If you are planning to study abroad at an affordable cost, the Russian Government has announced a major opportunity for Indian students. For the academic year 2026–27, Russia is offering 300 fully funded scholarships across multiple fields of study. These government-backed scholarships allow Indian students to pursue higher education at top Russian universities without paying tuition fees.
The last date for submitting applications for Stage-1 is January 15, 2026, so interested students should begin preparing their documents as early as possible.
What This Scholarship Offers
Under this initiative, Indian students can apply for a variety of academic programmes, including:
- Undergraduate courses
- Specialist programmes
- Postgraduate or master’s degrees
- PhD programmes
- Advanced professional training courses
The scholarship covers full tuition charges at most public universities in Russia. Only a few institutions like Lomonosov Moscow State University and MGIMO are not included under the free-tuition benefit.
Wide Range of Courses Available
Students can choose from a large list of disciplines, such as:
- Medicine and pharmacy
- Engineering and technology
- Architecture and construction
- Agriculture
- Management and economics
- Humanities and social sciences
- Mathematics and natural sciences
- Space and aviation
- Sports science
- Fine arts and performing arts
Many programmes, especially in engineering and medical fields, are also available in English. Those who do not know Russian can take a one-year preparatory language course, which is included under the scholarship.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted only through the official portal: education-in-russia.com. Any application filed through other channels will not be considered valid.
Selection Process
The evaluation is done in two stages:
Stage 1: Screening
In the first phase, candidates are shortlisted on the basis of:
- Academic performance
- Supporting documents such as research papers
- Recommendation letters
- Certificates from Olympiads or academic competitions
The deadline for completing this stage is January 15, 2026.
Stage 2: University Placement and Visa
Students who pass the first round move to the second stage managed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia. This includes:
- Allocation of universities
- Confirmation of seats
- Visa processing and other formalities
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has clearly stated that it has no role in selecting or nominating candidates for this scholarship.
Final Thoughts Scholarships for International Students
With 300 fully funded seats and access to some of Russia’s leading educational institutions, this scholarship is a strong opportunity for Indian students looking for affordable international education. Since the first deadline is approaching on January 15, 2026, students should gather their documents, choose their preferred courses, and complete the application process on time.