not require knowledge of the Russian language, as many courses are available in English. The selection process is based on academic merit, and interested candidates can apply online. This opportunity opens doors for students to study in renowned Russian universities and gain valuable international experience.

By Ambika Singh Nov 18, 2025, 12:28 IST

Overview of the Scholarship Opportunity

Are you a student looking to further your education abroad after completing 12th grade? The Russian Government has unveiled a scholarship program for the academic year 2026-27, aimed at supporting 300 Indian students. This initiative covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs, as confirmed by the Union Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Eligible Universities for Scholarships

The scholarships are applicable to various universities across Russia, excluding Lomonosov Moscow State University and MGIMO. Indian students can apply to institutions located in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, and Vladivostok.

Courses Covered by the Scholarships

The Russian Government will provide scholarships for a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to medical studies, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, agriculture, management, economics, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, space studies, aviation, sports, and the arts.

Tuition Fee Coverage

Students awarded these scholarships will have their tuition fees covered, allowing them to study at Russian universities without financial burden.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates will be based on academic performance rather than entrance exams. Applicants must submit their scholarship application along with their previous education diploma's average grade, a portfolio that includes recommendation letters from the chosen Russian university's rector or vice-rector, and certificates from any relevant competitions or Olympiads. Students can list up to six universities in their application, ranked by preference.

Language Requirements

Knowledge of the Russian language is not a prerequisite for these scholarships, as many courses, including medical programs, are offered in English. However, if students wish to learn Russian, they can opt for a one-year language course before starting their main studies.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply for the scholarships online through the official website: https://www.education-in-russia.com.

Two-Phase Selection Process

The selection will occur in two phases, with the first phase concluding on January 15th. During this phase, submitted documents will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the second phase, which includes university allocation and visa processing, managed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in partnership with Russian universities.