About the Olympiad
The Open Doors offers limitless opportunities for education, self-development, and new academic career prospects in Russia for young talented individuals from around the globe.
The Open Doors has been held annually since 2017. It is organized by the Association of Global Universities, a consortium of leading Russian universities, and is supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and Rossotrudnichestvo.
Each year, over a hundred thousand talented and motivated young people from many countries participate in the Open Doors. The competition covers 14 interdisciplinary Subjects, ranging from engineering and medicine to economics and linguistics, with tracks available for bachelor's, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates. Participation in the Open Doors is free of charge and the competition is held online. The working languages of the Open Doors are English and Russian.
Winning the Open Doors gives admission to bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs, or secures a postdoc position in research projects at one of Russia's leading universities through a streamlined, one-stop process. Over the past seven years, more than 6,000 international students have enjoyed his opportunity.
Link to the Open Doors website - od.globaluni.ru
Link to the Open Doors community in VKontakte
Link to the Open Doors channel in Telegram
What are the benefits for the winners of the bachelor’s, master’s or PhD tracks?
Free tuition for the chosen study program, taught in English or Russian. Students who have selected a degree program taught in Russian are entitled to a year of complimentary Russian language training
The opportunity to choose a university and degree program through a streamlined, one-stop system
An engaging student life experience and vibrant campus environment
Ongoing support and assistance provided at every stage of the academic journey.
What are the benefits for the winners of the postdoctoral track?
A postdoc position in a research project at one of Russia's universities
The opportunity to choose a university research project through a streamlined one-stop system
The opportunity to work under the guidance of world-renowned scientists, using state-of-the-art research equipment
Continuous support at every stage of their research work
How many stages are there in the Open Doors?
There are two stages in the bachelor’s and master’s tracks:
The first stage is a portfolio review and an entrance test. The second stage is a completion of the Open Doors tasks.
There are three stages in the doctoral (PhD) and postdoctoral tracks:
The first stage for both tracks is a portfolio review and an entrance test.
The second stage for the PhD track is a completion of the Open Doors tasks; for the postdoctoral track — a video presentation of achievements in research activity.
The third stage for the PhD track is an interview with potential research supervisors, and for the postdoctoral track — an interview with the leaders of research projects.
Who can participate in the Open Doors?
Foreign citizens or stateless persons, including compatriots living abroad, who can verify the completion of the previous degree of education or who will complete it in the year the Open Doors is held, depending on the chosen track:
- Bachelor’s track – a completed general secondary education;
- Master’s track – a degree of higher education, at least that of a bachelor;
- PhD track – a degree of higher education, at least that of a master’s or specialist;
- Participants of the postdoctoral track should have a PhD or a candidate/doctor of science degree.
Seize this unique opportunity to start an educational or academic career in Russia!
For more detailed information, please refer to the Open Doors's Rules of Participation.
The Open Doors team is always available to address any questions that may arise.
Schedule
1 September 2025
Registration
Hurry up to register and fill out all the information you need to participate in the Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project of the Global Universities Association.
1 September - 16 November 2025
Portfolio filling
Prepare your portfolio and take the entrance test in your personal account. All research papers, certificates, awards and honors that you have ever received are of value. Please include all achievements in the selected Subject area in your portfolio to increase your chances for success. The portfolio structure is unified for all Subject areas and tracks.
16 November 2025
Deadline for portfolio submission
You will not be able to edit your portfolio after the deadline. While waiting for the result of your portfolio review, you can use a system of automatic assessment to estimate your approximate score. The system will be available in your personal account.
17 - 24 November 2025
The First stage. Grading of the portfolios
28 November 2025
Announcement of the First stage results
The results of portfolio evaluation are published in the participants' personal accounts.
1 December 2025
The Second stage
Winners of the portfolio competition are welcome to participate in the Second stage.
The Second stage of the bachelor’s track, master’s track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD) includes completing tasks of different types and complexity during three hours in the proctoring mode. To prepare effectively, please read the Subject area program and pass the Second-round Sample Tasks available on the Subject area page.
The Second stage of the post-doctoral track includes competition of the video presentation of research results. To prepare effectively,please read the Structure of a video presentation available on the Subject area page and its loading guide in the personal account.
2 - 15 December 2025
Completion of the Second stage tasks of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)
The schedule of the Second stage task sessions by Subject areas will be available later.
3 December 2025 - 14 January 2026
Grading of the Second stage of the competition of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)
9 January 2026
Post-doctoral track participants upload their video presentations
15 January 2026
Announcement of the Second stage results of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)
The results are available in the participant`s personal account
15 January 2026
Appeal process of the bachelor's track, master's track, doctoral track (analogous to PhD)
27 January 2026
Announcement of the Russian Scholarship Project winners and runners-up of the bachelor's track and master's track by Subject areas
The lists of the Third stage participants of the doctoral track (analogous to PhD) and post-doctoral track are published on the Subject area pages.
27 January - 9 March 2026
The Third stage (for participants of the doctoral track (analogous to PhD) and post-doctoral track)
Participant of the doctoral track can sign up for an interview with three prospective research supervisors in the personal account, while participant of the post-doctoral track can sign up for an interview with six research supervisors whose interests align with those of participant.To effectively prepare for the interview, please read the interview program available on the page of the selected Subject area.
10 March 2026
Announcement of the Russian Scholarship Project winners of the doctoral track (analogous to PhD) and post-doctoral track by Subject areas
Postdoctoral track of Open Doors 2025 in MIPT
Unfortunately, in 2025, MIPT does not participate in the Postdoctoral track of Open Doors. Please check other universities.
About Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) is one of the leading scientific and educational centers in Russia, it`s specialists are known for their high level of training in physics, mathematics and information technologies.
One of the biggest advantages of studying at MIPT is that students attain in-depth expertise and supreme mastery in their chosen profession, as they get actively involved in scientific research conducted in the laboratories of leading Russian academic institutions and research centers.
The status of the prominent technical university in Russia is confirmed not only by achievements of scientists and alumni, but also by high positions in international rankings (2024):
THE World University Rankings - 201-250
THE Physical Sciences — 77
THE - Computer science — 151 - 175
QS Physics & Astronomy – 52
QS Mathematics – 72
QS Natural Sciences - 105
QS Computer Science and Information Systems - 110
International partners of MIPT
MIPT has a large number of international partners in various fields. The full list can be found here.
Educational programs
Master`s Degree Programs:
PhD Programs:
More information about Doctoral programs and academic supervisors can be found here.
В MIPT hosts numerous research laboratories established in collaboration with leading Russian and International scholarly centers. Thus, MIPT students engage in scientific research at more than 100 partner institutions, including RAS institutes and major technological enterprises in Russia. The laboratories are set up with modern equipment, enabling research at a global level and making significant contributions to the development of technology.
Outstanding opportunities for international students
В MIPT, there are over 1,000 international students from countries such as Kazakhstan, Moldova, China, Brazil, and many others
One year long preparatory Course in Russian Language
You will have the opportunity to:
- Learn Russian from scratch to a B1 level and afterwards have access to a wider range of study programs
- Improve your knowledge in mathematics, physics, computer science, and chemistry
- Promptly adapt to academic life in Russia
- Become part of the vibrant MIPT community and build a strong network with fellow students and professors.
Services for international students
To help international students adapt to life at MIPT, there is a department dedicated to working with international students. The staff here are always happy to provide any support to students. They also regularly organize a range of activities. One of the important projects for international students is the “Phystech-buddy” project. Our buddy page is https://vk.com/phystechbuddy.
Foreign graduates play an active role in supporting and helping new students adapt, assisting them with everyday and academic issues. For more information, visit our social media pages https://vk.com/miptx, -adaptation, guide - https://vk.com/@-182532630-the-freshman-survival-guide-2023?subtype=primary
At MIPT, there are more than 30 student organizations focused on the development of creativity, volunteering, social project management, and sports.
Employment opportunities during studies
The educational process is structured in such a way that students do not have the opportunity to find time for employment during their studies.
Accommodation
MIPT dormitories: “Study. Live. Relax.”
Welcome to the amazing world of MIPT dormitories! Forget the stereotypes about dark and gloomy “cubicles.” In Dolgoprudny, you will find an entire student city with a whole range of dormitories—from classic corridor-style dorms to modern apartments. But what do they all have in common that will make your student life more comfortable? Let's find out!
“Without a kitchen, it's like being without hands”: You definitely won't go hungry! There are kitchens everywhere. In corridor dorms, there is usually one or several per floor, with stoves (often electric), sinks, tables, and exhaust fans. In apartment dorms, you have your own private kitchen in the block or apartment. Cook for yourself, team up with your neighbors for culinary feats — there is plenty of room for creativity (and survival)!
Washing machines are a must-have in any dorm. Some places have separate rooms with a few machines (sometimes with dryers), while others have machines in the washrooms. You can book one using an online schedule or just when one's free.
You can study not only at the institute. Every dormitory has its own sanctuary of knowledge—a self-study room (or a “botalka”). Somewhere it is a cozy corner with a couple of tables, somewhere it is a whole spacious hall. Silence, tables, chairs, sockets, and sometimes even printers and air conditioners – ideal for preparing for theoretical mechanics or mathematics at any time of the day.
MIPT is also about community! There are clubs or rooms for events practically everywhere. Discos, board games, movie screenings, student council meetings, KVN rehearsals—all of this happens in these spaces. Often, there are also tennis tables, foosball tables, projectors, and even PlayStation consoles. And almost everywhere, you will find cozy sofas for relaxing or hanging out in the corridors or lobbies. The Internet is also available throughout the campus. There are also free gyms for keeping fit.
The cost of accommodation in MIPT dormitories for students for the 2024/2025 academic year per person per month varies approximately from $20 to $25)*:
*1st-2nd year graduate students are eligible for a 0.8 discount when paying for dormitory accommodation.
No matter which dormitory you end up living in, rest assured that you will not go hungry or be left without rest. The MIPT campus is your home away from home, full of people who are just as passionate about science (and more). Welcome, and get ready for a busy life where studying is closely intertwined with everyday life and fun right within the walls of your dorm!
About the city
MIPT is located in Dolgoprudny, a quiet and cozy corner of the Moscow region, just a 20-minute drive from Moscow. Here, you can live within easy reach of the capital and even closer to the nearest green meadow. The city's population is about 119,089 people, according to data for 2024. Dolgoprudny is only 15 km from Sheremetyevo International Airport, which is easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or car sharing.
Dolgoprudny has a temperate continental climate, characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers. The average annual temperature is about 5.6 °C, and the annual precipitation is about 701 mm. In general, the climate of Dolgoprudny is suitable for living, but its peculiarities should be taken into account, especially in winter.
The average cost of living in Dolgoprudny (Moscow Region) varies greatly depending on family composition, housing costs, lifestyle, and neighborhood. Here are the approximate monthly expenses in US dollars (USD) and euros (EUR) per person (excluding apartment rent) as of mid-2025:
- Food: $220 - $300 (€200 - €280)
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, heating, garbage collection): $70 - $120 (€65 - €110) (for students who do not live in dormitories)
- Transportation (public, excluding taxis): $20 - $40 (€18 - €37)
- Communications (mobile + internet): $10 - $20 (€9 - €18)
- Basic goods (household chemicals, hygiene): $30 - $50 (€28 - €46)
- Small entertainment/cafes (moderate): $50 - $100 (€46 - €93)
Reference information on the cost of renting accommodation:
Renting an apartment (for students who do not live in MIPT dormitories). Prices vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation, location, condition, and size.
- 1-room apartment (studio): $350 - $650+ (€320 - €600+)
- 2-room apartment: $550 - $900+ (€510 - €830+)
- 3-room apartment: $700 - $1200+ (€650 - €1100+)
Note: The university provides all students with the opportunity to live in dormitories. MIPT does not provide support in finding and renting housing. This information is provided for reference purposes only.
The city is surrounded by nature: nearby is the Moscow River canal, and in the park next to it, students walk, ride bicycles, and solve math problems in the fresh air. Dolgoprudny is generally very rich in parks and green areas — it's a great place to enjoy the golden autumn or catch up on sleep on a blanket after a sleepless night before an exam. In spring, the city is especially convenient for getting around — there are scooter sharing services, and in winter, ski trails are laid out in the parks, where physics students prove that those who are good at general physics are elusive on skis.
Everything is close at hand in Dolgoprudny: shops, shopping centers, cinemas, gyms, a swimming pool, and, of course, the favorite places of MIPT students. For example, Boltay is a cult coffee shop with delicious sandwiches, whose name comes from the word “botay”, which means “to study hard.”
Getting from Dolgoprudny to the center of Moscow is quick and easy. The Phystech metro station is nearby, with a free shuttle running from the campus. The Novodachnaya MCD station is within walking distance, along the alley named after Peter Kapitsa. And in just 15 minutes, you can reach the Khovrino metro station, from where it is a stone's throw to the Kremlin, and the cozy boulevards of the capital.
It's easy to find balance in Dolgoprudny: lectures in the morning, a walk by the water or a scooter ride in the afternoon, and movies or board games with friends in the dorm in the evening. And in winter, skiing in the park and hot tea in your favorite coffee shop. This is a city where you will feel comfortable studying, relaxing, and simply living the life of a student of MIPT.
Main project areas of the university
The driving force behind MIPT's development in the coming years will be the university's participation in the federal strategic leadership program “Priority 2030.” As part of the program, MIPT, as in the years of its creation, will be at the forefront of state projects in the field of new technologies in energy, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Here are some important and unique projects based at MIPT:
Energy storage systems, autonomous robotics, electric transport
Establishment of a metal-ion energy storage battery manufacturing industry using domestic raw materials, ensuring the country's technological sovereignty in these areas.
Industry-specific artificial intelligence platform solutions
Development of platform solutions based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, reducing the risks of dependence on foreign AI technologies and increasing productivity and occupational safety in key sectors of the economy.
Digital sky: integration of unmanned aerial systems, satellite systems, and mobile communication networks
The goal of the strategic technology project: To develop and implement the concept of a seamless digital sky and an experimental complex of interconnected technical and software tools, including a promising system of spacecraft as a base, a regional/industry system of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles for operational monitoring of objects of interest, a pilot zone for 5GA/6G mobile communications, solving the tasks of UAV control and high-speed transmission and interpretation of remote sensing data from satellites and UAVs to consumers (subscribers) connected via a terminal (tablet) to the ground mobile communications network.
It is worth highlighting MIPT's participation in a project to develop domestic scientific instrument engineering and create promising space technologies in collaboration with the Roscosmos State Corporation.
STUDENT’S TESTIMONIALS
Sofia Belen Lopez Vicens, Argentina.
ello! My name is Sofia. I'm from Argentina and I study Applied Physics and Mathematics here at MIPT, at the Department of Problems of Physics and Energetics. I chose this university because I took part in programming competitions during school, and it was a trend to always see the Russian universities at the top of the scoreboards, especially this one. I wanted to know what they were doing different.
One big difference from Argentina, for example, is the competition. For Russians to get admited here, they have to get the best grades on the Unifed State Exam, or win a medal on a olympiad. In my country, most of the entry exams are not competitive. The thing is, when you are pushed to keep up with the best, you never rest, you always striving for more.
Well, I wanted to be a part of this, that's why I chose the Russian program, despite having the possibility to study in English. I did the preparatory course in another city, Nizhny Novgorod, and then received the scholarship for MIPT.
Coming here, it was a shock for me. The studying system is on a whole different level. You get a list of problems that you have to solve throughout the semester. Plus, you have to learn like 60 theorems for the final exam in Math Analysis. It was very hard at first because I didn't have the same preparation from school as my classmates. But here's a secret, this type of learning is tough for everyone. They push you to the limit, and you start seeing progress very fast. That's what I love about MIPT.
After finishing the program here, I plan to continue my studies in Computational Physics. Before realizing physics was my thing, I had planned to study computer science. This field brings together what I like doing the most: programming and physics.
Azzam Hamad, Syria
My name is Azzam Hamad from Syria. I am a first-year PhD student in Biological Sciences at MIPT university. I got a governmental scholarship and I chose MIPT because of its state-of-the-art laboratories with comprehensive theoretical and practical backgrounds. Also, ranking of the MIPT makes it one of the most significant Russian universities. My experience at MIPT is very special for me in what I found. All the staff of MIPT is very friendly with the foreigners in a way which is really wonderful!
MIPT also is somewhat different in its structure as it represents a whole society of "Phystech" people who are known for their excellent achievements and high ranking reputation in every field they work in. For my future, I hope to accomplish my PhD study successfully and defend my thesis with real and significant results. After that, I want to continue as a post-doc in my field and it could be MIPT again if I could make it here. As well, I am trying to further make collaborations between MIPT and my country so we can benefit from the great experience of MIPT.
Carlos Buitrago, Colombia
My name is Carlos Buitrago, I am from Colombia. I am currently in my second year of a Master’s program in Advanced Combinatorics here in MIPT. I have been studying at this university for almost six years. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Physics in 2018 and I am hoping to continue my Phd here as well. I remember very well the first week of study here, at that moment, I understood that this university was not like the others here in Russia or in Colombia, this one was created in order to train each of its students at the highest level in physics and mathematics, following a unique system invented by the famous russian physicist Pyotr Kapitsa. For me, it was too difficult to study here, not only at the beginning, but during all my career. Now, I am very thankful to each of the professors I have had during all these years because I am sure that I am prepared enough to develop scientific research in any part of the world.