Program Eligibility
To be eligible for INSPIRE, students must be:
A citizen of the Russian Federation currently residing in Russia
Undergraduate students enrolled in a Russian university
Born between August 1, 2004 and April 15, 2008
Eligible to receive or in possession of an internationally recognized passport of the Russian Federation by February 28, 2026
Eligible to receive a U.S. student exchange visa
Able to travel to the United States for four weeks in July 2026
Able to demonstrate a compelling interest in the application of science and technological innovations in the areas of cross-cultural exchange, community engagement, and youth leadership
An aspiring community leader
Able to clearly communicate in English
Students who have not traveled to U.S. for a period longer than three weeks in the past three years
Committed to returning to Russia immediately after completion of the program following travel arrangements made by the INSPIRE team
To apply, students should:
Create a profile on the online platform
Submit the fully completed online application in English by the deadline, January 18, 2026, 23:59 Moscow time
The program aims to select finalists by March 31, 2026
Applications should be completed in English and include:
Resume in English, no more than one page. The resume provides a general description about applicant’s academic and professional background. The program does not require a specific resume template. There are multiple templates online, and applicants can use a resume that best showcases their academic and professional experience, as well as their accomplishments.
First year undergraduate students - copy of high school diploma/certificate, including the cover page and the grades in Russian and English. Selected finalists will share their university transcript with the fall semester exams at a later stage, tentatively in February 2026.
Second, third, fourth, or fifth year students - copy of most university academic transcript (справка об успеваемости или зачетная книжка) in Russian and English.
Translated copy of academic transcript in English. If the home (Russian) university provides an English transcript, applicants can upload this transcript with their applications under both the Russian and English transcript sections. If the home university does not provide an English transcript, applicants will upload an English copy of their transcript translated by a translation agency. Applicants do not need to notarize the translated transcript.
Copy of the information page of an internationally recognized passport. INSPIRE finalists must have a valid international passport by February 28, 2026, to travel to the U.S. next summer. The international passport must be valid at least until February 28, 2027.
An essay describing the applicant’s interest in science and technology and how the INSPIRE program will help them accomplish their professional career goals.
Applicants who do not have an international passport may upload their domestic passport. In this case, please plan to apply for a passport at the same time you submit your application for INSPIRE. INSPIRE recommends applying for a biometric passport.
INSPIRE may withdraw consideration of finalists who do not have a valid international passport by February 28, 2026.