Russia Opens 300 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026-27

The Russian Federation has announced 300 fully funded government scholarships for Indian students pursuing higher education in Russia for the 2026-27 academic year, with applications now open and the first-stage deadline set for January 15, 2026.

These scholarships cover tuition fees entirely and are available across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, agriculture, economics, management, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, aviation, space studies, sports, and the arts.

Programs span bachelor’s, specialist’s, master’s, PhD (MPhil), and advanced training levels.Many courses, particularly in medicine and engineering, are taught in English, eliminating the need for prior Russian language proficiency.

Students opting for Russian-medium programs can enroll in a free one-year preparatory language course before starting their main studies.No entrance examinations are required; selection is based on academic performance, portfolio, recommendation letters, research work, or competition certificates.

Applicants can choose up to six universities in order of preference from nearly all Russian institutions, including those in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad, and other regions.

Excluded are Lomonosov Moscow State University and MGIMO.The selection process occurs in two stages: The first involves document verification and preliminary shortlisting, ending January 15, 2026. The second stage sees Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in coordination with universities, allocate placements and issue visa documents.

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official portal at education-in-russia.com. The Indian Ministry of Education has clarified it plays no role in nominations or selections.Russia remains a popular destination for Indian students, with over 27,000 currently enrolled in its universities, drawn by affordable education, global rankings, and strong programs in STEM and medicine.

This quota-based scholarship program continues Russia’s annual initiative to attract international talent, offering a tuition-free pathway to world-class education amid growing bilateral academic ties. Interested students are urged to apply early via the portal for this competitive opportunity.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.