RUSSIA: The 2025 Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) Scholarships

The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) is offering one scholarship for a Bachelor’s programme, one scholarship for a Preparatory Faculty programme, and one scholarship for a Master’s programme for South African citizens for the 2025 academic year.

All programmes are conducted in Russian. The Preparatory Faculty includes a one-year Russian language course, after which students may transition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme taught in Russian.

The academic year begins on 1 September 2025.

For more details, visit the MGIMO website: MGIMO Website

Degree level

Preparatory Faculty programme

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Deadlines

Applications close on 28 March 2025.

Who can apply?

• Be South African citizens in good health (a medical test will be required for successful candidates);

• Have a strong academic record.

For the Preparatory Faculty

• Candidates will attend Russian language courses at MGIMO for six academic hours per week.

For Master’s studies:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record.

Fields of Study

Bachelor’s Programmes (taught in Russian)

• International Relations
• Foreign Region Studies
• International Economy
• International Law
• International Journalism
• Public Relations

Master’s Programmes (taught in Russian)

• International Relations
• Foreign Region Studies
• International Economy
• International Law
• International Journalism
• Public Relations
• Finance and Credit

 What the scholarship offers

The Russian Government Scholarship Covers:

• Tuition for the entire duration of the selected programme;

• A monthly allowance;

• Dormitory accommodation (subject to verification with the university).

The Department of Higher Education and Training Covers:

• Travel costs
• A top-up monthly stipend
• A once-off settlement allowance
• An annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year
• Visa costs
• Pre-departure and on scholarship student support

Application process

• STEP 1: Interested candidates must complete the application form on the MGIMO website and ensure that all required documents are uploaded before final submission.
• STEP 2: Complete the DHET application form.
• STEP 3: Send an email confirmation along with the DHET application form and supporting documents to RussiaApplications@dhet.gov.za. 

After submitting the required documents, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview with representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Russian Embassy in South Africa.

Required Documents

• Completed DHET application form;
• Application for the recognition of your qualifications (nostrification) — nostrification must be done at the Department of International Relations & Cooperation;
• Consent to the processing of personal data;
• Notarized copy of the translated identity document — must be done at the Department of International Relations & Cooperation;
• Copies of academic transcripts (NSC, diploma, degree, etc);
• Email confirmation that you have submitted the application form to the university;

Medical Documents

• A medical certificate confirming you are in good health to undertake studies in Russia;
• A certificate confirming you do not have the following medical conditions:
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Hepatitis
  • Tuberculosis

Contact

For enquiries, please contact the Russian Embassy in South Africa at ruspospr@mweb.co.za.

Documents and links

MGIMO website

Application Guidelines  

MGIMO application portal

DHET application form

MGIMO Programmes Provided on a tuition fee basis

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.