World Russian Language Championship for Foreigners – 2026

Registration is open for the World Russian Language Championship for Foreigners – 2026!

🌐 The project is a significant international initiative bringing together young people from all corners of the world. It creates opportunities for communication and cultural exchange, promotes the Russian language abroad, and increases interest in learning it. In 2024, more than 2 000 people from 57 countries took part in the Championship; in 2025, the figure had already reached over 4 000 participants from 66 countries. 

Teams of four are invited to participate in the Championship: three foreign citizens or stateless persons aged 16 to 35, who do not hold Russian citizenship and speak Russian, and a mentor. 

Participants will demonstrate their proficiency in Russian and teamwork skills in interactive formats.

📆 The qualifying rounds of the World Russian Language Championship for Foreigners will be held online from July to October 2026.

👉 Teams are divided into three divisions: 
🔹 foreign participants, divided into regional segments; 
🔹 participants from the CIS member states, as well as the Republic of Abkhazia, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, and South Ossetia; 
🔹 international students at Russian universities. 

Following the qualifying rounds, the 30 strongest teams will travel to the final in Moscow.

The Championship finalists can look forward to in-person competition rounds, a cultural programme, and an awards ceremony for the winners and runners-up. 

🏆 The winning teams will receive a trophy and the title of “World Russian Language Champion”, as well as the opportunity to study at a Russian university under the state quota.

ℹ️ Detailed information and registration are available on the official website. 
Applications are open until October 1, 2026.

Registration has opened for the World Russian Championship for Foreigners – 2026 (World Russian Championship). This is an international competition for those studying the Russian language who want to test their skills in the language, history, and culture of Russia.

✨ Participation in the Championship is completely free. 

🎉 The grand prize is the title of World Russian Language Champion, a trophy, and the opportunity to study at Russian higher education institutions for free! 

📎 Further details on the website.