The RUDN Open Olympiad
One of the clearest opportunities explicitly designed for international students: the open olympiad of RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia) in Moscow — online (a proctored test, then a video interview) or in person (a written test), in four languages. Winners can be selected for the Russian Government quota at RUDN, and winners or prize-winners on a paid contract get a 20% discount — competitive and not guaranteed.
Olympiads whose winners and prize-winners may apply for the Russian Government quota — master's and school students' lists
Official files (PDF) ↗ Second list ↗Registration on the olympiad system is currently closed, and no regulations or dates have been published for the next cycle — the Register button on the website is not proof that a new season has opened. We'll add the dates here as soon as they're confirmed. For planning only (not official dates for the next cycle): in the previous cycle the announcement came in November–December, registration opened in late January, tests ran in rounds from February to April, and interviews and results continued into May–June. The organiser publishes the actual dates on its Telegram channel.
International eligibility differs between tracks — details below.
International students are eligible according to the official list (the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education's 2026/27 school-students list). Admission benefits themselves vary by programme, track and admission rules.
International students are eligible according to the official list (the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education's 2026/27 Master's list). Admission benefits themselves vary by programme, track and admission rules.
What is the RUDN olympiad?
RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia) in Moscow is one of the Russian universities best known for hosting international students — and this olympiad is for foreign citizens under its own regulations: "К участию в Олимпиаде допускаются иностранные граждане…". Its level must match your education (Bachelor's/Specialist or Master's).
The regulations set two formats: online — registration and document upload, then a proctored online test, then a video interview with the subject panel; and in person — a written test at an approved venue in Russia or abroad without an interview, with dates and venues published on the olympiad website.
What could you gain?
As with every olympiad: a strong result opens the door but it is not a guarantee of admission — and the place depends on quota places being allocated to the university. And remember: covering tuition ≠ covering living costs.
The stages — step by step (online format)
Online at olymp.rudn.ru once registration opens: your details, language and level, plus uploading your passport, your certificate with grades and the data-processing consent. One account per person.
The olympiad is officially held in four languages: Russian, English, French and Spanish. You can choose up to 3 subjects, and only one of them goes on to the interview.
A test per subject with webcam proctoring — in the previous cycle it was 60 minutes per subject.
An interview with the subject panel via Yandex Telemost, assessing your knowledge and motivation — you need a "зачет" (pass) to become a winner or prize-winner.
Winners and prize-winners send their admission documents to [email protected] — the list is below.
Documents for winners and prize-winners (per the official "Useful information" page): a passport copy + a notarised Russian translation of the passport · the participation form · the education certificate with grades: a legalised copy + a notarised Russian translation · a general health certificate (form 086/у or equivalent) with a translation · certificates showing no HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis · and a Russian-language certificate if you have one. The exact document requirements should be checked on the official website before applying.
Subjects
In the previous cycle the subjects were: for Bachelor's/Specialist — Informatics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Social Studies and Russian language; for Master's — the same subjects plus:
Who can take part?
Foreign citizens without Russian citizenship — from any country — whose education is recognised in Russia and matches the level they apply for. Dual citizens registered in Russia, and Russian citizens living abroad without another citizenship, are not eligible (Regulation §3.2).
Tap any question to open the answer ▾
💬What language is the test in?
The olympiad is officially held in Russian, English, French and Spanish — you choose your language when registering. (The language of study afterwards depends on your program — confirm it on the program page.)
💬Is it online only?
No — the regulations set two formats: online (a proctored test, then a video interview) and in person (a written test at an approved venue in Russia or abroad, without an interview). In-person dates and venues are published on the olympiad website.
💬Is registration open now?
No — the olympiad's registration system was closed at our last check (28 September 2026), and the 2027 cycle has not been announced. In the previous cycle registration opened in late January. Follow the organiser's Telegram channel and ours.
💬Does winning mean confirmed admission?
No — a winner gets the right to be selected for the Government quota at RUDN, provided the Ministry allocates quota places to the university, and prize-winners are considered for the places left after the winners. Competitive and not guaranteed.
💬What's the most important thing to prepare for?
In the online format: the video interview — you need a "зачет" (pass). Prepare clear answers about your academic background and why you chose this particular field.
💬Is there another olympiad under the RUDN name I shouldn't confuse this with?
Yes: the "RUDN Olympiad for School Students" (olympiada.rudn.ru) is for Russian citizens, and the "RUDN-ON" Universiade is for university students — and an ordinary foreigner there cannot receive winner or prize-winner status. This page is only about the open olympiad for foreign citizens (olymp.rudn.ru).
This opportunity is competitive and not guaranteed — the final reference for dates and rules is the official website of the olympiad and the university.
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Get your file ready and watch for the announcement
Start now on the notarised passport translation and the legalisation of your certificate — that's the longest step. As soon as the new cycle's dates are officially confirmed, you'll get an alert on the Telegram channel.