Registration is now open for all applicants who wish to study in Russian higher educational institutions in 2025/2026 academic year under the Russian Government Scholarship programme.

Russian higher educational institutions offer studies in the Russian and English languages depending on the chosen university and/or programme. Programmes taught in the Russian language require a one-year preparatory course related to the field of study included in the scholarship.

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • South African Citizens, who have graduated from Secondary School and TVET College and wish to study for a Bachelor's Degree;
  • South African Citizens, who have graduated from University with a Bachelor’s Degree and wish to study for a Master’s Degree;
  • South African Citizens, who have graduated from University with a Master’s Degree and wish to study for a PhD;
  • Students already studying in Russia may apply for the scholarship however, they will be required to start their studies from the beginning; mid-study transfers will NOT be considered.

WHICH EXPENSES ARE COVERED?

The Russian Government Scholarship COVERS:

  • free tuition for the entire duration of the chosen programme;
  • maintenance allowance (50$ per month);
  • access to dormitory accommodation (terms and conditions - subject to verification with the university).

The Department of Higher Education and Training COVERS:

  • travel costs
  • a monthly stipend
  • a once-off settlement allowance
  • an annual allowance payable at the beginning of each academic year
  • visa costs
  • pre-departure and on scholarship student support

HOW TO APPLY?

Part One

Candidates are expected to complete the online application form on the website https://education-in-russia.com/ by 15 JANUARY 2025.

The applicant may choose up to 6 universities within 1 education programme they would like to pursue.

Only applicants who complete the application can be considered for the nomination process and scholarship support.

Part Two

Submit the DHET application form with supporting documents listed below to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 15 January 2025.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DHET SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

  • South African citizens in good health;
  • Have a strong academic record:
    • Bachelor’s applicants require a minimum average of 60% in their NSC (excluding Life Orientation);
      • Postgraduate applications should have performed well in their previous studies with a minimum 60% average mark achieved in their previous studies;
      • Meet the minimum academic requirement for entry into a similar programme at a Russian university;
      • Available and eligible to study in Russia from September 2025;
      • Meet the entry criteria for their selected programme in Russia;
      • An interest in studying in Russia and demonstrated commitment to the development of South Africa.

WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO HAVE?

Those willing to start or continue their education in Russia need to have:

  • Completed DHET Application Form
  • Passport Home Page
  • National Senior Certificate with Bachelor’s Pass
  • Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
  • Honour’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
  • Master’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
  • Study Plan or Research Proposal in English for all Postgraduate applications
  • Required medical documents

Please note: SAQA verification is required for all degrees obtained outside South Africa.

After the successful registration through the submission of the required details and documentation, the profile of each candidate will be sent for evaluation. If the results of the certificates meet the minimum requirements, the candidate will be invited to an interview, the dates of which will be announced in advance. After the interview, the successful candidates will be informed of the outcome of the interview, which the students will then be advised on the necessary paperwork and process to prepare for departure. Please note that successful applicants will be notified by the Department of Higher Education and Training directly regarding their application outcome and the next steps to be followed.

The application campaign runs from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.

Choose a university and education programme you prefer and pursue your career dreams with Russia!

CONTACT

All enquiries should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DOCUMENTS

DHET Application Form

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

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