Registration is now open for South African citizens wishing to pursue studies in Russian higher education institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year under the Russian Government Scholarship Programme.

Russian higher educational institutions offer study opportunities in Russian and English, depending on the university and chosen programme.

Programmes taught in Russian require a one-year preparatory course related to the chosen field of study, which is included in the scholarship.

Degree level

PhD

Master’s 

Bachelor's

Deadlines

15 January 2026

Priority Fields of Study for 2026

The Department will prioritise applications in the following areas:

  • Green Energy
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Technology
  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • All Engineering Fields
  • Physics and Chemistry

Other fields available under the scholarship include fine arts, media studies, architecture, marine studies, economics, and more.

Please note: Applications for health sciences will not be considered for 2026. Furthermore, applicants who wish to study professional degrees, such as engineering, must consult the relevant professional body in South Africa to confirm the appropriateness and recognition of both the university and the degree they intend to pursue.

Who Can Apply?

South African citizens who meet one of the following criteria may apply:

  • Graduated from Secondary School or TVET College and wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
  • Graduated from a university with a Bachelor’s Degree and wish to pursue a Master’s Degree
  • Graduated from a university with a Master’s Degree and wish to pursue a PhD
  • Students already studying in Russia may also apply for DHET scholarship support for current studies

Application Period

The application campaign runs from 15 October 2025 to 15 January 2026.
Please note that the academic year in Russia begins in September and ends in May.

Application process

Register on the “Education in Russia” System (Deadline: 15 January 2026)

  1. Complete the online registration at https://education-in-russia.com/

  2. Provide your personal details, including:

    • Full name, date of birth, and country of residence

    • Email address and contact number

    • Field of study, education level, and Russian language proficiency

  3. Upload scanned copies of:

    • Passport (valid for at least 18 months from planned arrival in Russia) or Birth Certificate

    • Educational certificates and transcripts

  4. Choose up to six (6) universities under the scholarship:

    • Not more than three (3) in one federal district

    • In Moscow and St. Petersburg, not more than two (2) in each city

Only applicants who complete this online step will be considered for the nomination and scholarship support process.

Note: SAQA verification is required for all qualifications obtained outside South Africa.

Existing Russian Government Scholarship holders in Russia may also apply for the DHET scholarship support and must submit all documentation required for the level of their current studies and a progress report for current studies. Applicants must only select the current programme of study.

Minimum Requirements for the Scholarship

Applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens in good health

  • Have a strong academic record:

    • Bachelor’s applicants: minimum 60% average in NSC (excluding Life Orientation)

    • Postgraduate applicants: minimum 60% average in previous studies

  • Meet the academic requirements for a similar programme at a Russian university

  • Be available and eligible to study in Russia from September 2026

  • Meet the entry criteria of their selected programme

  • Demonstrate interest in studying in Russia and commitment to South Africa’s development

Contact Information

For enquiries, please contact 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. 

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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