The InteRussia Fellowship for International Relations Specialists 2026 is now accepting applications from qualified foreign researchers, political scientists, regional studies experts, and international relations professionals from around the world. This prestigious international fellowship offers participants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Russian academia, engage directly with policy-making institutions, and collaborate with leading scholars at MGIMO University in Moscow, Russia.
The fellowship is designed for emerging and mid-career experts who are passionate about international relations, political science, regional studies, and global geopolitical developments. Hosted in collaboration with MGIMO Institute for International Studies and the Gorchakov Fund, the program aims to strengthen academic dialogue and promote global cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world.
The 2026 edition of the InteRussia Fellowship will focus on the theme:
“The World Divided? The Current Trends in Military-Political Alignment and Economic Integration”
The program will run from October 26 to December 6, 2026, in Moscow, Russia, and will be conducted entirely in English.
About the InteRussia Fellowship Program
The InteRussia Fellowship is an international scientific and research program created to connect talented scholars and experts from different countries with Russia’s leading academic and policy institutions.
Participants will gain first-hand exposure to Russian perspectives on global politics, international cooperation, regional integration, and contemporary geopolitical challenges. Through lectures, seminars, expert sessions, and institutional visits, fellows will build professional networks and deepen their understanding of global affairs.
A major highlight of the fellowship is the opportunity to work under the supervision and mentorship of leading Russian scholars from MGIMO University, one of the most prestigious institutions in international relations and diplomacy.
The fellowship seeks to foster:
- International academic collaboration
- Cross-cultural dialogue
- Research cooperation
- New perspectives in global governance
- Networks among emerging global experts
Fellowship Theme for 2026
The research theme for the 2026 fellowship is:
“The World Divided? The Current Trends in Military-Political Alignment and Economic Integration”
Applicants are expected to submit a research proposal connected to this theme. Selected fellows will later produce an original individual research paper based on their proposal.
The final research project must contain:
- 15,000–25,000 characters (including spaces)
- Original academic analysis
- Research written in English
- Content aligned with the submitted proposal
Fellowship Location and Duration
- Host Country: Russia
- City: Moscow
- Program Dates: October 26 – December 6, 2026
- Language: English
What Participants Will Experience
Selected fellows will benefit from a highly immersive academic and professional experience. Activities during the fellowship include:
Academic Engagement
Participants will:
- Attend expert discussions and academic sessions
- Participate in seminars and workshops
- Collaborate with scholars and researchers
- Conduct research under expert supervision
Institutional Exposure
Fellows will have opportunities to:
- Visit Russian policy-making institutions
- Engage with think tanks and NGOs
- Explore Russian approaches to international relations
- Learn directly from Russian experts and practitioners
International Networking
Participants will:
- Connect with peers from different countries
- Build international professional relationships
- Exchange ideas on emerging global challenges
- Join a growing global network of scholars
Financial Benefits of the InteRussia Fellowship
The organizers will provide financial support covering several major expenses.
Covered Benefits
The fellowship organizers will cover:
- Round-trip travel to and from Moscow
- Single accommodation in the MGIMO dormitory
- A one-time scholarship payment of RUB 45,000 for the duration of the fellowship
Expenses Not Covered
Participants will be responsible for:
- Visa application fees
- Medical insurance
- Meals during the fellowship period
Applicants should plan their budgets accordingly before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the InteRussia Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
Citizenship and 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 and Professional Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Hold a PhD degree
- Have at least 3 years of experience in academic institutions or think tanks
- Be currently pursuing PhD studies
Additional Requirement
Applicants must:
- Have no employment history or academic enrollment with MGIMO University
- Submit a detailed research proposal
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated competitively based on several important factors.
The organizers will consider:
- Quality, relevance, feasibility, and detail of the research proposal
- Academic publications
- Recommendation letters (2–3 required)
- Participation in conferences, grants, fellowships, and research activities
- Expert publications and media contributions
- Performance during the online interview
Strong academic and research backgrounds will significantly improve an applicant’s chances.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Research proposal
- Academic CV
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of academic or professional experience
- Supporting publications and research activities
How to Apply for the InteRussia Fellowship 2026
Interested candidates should follow these application 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 mandatory fields carefully and upload required documents.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Click the “Submit Application” button and ensure your application status changes from:
- “Preparing”
to - “Submitted”
Apply here
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the InteRussia Fellowship for International Relations Specialists 2026 is:
September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Moscow Time (UTC +3)
Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Why You Should Apply
The InteRussia Fellowship offers a valuable platform for researchers and international affairs professionals seeking global exposure and academic collaboration.
Key reasons to apply include:
- Fully funded international academic experience
- Research mentorship from top scholars
- Access to Russian policy and academic institutions
- International networking opportunities
- Career advancement in international relations and political science
- Opportunity to publish and strengthen research credentials
Organizing Institutions
The InteRussia Fellowship Program in International Relations is implemented by:
- Mezhdunarodniki Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation
- Gorchakov Fund
- MGIMO Institute for International Studies
The program is supported through a grant from the Presidential Grants Foundation.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the fellowship, applicants may contact:
- Email: info@interussia.com
- Phone: +7 (495) 276-16-62
Applicants are encouraged to review all application requirements carefully before submission.
For more information about this opportunity visit here.
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