In a significant move to bolster academic ties, the Russian Federation has unveiled a major scholarship initiative for Indian students aiming to pursue higher education in Russia for the academic year 2026-27. This program opens doors to a vast array of universities across the country, providing a substantial opportunity for Indian scholars.
Scope and Eligibility of the Russian Scholarship Program
The scholarship scheme is notably extensive, covering almost all universities across Russia. Students can seek admission in institutions located in major hubs like Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in cities such as Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, and Vladivostok. However, it is important to note that the prestigious Lomonosov Moscow State University and MGIMO (Moscow State Institute of International Relations) are excluded from this particular program.
Indian students can apply for a diverse range of academic levels, including bachelor's, specialist's, master's, and MPhil programmes, alongside advanced training courses. The fields of study are remarkably wide, spanning:
- Medicine and Pharmacy
- Engineering and Architecture
- Agriculture and Management
- Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Mathematics, Space, and Aviation studies
- Sports and the Arts
This initiative builds upon the existing strong educational connection, as approximately 27,000 Indian students are currently pursuing various courses in Russian universities and tertiary institutions.
Key Benefits: English Medium and No Entrance Exams
A major highlight for Indian applicants is the announcement that several academic programmes, particularly in medicine, will be offered in English. This move effectively eliminates the mandatory requirement of prior proficiency in Russian for these courses, removing a significant barrier.
For students opting for Russian-taught programs or wishing to learn the language, there is an option to undertake an additional preparatory year to study Russian before starting their main course.
Another attractive feature is the selection process, which does not involve any entrance tests or examinations. Candidates will be assessed based on two primary criteria: their average academic scores from previous education and a submitted portfolio. This portfolio can include scientific publications, recommendation letters from university authorities, and certificates from national or international competitions and Olympiads.
Application Process and Top Russian Universities
Interested students must apply through the official portal education-in-russia.com. Applicants are allowed to list up to six universities in order of their preference, though the final enrollment decision rests with the allocating institution.
The selection will be conducted in two distinct stages. The first stage concludes on January 15 and involves document verification and shortlisting of candidates. The second stage is overseen by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in coordination with the universities, dealing with student allocation and visa issuance.
For students considering their options, Russia boasts several globally ranked institutions. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, top Russian universities include Lomonosov Moscow State University (105), Bauman Moscow State Technical University (320), RUDN University (367), and Saint Petersburg State University (375), among others.
This scholarship program represents a strategic effort by Russia to attract Indian talent and deepen educational collaboration, offering a streamlined, accessible pathway for students to gain international qualifications in a cost-effective manner.
