Russian Government Scholarship 2026/27 for South African Students

The 2026/27 Russian Government Scholarship Programme for South Africans is now open.

South African citizens now have the opportunity to apply for the Russian Government Scholarship Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. The scholarship offers the chance to study at accredited Russian universities, with programmes available in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels. Depending on the institution, students can study in either English or Russian, and for programmes taught in Russian, a one-year preparatory language course is included in the scholarship.

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens and meet one of the following academic conditions:

• Completed Grade 12 or TVET qualification and seeking to study for a Bachelor’s Degree
• Completed a Bachelor’s Degree and wishing to pursue a Master’s Degree
• Completed a Master’s Degree and aiming to pursue a PhD
• South African students already studying in Russia may also apply for support under this scholarship

Minimum Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s applicants: Minimum 60% average in the NSC (Life Orientation not included)
• Postgraduate applicants: Minimum 60% average in previous studies
• Must meet academic entry requirements of the selected Russian university
• Must be in good health and eligible to commence studies in September 2026

Note: Qualifications obtained outside South Africa require SAQA verification.

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Fields of Study

For 2026, priority consideration will be given to applicants intending to study in the following key fields:

• Green Energy
• Nuclear Physics
• Technology and Innovation
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Engineering (all disciplines)
• Physics and Chemistry

Additional fields also available under the scholarship include:

• Architecture
• Fine Arts
• Media Studies
• Marine Studies
• Economics
• And various other academic disciplines

Important: Applications for Health Sciences will not be accepted for 2026.
Applicants planning to pursue professional degrees (especially engineering) should verify recognition and accreditation with the relevant professional body in South Africa before applying.

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Stipend / Bursary Benefits

The scholarship generally includes:

• Tuition-free study at a Russian public university
• One-year Russian language preparatory programme (where required)

Other financial support such as accommodation or monthly stipends may vary depending on the university and government allocation guidelines. Applicants are advised to confirm details during the placement stage with the relevant institutions or programme coordinators.

HOW TO APPLY FOR RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP

1. Register Online
   Visit the official Russian education scholarship portal: https://education-in-russia.com/
2. Complete the Online Profile
   Provide:
   1. Full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details
   2. Intended field of study and qualification level
   3. Language proficiency details
3. Upload Required Documents
   1. Certified copy of Passport (valid for at least 18 months from date of arrival) or Birth Certificate
   2. Academic certificates and transcripts
4. Select Preferred Universities
   1. Choose up to 6 universities
   2. No more than 3 universities in the same federal district
   3. For Moscow and St. Petersburg, no more than 2 universities in each city
5. SAQA Verification
   Required only for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
6. Students Already Studying in Russia
   Must upload academic progress reports and select only their current programme.

Only applicants who complete the online registration will be considered for nomination and placement.

CLOSING DATE FOR RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP

• Closing Date: 15 January 2026
• Academic year in Russia runs from September to May.

Applicants who do not receive communication after the review period should consider their application unsuccessful.

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