InteRussia Fellowship for International Relations Specialists 2026 in Russia | Fully Funded Fellowship

Applications are now open for the prestigious InteRussia Fellowship for International Relations Specialists 2026 in Russia. This fully funded international research fellowship invites applications from foreign researchers, political scientists, regional studies experts, and international relations professionals from around the world.

The fellowship is organized in collaboration with the MGIMO Institute for International Studies and the Gorchakov Fund. The program provides participants with the opportunity to engage with Russian academia, collaborate with leading scholars, and gain deeper insights into global geopolitical developments and international cooperation.

The 2026 edition of the fellowship will focus on the research theme:

“The World Divided? The Current Trends in Military-Political Alignment and Economic Integration”

The fellowship program will take place in Moscow, Russia, from October 26 to December 6, 2026, and will be conducted entirely in English.

InteRussia Fellowship 2026 Overview

About the InteRussia Fellowship

The InteRussia Fellowship Program is an international academic and scientific initiative designed to connect talented scholars and experts from different countries with Russia’s leading academic and policy institutions.

Participants will gain exposure to Russian perspectives on:

• International politics
• Regional integration
• Global governance
• International cooperation
• Contemporary geopolitical challenges

The program includes:

• Academic lectures
• Research seminars
• Expert sessions
• Institutional visits
• Professional networking opportunities

A major highlight of the fellowship is the opportunity to work under the mentorship of leading Russian scholars from MGIMO University, one of the world’s leading institutions in diplomacy and international relations.

Fellowship Theme for 2026

The official research theme for the 2026 fellowship is:

“The World Divided? The Current Trends in Military-Political Alignment and Economic Integration”

Applicants are required to submit a research proposal connected to this theme.

Selected fellows will later prepare an original research paper that must include:

• 15,000–25,000 characters (including spaces)
• Original academic analysis
• Research written in English
• Content aligned with the submitted proposal

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive the following benefits:

• Round-trip travel expenses to and from Moscow
• Free accommodation in the MGIMO dormitory
• One-time scholarship payment of RUB 45,000
• Access to academic and policy institutions
• Research mentorship from leading Russian scholars
• International networking opportunities
• Exposure to global policy discussions and research collaboration

Expenses Not Covered

Participants will need to cover:

• Visa application fees
• Medical insurance
• Meals during the fellowship

Applicants are advised to plan their personal expenses accordingly.

What Participants Will Experience

Academic Engagement

Participants will:

• Attend seminars and expert discussions
• Conduct research under supervision
• Collaborate with scholars and researchers
• Participate in workshops and academic sessions

Institutional Exposure

Fellows will have opportunities to:

• Visit Russian policy-making institutions
• Engage with think tanks and NGOs
• Learn from Russian experts and practitioners
• Explore Russian approaches to global politics

International Networking

Participants will:

• Build professional international connections
• Exchange ideas with researchers from different countries
• Join a growing global network of scholars and experts

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the InteRussia Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship & Residency

Applicants must:

• Be non-Russian citizens
• Reside outside Russia

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between:

• 25 and 39 years old

Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate:

• English proficiency at C1 level or higher

Academic & Professional Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Hold a PhD degree
• Be currently pursuing PhD studies
• Have at least 3 years of experience in academic institutions or think tanks

Additional Requirement

Applicants must:

• Have no academic enrollment or employment history with MGIMO University
• Submit a detailed research proposal

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and relevance of the research proposal
• Academic publications
• Recommendation letters
• Conference participation and research activities
• Expert publications and media contributions
• Performance during the online interview

Strong academic and research backgrounds can significantly improve the chances of selection.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Research Proposal
• Academic CV
• Recommendation Letters
• Proof of Academic or Professional Experience
• Supporting Publications and Research Activities

How to Apply?

Interested applicants should follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Register

Create an account on the English version of the Gorchakov Fund website.

Step 2: Access “My Projects”

After registration:

• Go to “My Projects”
• Click “Create Application”

Step 3: Select the Fellowship Program

Choose:

“InteRussia IR MGIMO 2026 (Autumn)”

Then confirm your selection.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields carefully and upload the necessary documents.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Click the “Submit Application” button and ensure your application status changes from:

“Preparing” → “Submitted”

Important Links

Why This Opportunity Matters

The InteRussia Fellowship for International Relations Specialists 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for researchers and international affairs professionals seeking international exposure, academic collaboration, and policy research experience.

With fully funded support, mentorship from leading scholars, institutional exposure, and international networking opportunities, this fellowship can significantly strengthen research credentials and professional growth in the fields of international relations, political science, diplomacy, and global governance.

Researchers passionate about geopolitical studies, international cooperation, and policy development are highly encouraged to apply before the deadline.