The JINR START Winter Program 2026 in Russia is now open for applications from international students worldwide. This fully funded winter program is an incredible opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students to gain practical research experience at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia. There is no application fee and no IELTS requirement, making it highly accessible for students from all backgrounds.
Participants will work closely with expert researchers at JINR to explore real-world challenges in science, engineering, and information technology. The program offers comprehensive financial coverage, including airfare, accommodation, visa, insurance, and a monthly stipend.
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Program Summary
- Host Country: Russia
- Host Institution: Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR)
- Program Name: START Winter Program 2026
- Program Duration: 6–8 Weeks
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2025
Overview of the JINR START Program 2026
The START (ex-Summer Student Programme) is an on-site, fully funded student research initiative for candidates under the age of 30 who specialize in science, engineering, or IT. Eligible students include those in their fourth year of undergraduate studies up to their first year of PhD.
The core objective of the program is to nurture the next generation of innovators by connecting young researchers with JINR laboratories and professionals. Participants gain hands-on experience in advanced research projects and may even be considered for future employment opportunities at JINR.
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The JINR START Winter Program 2026 provides complete financial support to selected international students, including:
- Travel reimbursement: Participants purchase tickets to Dubna and will be fully reimbursed by JINR upon submission of required documentation.
- Visa and health insurance: All necessary visa and insurance costs are covered by JINR after documentation submission.
- Accommodation: JINR arranges and pays for comfortable lodging throughout the program.
- Daily allowance: Each participant receives a stipend of 2,000 rubles per day funded by the JINR laboratory.
Program Objectives
The main goals of the JINR START Winter Program 2026 include:
- Encouraging participation of global students in scientific, engineering, and IT fields.
- Building connections between JINR laboratories and emerging young researchers.
- Identifying and nurturing talented individuals for potential future employment at JINR.
Eligible Fields of Study
The program focuses primarily on:
- Science
- Engineering
- Information Technology (IT)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the JINR START Winter Program 2026 in Russia, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to students of all nationalities.
- Must be pursuing studies or research in science, engineering, or IT.
- Should not have participated in previous JINR START or Summer Student Programs.
- Candidates should have academic experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
- Eligible applicants include students from the third year of undergraduate studies up to the first year of PhD.
- Designed for students who have not previously joined the START program.
Application Deadline
The final date to submit applications for the JINR START Winter Program 2026 in Russia is 30 October 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply for the JINR START Winter Program 2026
To apply, follow the official steps below:
- Ensure all eligibility requirements and supporting documents are ready.
- Visit the official JINR website and click on the REGISTER option.
- Complete the online registration form and upload the required documents.
- Select your preferred scientific subjects that align with your academic background.
- Wait for confirmation and approval from the JINR selection team.
- Once approved, you’ll receive your login credentials via email to proceed with your session application.
- Choose your preferred session and monitor the final selection dates on the official portal.
- Regularly check your email for updates or notifications regarding your application status.
Official Link
For complete information and application access, visit the Official JINR START Winter Program Website.
The JINR START Winter Program 2026 in Russia is a fully funded international research opportunity that allows undergraduate to PhD students to work on real-world projects in science, engineering, and IT. Covering all expenses—travel, accommodation, insurance, and stipends—this program provides an exceptional platform for young global researchers to grow academically and professionally in one of Russia’s most advanced scientific institutions.
