It is well known that the Russian-Soviet chess school has long and rich traditions. In the Russian Federation and the former USSR, 10 World Chess Champions as well as many other outstanding chess players, trainers, journalists and organizers were born and have received their chess education. FIDE has agreed with the Government of the Russian Federation on allocation of free scholarships for higher education with chess specialization for non-resident students. During their studies, students can improve their chess skills by taking part in chess tournaments in Moscow.

In the year 2015 10 students from several countries (Nepal, Uzbekistan, Mongolia) entered this program and now are studying in Russian universities.

How can a non-resident get higher education in RF?

General terms and conditions. In accordance with the Federal Statute № 273 “On education in RF”, foreign citizens can get higher education in state educational institutions of the Russian Federation at the expense of Federal budget allocations within a specific quota.

The successful candidate will get:

a) state academic scholarships payments (during all period of education regardless of his/her advancement). It must be mentioned however that these payments are unlikely sufficient for living in Moscow and thus it is advisable for students to have extra money of their own to spend it for food.

b) living quarters in dormitory (dormitory authorities charge students about 10 USD per month for hot water supply, heating and electricity);

c) 1 year Russian language study on preparatory department, sufficient to master the basic professional program, including scholarship payments (during all period of education regardless of his/her advancement). Regarding the amount of payments see clause a).

The basic educational program for chess trainers lasts four years (bachelor’s program).

There are three institutions in Moscow that offer chess trainer’s higher education for foreigners:

1. Russian State Social University
2. Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism
3. Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

The citizens of the countries that require an entry visa to the Russian Federation should apply for student visa with the visa order issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Initially, the 30-days visa is issued to enter the Russian Federation. It is prolonged by the university upon student’s arrival at student’s expense.

Visa, medical insurance (100 – 250 USD per year depending on specific university) and transportation expenses are to be covered by the student or his/her sponsor.


Steps to take

Please provide us with the following documents notarized in Russian (you can apply for the translation to the Embassy of Russian Federation in your country):

1. An Application Form with applicant’s color photo.

2. Duly certified copy of Educational Certificate/Diploma, marks on each subject indicated. In case if the educational process organization specifics of the applicant’s country do not provide such a Certificate, the result of the latest attestation at the educational organization of the applicant is to be submitted. Important: the school diploma with marks has to be authorized by the consul of Russian Federation at the Embassy of Russian Federation in the applicant’s country.

3. A Health Certificate issued by the officially authorized Medical Bodies of the applicant’s country, stipulating the absence of contradiction to study in Russian Federation. In case of health problems the student will have to leave the Russian Federation at his/her expense.

4. The Result of HIV Blood Test duly certified by the relevant official Medical Bodies of the applicant’s country.

5. A copy of all pages of the applicant’s passport, with which the applicant is to cross the borders of Russian Federation, valid not less than 18 months since the student visa starts (the copy must be fully readable and contain all data obligatory to issue invitation).

6. Copies of other diplomas and certificates proving the applicant’s victories at national and international events and Olympiads.



If you are interested please contact the FIDE Moscow Office This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

The applicants will be registered for the academic year 2016/2017.

CHESS Education in RUSSIA (RUS)

CHESS Education in RUSSIA (ESP)