New Delhi. : The Russia has opened applications for its government scholarship programme for Indian students for the 2026–27 academic year, offering a simplified admission process without entrance examinations. The initiative provides Indian learners access to a wide network of Russian universities across major academic hubs including Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Vladivostok and Kaliningrad.
Applications can be submitted through the official portal education-in-russia.com. As per the announcement, Lomonosov Moscow State University and MGIMO University are excluded from this scholarship cycle.
Russia continues to be a preferred destination for Indian students, with over 27,000 Indian learners currently enrolled in Russian higher education institutions across various disciplines.
Wide Range of Courses and Study Levels
The scholarship supports multiple academic levels including bachelor’s, specialist’s, master’s, MPhil and advanced training programmes.
Students can choose from a diverse range of disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, agriculture, economics, management, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, aviation, space studies, sports and the arts.
To improve accessibility, Russian authorities have confirmed that several programmes, particularly medical courses, will be offered entirely in English, eliminating the need for prior Russian language proficiency. Students interested in learning Russian may opt for a one-year preparatory language programme before beginning their degree.
Russian Universities in Global Rankings
Several participating institutions continue to feature in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting Russia’s growing academic reputation. Leading ranked institutions include:
- Lomonosov Moscow State University – Rank 105
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University – Rank 320
- RUDN University – Rank 367
- Saint Petersburg State University – Rank 375
- HSE University – Rank 440
- Kazan Federal University – Rank 450
- Novosibirsk State University – Rank 461
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology – Rank 477
- Tomsk State University – Rank 499
- Ural Federal University – Rank 519
These universities offer a strong mix of research-oriented and professionally focused programmes, attracting international students every year.
Selection Process Without Entrance Exams
The scholarship selection process does not require entrance examinations. Candidates are shortlisted based on:
- Academic performance in previous qualifications
- A portfolio, which may include research papers, recommendation letters, certificates from national or international competitions, Olympiads and other relevant achievements
Applicants can select up to six universities in order of preference. Final allocation depends on institutional evaluation and seat availability.
The process is conducted in two stages.
The first stage, ending on January 15, involves document verification and initial screening.
In the second stage, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, along with participating universities, allocates institutions and issues official documentation required for visa processing.
With increasing interest among Indian students in international education pathways, the Russian government scholarship programme is expected to attract significant applications for the 2026–27 intake.
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