Is it permissible to mediate in selling scholarships offered by Russia for a commission, knowing that these scholarships do not reach those who deserve them but are sold to those who pay their price?

Selling scholarships offered by states, universities, or institutions is forbidden because it is deception and a betrayal of the granting entity, and the person in charge is selling something he does not own. It is not permissible to cooperate in selling these scholarships, for Allah Almighty says: (And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression).

However, delivering these scholarships to the deserving person for free is not permissible in all cases, as residing in Western countries for study involves risks related to religion and morals. Therefore, do not help anyone obtain such a scholarship – even for free – unless you predominantly believe in their safety from temptations, and their apparent state is one of religiosity and uprightness, while also paying attention to the scholars' directives regarding the regulations of studying abroad.