Open Doors Olympiad is your chance for an early admission to a tuition-free study program at one of the leading universities in Russia!
If you are a young and ambitious PhD holder, this is your chance to get a postdoc position at one of the leading universities in Russia!
ABOUT THE OLYMPIAD
The Open Doors Olympiad has been held annually since 2017. It is organized by the Association of Global Universities, a consortium of leading Russian universities, and is supported by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Rossotrudnichestvo.
Every year, over a hundred thousand talented and motivated young people from many countries participate in the Open Doors. The competition covers 14 interdisciplinary Subjects, ranging from engineering and medicine to economics and linguistics, with tracks available for Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates. Participation in the Open Doors is free of charge and the competition is held online. The working languages of the Open Doors are English and Russian.
Winning the Open Doors gives admission to Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes, or secures a postdoc position in research projects at one of Russia's leading universities through a streamlined, one-stop process. Over the past seven years, more than 6,000 international students have enjoyed his opportunity.
What are the benefits for the winners of the bachelor’s, master’s or PhD tracks?
- State-financed tuition for the chosen study programme, taught in English or Russian. Students who have selected a degree programme taught in Russian are entitled to a year of complimentary Russian language foundation training;
- The opportunity to choose a university and degree programme through a streamlined, one-stop system;
- An engaging student life experience and vibrant campus environment;
- Ongoing support and assistance provided at every stage of the academic journey.
What are the benefits for the winners of the postdoctoral track?
- A postdoc position in a research project at one of Russia's universities;
- The opportunity to choose a university research project through a streamlined one-stop system;
- The opportunity to work under the guidance of world-renowned scientists, using state-of-the-art research equipment;
- Continuous support at every stage of their research work.
How many stages are there in the Open Doors?
There are two stages in the Bachelor’s and Master’s tracks: the 1st stage is a portfolio review and an entrance test. The 2nd stage is a completion of the Open Doors tasks.
There are three stages in the doctoral (PhD) and postdoctoral tracks: the 1st stage for both tracks is a portfolio review and an entrance test. The 2nd stage for the PhD track is a completion of the Open Doors tasks; for the postdoctoral track — a video presentation of achievements in research activity. The 3rd stage for the PhD track is an interview with potential research supervisors, and for the postdoctoral track — an interview with the leaders of research projects.
Who can participate in the Open Doors?
Foreign citizens/nationals, stateless persons or compatriots living abroad, who can verify the completion of the previous degree of education or who will complete it in the year the Open Doors is held, depending on the chosen track:
- Bachelor’s track – secondary school certificate or vocational training diploma as education background;
- Master’s track – a degree of higher education, at least that of a Bachelor;
- PhD track – a degree of higher education, at least that of a Master’s or Specialist;
- Participants of the postdoctoral track should have a PhD or a Candidate/Doctor of Science degree.
Subject areas:
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Business & Management
- Chemistry & Materials Science
- Clinical Medicine & Public Health
- Computer & Data Science
- Earth & Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
- Economics & Econometrics
- Education & Psychology
- Engineering & Technology
- Russian Language & Culture
- Applied Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence
- Physical Sciences & Technology
- Politics & International Studies
- Urbanism & Civil Engineering
Key dates & events
- September 01 - November 16, 2025 – registration and portfolio submission. Entrance (probation) test.
- November 28, 2025 – announcement of the 1st stage results.
- December 02 – 15, 2025 – 2nd stage tasks session (pre-registration is required).
- December 30, 2025 – announcement of the 2nd stage results: list of the winners & runners-up of the Bachelor`s and Master`s tracks (by Subject).
- January 12 – February 26, 2026 – 3rd stage interview session (for PHD & postdoctoral tracks).
- February 27, 2026 – announcement of the 3rd stage results: list of the winners PHD & postdoctoral tracks (by Subject).
For more information, please refer to the Open Doors's Rules of Participation.
The Open Doors team is always available to address any questions that may arise.
Orientation webinars with Lobachevsky University
During webinars, the Open Doors participants will familiarize with the history and peculiarities of Lobachevsky University, as well as programmes & benefits offered to Open Doors awardees. They will also get more information about available privileges, grants & scholarships, accommodation arrangements, career opportunities during their studies and support services for international students.
The registered Open Doors participants will get beforehand via email direct links to join the orientation webinars and to chat with UNN Admission team. The website visitors can find here the recordings after the webinars are finished.
Orientation webinars with Lobachevsky University begin at 10.00 Moscow time (UTC +3):
- Bachelor`s track orientation day – September 29, 2025.
- Master`s & PHD tracks – October 13, 2025.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
International Admission & Academic Support Office
Office 306, building 2, 23, Gagarin avenue,
Nizhny Novgorod, 603022, Russia
tel. +7 831 462 35 21
WA/Telegram: +7 920 077 71 52
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
telegram:
t.me/lobachevsky_worldwide
