Russian Government’s Scholarships for South Africans 2025
Bursary Description
Russian Government’s Scholarships for South Africans 2025
Bursary Details
Education in Russia is your key to success. Apply to study in Russia.
The Russian Government offers annual scholarships for South Africans to study at Russian institutions.
The scholarship is offered for Bachelor’s, Masters and PhD degrees.
Most programmes are taught in the Russian language.
Scholarship recipients are required to undertake a preparatory course related to their field of study (including language training) for one year before pursuing their degree studies.
Only after passing the examinations of the college preparatory course can they start their degree studies.
The Department of Higher Education and Training is responsible for nominations for this scholarship, however the placement of candidates at institutions is done by the Russian Ministry of Science and Education.
Degree level
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- PhD
Supporting Documents Checklist
Applications for Bachelor’s programmes | Applications for Master’s programmes | Applications for PhD’s programmes |
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1. Copy of South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass OR a certificate of equivalence (from the Matriculation Board) if a school leaving certificate other than the NSC was obtained.
A minimum of 60% average is required, excluding Life Orientation.
Marks of pre-requisite subjects for chosen field of study (eg for Engineering applicants, NSC Maths and Physics marks OR for social sciences, NSC English marks) will be reviewed separately
| 1. Copy of degree certificate(s), which must be a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a full qualification equivalent to South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.
A minimum of 60% average is required. | 1. Copy of degree certificates, which must include a Master’s degree, or full qualification equivalent to South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.
A minimum of 60% average is required for the Master’s degree. |
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2. Official transcripts of all previous university studies. | 2. Transcripts of all previous university studies.
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3. A maximum 1 page letter of motivation for the scholarship AND personal reasons for choosing the field of study. | 3. A maximum 1 page letter of motivation for the scholarship AND personal reasons for choosing the field of study. |
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4. Research proposal issuing following headings: Title Objectives Rationale Methodology Relevance of study (plus any other scholarship requirements) References | 4. Research proposal issuing following headings: Title Objectives Rationale Methodology Relevance of study (plus any other scholarship requirements) References | ||
2. A maximum 1 page letter of motivation for the scholarship AND their choice of field of study. | |||
3. Two reference letters, signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address.
At least one reference must be from a school teacher. The second letter can be from either a teacher or work supervisor.
The letters must attest to the following: reliability, integrity, academic excellence and suitability for an international scholarship.
| 5. Two reference letters, signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address.
At least one reference must be from a lecturer or professor. The second letter can be from either a lecturer or work supervisor.
The letters must attest to the following: reliability, integrity, academic excellence and suitability for an international scholarship. | 5. Two reference letters, signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address.
At least one reference must be from a lecturer or professor. The second letter can be from either a lecturer or work supervisor.
The letters must attest to the following: reliability, integrity, academic excellence and suitability for an international scholarship. |
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All documents uploaded must be clear and in PDF format (no photographs of documents will be accepted). |
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Candidate Requirements
- South African citizens in good health (medical test are required for successful applicants);
- Have a strong academic record
- Bachelor’s applicants should have a minimum 60% average in their National Senior Certificate (excluding LO)
- Postgraduate applicants should have a minimum average of 60% in their previous studies;
- Be available to study in Russia from September 2023;
- Demonstrated interest in Russia and commitment to the development of South Africa;
- Applications in all fields of study except Medicine will be considered;
- Preference will be given to postgraduate applicants and previously disadvantaged applicants; and
- Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into a similar programme at a South African university.
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Bursary Enquiries
Contact
All enquiries should be sent to internationalscholarships [at] dhet.gov.za (internationalscholarships[at]dhet[dot]gov[dot]za )
Conditions of Bursary
Language of Instruction
MOST programmes are taught through the Russian language medium and a preparatory course related to the field of study is included in the scholarship. Only after passing the examinations of the college preparatory course can they start their degree studies.
Some Russian higher education institutions may conduct programmes in English, but placement in an English-taught programme is not guaranteed.
Institutions and Programmes
Applicants are required to do their own research into available programmes, institutions and programme-specific entrance criteria. Details on the program can be found on https://education-in-russia.com/
Applicants are also encouraged to apply directly to their university of choice in Russia. PhD applicants are encouraged to make contact with potential supervisors.
Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship.
Bursary Inclusion
The Russian Government provides the following:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation subsidy (shared accommodation only)
- Limited monthly stipend (depending on academic performance)
The Department will cover the following:
- Return flight tickets to your host country
- Visa costs and facilitation with the Embassy
- A once-off settlement allowance
- A monthly stipend
- A mid-term flight for qualifying applicants
- SAQA verification of qualification
Part One
Candidates are expected to complete the online application form on the website https://education-in-russia.com/ by 15 JANUARY 2025.
The applicant may choose up to 6 universities within 1 education programme they would like to pursue.
Only applicants who complete the application can be considered for the nomination process and scholarship support.
Part Two
Submit the DHET application form with supporting documents listed below to russiaapplications [at] dhet.gov.za (russiaapplications[at]dhet[dot]gov[dot]za) by 15 January 2025.
WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO HAVE?
Those willing to start or continue their education in Russia need to have:
- Completed DHET Application Form
- Passport Home Page
- National Senior Certificate with Bachelor’s Pass
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
- Honour’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
- Master’s Degree Certificate and complete transcripts
- Study Plan or Research Proposal in English for all Postgraduate applications
- Required medical documents
Field of Study
