Open Doors 2025: Winners, Runners-Up, and Your Next Steps

In this blog, I will explain what it means to be a "winner" and a "runner-up" in the Open Doors Olympiad Scholarship. I will also share what happens after you are selected and the next steps you need to take. Everything will be explained in simple and clear words, so let’s get started! 

What is the Open Doors Russia Scholarship?

The Open Doors Russia Scholarship is a government program managed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia. It is organized through the official website Open Doors. Applicants who succeed in this program are categorized into two groups: Winner and Prize Winner (also called Runner-Up).

Who is a Winner or Prize Winner (Runner-Up)?

Winner:
Winners are those who achieve the highest scores in the competition. They are awarded full scholarships, which cover university tuition fees and a monthly stipend under Russia's government quota. However, other expenses like travel, food, and health insurance are the responsibility of the student.

Prize Winner (Runner-Up):
Prize Winners, or Runners-Up, are those who rank below the Winners. If there are vacant scholarship spots left, they receive the same benefits as Winners. If not, they may need to pay part of the university tuition fees. However, Runners-Up are often offered various discounts on tuition fees, depending on the policies of the university they choose. According to estimates published on the Open Doors website (Check Reference) in 2020, approximately 80% of Prize Winners eventually receive scholarships similar to Winners.

Key Details About the Scholarship Process

Visa and Referral Letters:
After being selected, both Winners and Prize Winners receive a referral letter issued by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia. This letter is essential for applying for a student visa. Once the visa is processed, students can travel to Russia to begin their studies.

Free Education for Winners and Most Prize Winners (Runner-Up):
Feedback from past scholarship recipients confirms that many participants from 2023 and 2024 are studying in Russia without paying tuition fees, thanks to their scholarships.

Opportunities for Prize Winners:
Although Prize Winners may not always get a full scholarship, many Russian universities offer discounts and financial benefits to support them. The level of discount varies depending on the university.

Next Steps for Open Doors Scholarship Recipients

After being selected as a Winner or Prize Winner (Runner-Up) in the Open Doors Russia Scholarship, there are important steps you need to complete to prepare for your studies in Russia. Here’s a simple guide to the next steps:

1. Medical Examinations

Every applicant must undergo a medical check-up to ensure they meet the health requirements for studying in Russia.

2. Health Form Submission

Complete the required health forms and include all necessary details about your medical condition.

3. Translation of Documents into Russian

Translate all your academic and identification documents into Russian. These translations are mandatory for admission.

4. Notarization of Documents

After translating your documents, have them notarized to confirm their authenticity. This step is crucial for legal validation in Russia.

5. Filling Out Forms

Complete all additional forms provided by the Open Doors platform or your selected university. Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.

6. Re-Selecting Universities

Based on the updated list of available programs, re-select your preferred universities and programs if required.