The Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) invites candidates to apply for the international RIOU Scholarship Programme to pursue the university’s international Master of Sport Administration (MSA) course in academic year 2026/27.
Drawing on up-to-date international case studies, the MSA course provides students with in-depth knowledge of the global sports industry and methods of conducting research in sport, as well as providing practical training at the Sochi Olympic venues and major sports organisations. The course faculty includes international academics from leading universities and business schools in 10 different countries, and acclaimed international experts and practitioners in the fields of the sports industry and the Olympic movement. Upon completion of their studies, students are awarded RIOU’s diplomas of professional retraining (issued in Russian and English), conferring the Master of Sport Administration qualification.
RIOU’s MSA has been repeatedly ranked second in Europe and among the top ten postgraduate sports management courses in the world (according to the SportBusiness International Rankings, which include 500 postgraduate programmes globally). Instruction in the international MSA is given in the English language.
In reviewing the applications, the RIOU Admissions Board will consider the candidates’ academic achievements, social activism including volunteering within sports and the Olympic movement, leadership skills and motivation. Applicants are encouraged to submit references from Russian and international sports organisations, or national and local bodies governing sport in the respective countries.
RIOU will cover tuition fees and double occupancy accommodation. Winners of the Scholarship Competition will also be supported by a monthly allowance.
Applications for RIOU scholarships for academic year 2026/27 should be submitted before 31 July, 2026 via this link, which also provides details about entry requirements. The competition results will be announced on 7 August, 2026. For questions and further information please contact the RIOU Admissions Board: tel +7 (862) 262-97-22/24, msa@olympicuniversity.ru
The RIOU international scholarship competition has been held annually since 2013. To date, more than 200 individuals from 90 countries have been awarded scholarships. RIOU MSA graduates go on to take up management positions at leading international sports organisations, national sports governing bodies, as well as sports businesses and clubs worldwide. In the influential Sport Business International rankings, RIOU’s MSA course was ranked fourth globally in 2021 for its impact on graduates’ career progression. Notably, over 90% of alumni continue to build their careers within the sports industry.
