Scholarships for Russia
Go to College in Mother Russia
The opportunity to study in Russia is a recent one. And in response to the chance, students from all over the U.S. and the globe flock to her each year. For U.S. students there remain generously funded government programs that are intended to develop the next generation of business leaders fluent in both Russian language and cultural mores.
Students pursue study in Russia in a wide range of disciplines. The sheer vastness of the country affords unprecedented topographical variations as well as epic contrasts between such urban Meccas as Moscow and St. Petersburg and the remote hinterlands of Siberia. Then there are the arts and culture, the sights and sounds.
Government Scholarships
The very well advertised Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships may well help fund the study abroad programs of quite a number of undergraduate students wishing to study in Russia. Applicants who demonstrate significant financial challenge in concert with a solid academic record may qualify for up to $7,000 in awards. Eligible candidates must be Pell Grant recipients.
The David L. Boren Scholarships are likewise meted, thanks to funding from the feds, to dozens of undergrad and grad students, particularly those interested in a career in national security. This is a one-for-one scholarship for service deal—you get a year of scholarship funding for serious study in Russia, or elsewhere, and you repay the government with a year of service after you graduate. Not bad for a possible $26,000 scholarship and the chance of a lifetime.
Study Abroad Organizations
American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the better-known study abroad providers. Their lineup is a comprised of more traditional locations with in-depth and comprehensive university programs in both English and the native language. Students interested in the AIFS Russia program should be prepared to study at the University of St. Petersburg. The curriculum offered is a multi-disciplinary platform intended to attract a wide range of undergraduate students, even those with little to no knowledge of Russian. Scholarships include:
- The AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships are the flagship award. Dozens of $1,000 and $2,000 awards are handed out to worthy participants during the year. Eligible candidates must be academically sound and able to articulate in an essay how the proposed study abroad program will help their education and career goals.
- Diversity Scholarships are handed out to those applicants underrepresented in an international study program either due to economic, social or other challenges. These cover the full complement of required costs for the program including travel expenses.
- Three Minority Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each are also given.
The School for International Training (SIT) is another large-scale study abroad provider with many innovative programs located throughout the international community. SIT’s program, “Russia: Ethnic and Cultural Studies,” gives students the opportunity to survey the wide range of peoples in the country from urban to very remote locations. Scholarships for study with SIT include:
- SIT Fund disburses the largest number of scholarships based on a combination of academic merit and financial need.
- Diversity Fund scholarships go to those students who are most underrepresented in a study abroad program whether due to social or economic challenges.
- HBCU Fund awards go to eligible participants whose home institution is one of the Historically Black Colleges.
- Sally Bragg Baker Fund rewards an outstanding female participant. Recipients must demonstrate exceptional commitment to peace studies and cultural exchange.
Private Funding
American Councils for International Education administers a bunch of funds that allow students across a range of study levels to study abroad in Eastern European countries, including Russia. American Councils is funded in part by the Department of State, under the umbrella of the Title VIII Program that appropriated educational funding for an array organizations that sponsor Eastern European study and research programs:
- Overseas Russian Flagship Program is designed to fund the studies to advanced level students and professionals in deeper studies on location in St. Petersburg.
- Title VIII Research Scholar Program provides generous monetary assistance to students at a graduate level or higher. Research projects must be well defined and require between three and none months in Russia. Awards cover all expenses for the duration of the program.
- Title VIII Combined Research and Language Training Program speaks for itself: students/scholars may work on their proposed research projects while also receiving a few hours a week in Russian language skills.
CDS International sponsors programs aimed at upper level graduate students or professionals who require advanced on location training in a country, such as Russia. Eligible applicants for the Alfa Fellowship Program must be at least 25 years old and already on track for careers in economics, international or foreign affairs, finance, business or a related field. Candidates compete for a funded year of study in Russia that also includes advanced language studies. CDS programs are similar to a co-op program or internship: participants have the opportunity to work in and examine up close a number of Russian businesses.
The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) is a not-for-profit international organization that provides various levels and types of support for scholars and professionals who study or work in the realm of social affairs, international politics and who are passionate about creating sustainable networks of collaboration and communication. The Individual Advanced Research Opportunities program funds the work of highly specialized individuals who require a stint of time in Russia or another Eastern European country. Funds are made available thanks to the Title VIII program. Up to nine months may be approved for monetary support.
