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 2025/26.
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 leading Russian and 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 2025/26 should be submitted before 31 July, 2025 via this link, which also provides details about entry requirements. The competition results will be announced on 11 August, 2025. 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 programme has been run since 2013. Annually, scholarships are awarded to up to 20 successful candidates. RIOU graduates go on to take up management positions at international sports organisations, national sports governing bodies, sports companies and clubs, as well as non-governmental organisations.
Kang Hwayoung, MSA 2021/2022, Korea, Paralympic Games Sport Coordinator, International Paralympic Committee:
‘Having such a diverse class with people from 17 countries was an advantage in studying at RIOU. Not only did I learn about sport in their countries, but I also learned to communicate with different people and cultures. After the academic courses, I was also able to have internships organized by the university where I was able to apply the theories to the real sport world. In terms of staying and studying in Sochi, the staff from RIOU were really helpful even under difficult circumstances’.
Yorro Njie, MSA 2016/2017, Secretary General, Gambia National Olympic Committee:
‘The uniqueness of the program with its world-class courses and a conglomerate of renowned professors makes it one of the best MSA programs in the world. The internship experience gave me the best hands-on understanding of sports realities. All of this happening in the Olympic City, in the Olympic University being a part of the Olympic Legacy, makes RIOU a unique symbol and place of learning all over the world. I call it the “City of 3-Os”.
Jorge Menendez, MSA 2013-14, Director, Federación Guatemalteca de Ciclismo:
‘For me the MSA programme has been an exciting experience since its beginning. Being part of the first group of students on the new campus of RIOU means finding new classrooms, equipment, books, learning materials, which is a further motivation to study. Living just a few steps away from RIOU facilities allows us to have all the time available for our main purpose - study. The exciting part is to witness how the city is changing day by day, and how the Olympic buzz is felt ever stronger. That helps us to understand the social impact of sport in a particular way, and that´s why this academic year is special and unique’.
