Free Education in Russia: Even More Opportunities!
Recently, we told you about the quota established by the Government of the Russian Federation, which enables foreign nationals to pursue higher education at Russian universities free of charge, funded by the federal budget.
However, the quota is not the only pathway. Russian universities and educational institutions regularly organize international Olympiads, championships, and intellectual competitions. Winning or placing highly in these competitions can provide additional opportunities for studying in Russia, admission benefits, and further academic development.
We have compiled several such opportunities for you.
World Russian Championship 2026
Registration for the international World Russian Championship is now open. The competition is designed for anyone studying Russian who would like to test their knowledge of the Russian language, history, and culture.
Participation is completely free of charge.
The main prize is the title of World Champion in the Russian Language, a trophy, and the opportunity to study free of charge at Russian higher education institutions.
If you dream of studying in Russia, continuing your education, or simply want to test your abilities, be sure to take a look at this championship.
More information and registration:
russianchampionship.com/
Don't miss the opportunity to apply!
“Time to Speak Russian!” Olympiad
(Belgorod State University)
One of the best-known Russian language Olympiads is “Time to Speak Russian!”, organized by the Preparatory Faculty of Belgorod State University since 1980.
Since 2023, the Olympiad has been held with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo.
Winners have the opportunity to pursue a tuition-free Master’s degree in the field of 45.04.01 Philology, specializing in Russian as a Foreign Language.
Registration is not currently open, but we recommend following official announcements. As soon as new information about the Olympiad becomes available, we will share it on our platforms.
HSE “Vysshaya Liga” Olympiad
If you are already a university student or graduate, you should also consider the “Vysshaya Liga” Olympiad organized by HSE University with the support of Sber.
This intellectual competition is open to students and graduates of any university, regardless of citizenship or year of graduation.
Participants can compete in a wide range of disciplines, with 35 fields available. The Olympiad consists of two stages: a qualifying round and a final round.
Participation is free of charge.
Medalists and diploma winners receive admission benefits for HSE University Master’s degree programmes, additional portfolio points, as well as other prizes and gifts in accordance with the Olympiad’s rules.
More information about the Olympiad:
olymp.hse.ru/ma/about
International Olympiad of the Pushkin Institute for International School Students
International school students should also consider the International Russian Language Olympiad organized by the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, which has been held since 1972.
The Olympiad is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo.
Winners receive advantages when applying to Russian universities, as well as the opportunity to participate in a three-week tuition-free educational programme at the Pushkin Institute, in accordance with the Olympiad’s terms and conditions.
More information about the Olympiad:
olympiada.pushkininstitute.ru/XXII/
There are far more opportunities to pursue education in Russia than it may seem at first glance.
Follow the news of the Association of International Graduates and Students of the Belgorod Region Universities — we regularly publish up-to-date opportunities and important announcements that can help international applicants and students take the next step in their education.