RUSSIA: The 2026 Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) Scholarships

The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), in partnership with the Government of the Russian Federation, is offering three (3) scholarships to South African citizens for the 2026 academic year, one (1) Bachelor’s degree scholarship, one (1) Master’s degree scholarship and one (1) Preparatory Faculty programme scholarship.

All programmes are conducted in Russian. The Preparatory Faculty Programme includes an intensive one-year Russian language course. Academic foundation subjects such as Literature, History, Geography and Social Studies.

Successful completion of the preparatory programme may allow progression into Bachelor’s or Master’s studies taught in Russian.

MGIMO also offers postgraduate studies, aimed at developing scientific and academic professionals across a range of disciplines.

The academic year begins on 1 September 2026. For more details, visit the MGIMO website: MGIMO Website

Degree level

Preparatory Faculty Programme (Russian Language Foundation Year)

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Postgraduate Studies

Deadlines

Applications close on 10 April 2026.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be in good health (medical screening required)
• Have a strong academic record
• More information about the procedure for admission of foreign citizens to bachelor's degree programmes can be found on the website: https://rusbac.mgimo.ru/

Fields of Study

Bachelor’s Programmes

• International Relations
• Area Studies
• Economy
• Law
• Journalism
• Media Policy and Public Relations
• Trading
• Ecology and Wildlife Management

Master’s Programmes

• International Relations
• Area Studies
• Economy
• Law
• Journalism
• Media Policy and Public Relations
• State and Municipal Administration
• Political Science
• Management
• Trade Regulation

Postgraduate Studies

Programmes are offered across multiple scientific fields, including:

• Law
• Economy
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Historical Sciences
• Philosophy
• Pedagogy
• Philology
• Arts and Cultural Studies

What the scholarship offers

Russian Government Scholarship

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• University dormitory accommodation (subject to availability)

Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Support

• International travel costs
• Top-up monthly stipend
• Once-off settlement allowance
• Annual allowance
• Visa costs
• Pre-departure support and ongoing student support

Application process

Step 1: Apply directly via the MGIMO online application portal.
Step 2: Complete the DHET application form.
Step 3: Submit the DHET application form and supporting documents via email to: RussiaApplications@dhet.gov.za 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an online interview with DHET and the Russian Embassy.

Required Documents

• Completed DHET application form
• Proof of application submission to MGIMO
• Certified academic transcripts and certificates
• Notarised and translated identity document
• Consent to processing of personal data
• Qualification recognition (nostrification) application
• Medical certificate confirming good health
• Medical certificates confirming absence of:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis
  • Tuberculosis

Contact

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

Documents and links

MGIMO website

Application Guidelines  

MGIMO application portal

DHET MGIMO application form

MGIMO Bachelors Programmes Provided on a tuition fee basis

MGIMO Masters 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.