If you are searching for Scholarships in Russia Without IELTS, you’re not alone. Many international students want to study in Russia but worry about IELTS requirements. The good news is that most Russian scholarships accept alternatives, such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, English taught degree proof, Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, or even internal university assessments. Understanding how “without IELTS” works is key to applying successfully.

Scholarships in Russia Without IELTS are designed to help students who already have strong academic records and English proficiency but cannot provide an IELTS score. These scholarships are available at top universities across Russia, including Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University, and RUDN University. By providing alternative proof of English, applicants can still access tuition waivers, stipends, and other benefits.

Many Scholarships in Russia Without IELTS also include fully funded programs for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students. Some scholarships are government funded, while others are university specific or supported by research programs. The key is to carefully check each scholarship’s language requirements and prepare documents like a strong SOP, recommendation letters, and an MOI letter to improve your chances of success.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means

Many students misunderstand “without IELTS” and assume they do not need any English proof.

“Without IELTS” usually means:

• IELTS is not mandatory
• You can submit another accepted English proof
• Or the scholarship follows the university’s language requirements, which may accept MOI or alternatives

Accepted IELTS Alternatives in Russia

• MOI Letter: A certificate from your previous institution confirming your degree was taught in English.
• English-taught degree proof: Transcript or diploma supplement specifying English instruction.
• Other tests: Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge (depends on university).
• University waiver or interview: Some universities waive tests based on an internal assessment.
• Russian-taught programs: Some programs require Russian proficiency instead of English.

Top Scholarships in Russia Without IELTS

Here is a detailed list of major scholarships in Russia that may allow international students to apply without IELTS:

1. Russian Government Scholarship (Open Doors/Global Education)

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend + accommodation support
Without IELTS angle: MOI or alternative English proof may be accepted depending on the university

2. Lomonosov Moscow State University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition fee waivers + stipend
Without IELTS angle: Accepts MOI or internal language assessment

3. Saint Petersburg State University International Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition support + monthly allowance
Without IELTS angle: MOI or previous English degree proof accepted

4. Higher School of Economics (HSE) Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s
Funding: Tuition waivers + partial living stipend
Without IELTS angle: English-taught programs accept MOI letters

5. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) Scholarships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend + research support
Without IELTS angle: Some programs accept alternative English proof

6. Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) Scholarships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Full tuition + stipend + living support
Without IELTS angle: English-taught programs allow MOI or internal assessment

7. Russian Presidential Scholarship

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend + research grants
Without IELTS angle: University language rules apply; alternatives often accepted

8. Tomsk State University International Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition support + monthly allowance
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters and English-taught degree proof accepted

9. Novosibirsk State University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend + housing
Without IELTS angle: Alternative English proof can be accepted

10. Kazan Federal University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI or previous English-taught degree proof accepted

11. National Research University – MEPhI Scholarships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition support + stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI or internal assessment accepted

12. Tomsk Polytechnic University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition waiver + stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI or English certificate alternatives

13. Ural Federal University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s
Funding: Tuition support + monthly allowance
Without IELTS angle: Accepts MOI and internal university evaluation

14. Russian-Armenian University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition waiver + stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI or previous English-taught degree accepted

15. Far Eastern Federal University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition support + living stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI accepted for English-taught programs

16. Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition waiver + stipend
Without IELTS angle: Alternative English tests or MOI accepted

17. South Ural State University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s
Funding: Tuition support + accommodation support
Without IELTS angle: MOI or English proof accepted

18. Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend + accommodation
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters widely accepted

19. Siberian Federal University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition support + stipend
Without IELTS angle: Alternative English tests accepted

20. Russian Language & Culture Scholarships (Government + University)

Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/Language Programs
Funding: Tuition + stipend + accommodation
Without IELTS angle: Some programs may not require IELTS; alternatives accepted

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Russia Without IELTS

Step 1: Decide Your Level and Field

• Bachelor / Master / PhD
• Field: Engineering, CS, Medicine, Social Sciences, etc.
• Choose 2–3 preferred universities

Step 2: Shortlist Programs First

• Check which universities offer English-taught programs
• Confirm acceptance of MOI or alternative English proof
• Match scholarships to these programs

Step 3: Get Your MOI Letter Correctly

• Full name + passport (optional)
• Degree name and duration
• Statement: “The medium of instruction for this degree was English”
• Official letterhead, stamp, signature, date, contact info

Step 4: Prepare Other Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation letters
• CV / resume

Step 5: Apply Before Deadlines

• Submit documents online or via email as per scholarship rules
• Ensure PDF naming and format compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Scholarships in Russia Without IELTS

• Thinking “without IELTS” means no English proof
• Using a weak MOI letter
• Copy-pasting SOPs for all applications
• Ignoring eligibility criteria
• Missing deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)