Brazil Government Scholarship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students
Brazil, with its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and growing academic collaborations, has become an attractive destination for international students seeking higher education. However, the costs associated with studying abroad can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, Brazil offers a variety of scholarships designed to make education accessible to both local and international students. This article provides a detailed overview of the various Brazilian government scholarships available, eligibility requirements, application processes, and tips for a successful stay.
GCUB International Mobility Program (GCUB-Mob)
The GCUB International Mobility Program (GCUB-Mob) is an initiative by the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB). It is supported by organizations such as the Guimarães Rosa Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, the Organization for Southern Cooperation (OSC), the Organization of American States (OAS), CONFAP, UDUALC, CSUCA, UNESCO's National Commission for Brazil, and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).
Overview:
The GCUB-Mob program aims to foster academic excellence and international cooperation by offering fully funded Master's and Doctorate scholarships to international students. In the 2025-2026 cycle, over 850 scholarships are available across 58 Brazilian universities.
Key Details:
- Location: Brazil
- Host Institutions: 58 Brazilian universities affiliated with GCUB
- Study Level: Master's and Doctorate
- Target Group: International students from countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Brazil
- Fields of Study: Various disciplines offered by participating universities
- Value & Coverage:
- Full tuition and enrollment fee exemption
- Monthly stipend
- Access to university facilities under the same conditions as local students
- Duration:
- Master's: Up to 24 months
- Doctorate: Up to 48 months
- Application Deadline: July 17, 2025, at 23:59 (BRT)
- Program Start Date: 2026
Eligibility Requirements:
- Non-Brazilian citizens
- In good health
- Capable of covering additional expenses not included in the scholarship
Program Objectives:
The GCUB-Mob program aims to:
- Contribute to the development of high-performing academic students globally.
- Promote university internationalization.
- Strengthen international cooperation between Brazilian universities and institutions worldwide.
Other Prominent Scholarship Programs
Besides the GCUB-Mob program, several other scholarships cater to international students seeking to study in Brazil.
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PEC-G Scholarship Programme (Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Graduação)
Issuing Entity: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education of Brazil
Overview: This scholarship is tailored for students from developing countries who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in Brazil. It offers fully tuition-free undergraduate study to students from developing countries with which Brazil has educational cooperation agreements.
Key Details:
- Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Language: Portuguese
- Funding: Tuition fees waived; living costs covered by student/sponsor (possible later aid)
- Duration: 4-6 years (depending on program)
- Host Country: Brazil
Benefits of Studying in Brazil with PEC-G:
- No tuition fees for the entire program.
- Access to Brazil’s Public Health System (SUS).
- Free diploma legalization/apostille at Brazilian missions abroad.
- Eligible for merit-based aid, emergency support, or airfare home after graduation.
- Cultural immersion in a vibrant, diverse country with a strong academic tradition.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition: 100% waived for your program
- Healthcare: Full access to SUS medical & dental care
- Diploma Legalization: Free at Brazilian embassies/consulates
- Additional Aid: Possible merit scholarships, emergency aid, or flight ticket after graduation
Eligibility Criteria:
- Citizen of a developing country with educational ties to Brazil
- Minimum age 18 (preferably ≤ 23-25)
- Completed high school (≥ 60% average)
- Portuguese proficiency (CELPE-Bras) or enrollment in PEC-PLE Portuguese course
- Proof of sponsor/financial capacity
- Commitment to return to home country after studies
Required Documents:
- High school diploma & transcripts
- CELPE-Bras certificate / PEC-PLE registration proof
- Birth certificate
- Sponsor’s financial guarantee letter
- Other documents as required by Brazilian embassy/consulate
Deadline: Deadlines vary by country - for example, July in some regions.
CAPES Postgraduate Scholarships
Issuing Entity: CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), under Brazil’s Ministry of Education.
Overview: These scholarships are designed for international students who want to pursue a master’s or PhD in Brazil. The CAPES Scholarship is one of the most complete, covering living expenses, study materials and travel. It also supports postgraduate research programmes.
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General Requirements:
- You must already hold a university degree.
How to Apply: Go to the official CAPES portal.
Closing Date: Usually in March.
CNPq Scholarship Programme (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development)
Issuing Entity: CNPq, linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
Overview: This program aims to promote scientific and technological training through scholarships. It supports students at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels.
Closing Date: May.
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Santander Universities Scholarship Programme
Issuing Entity: Banco Santander in collaboration with Brazilian universities
Overview: This program aims to promote academic mobility for international students.
How to Apply: Apply through the official Santander Scholarships platform.
Closing Date: November.
BrASIL Academic Mobility Scholarships’ Programme
Issuing Entity: Brazilian Ministry of Education and Brazilian public universities
Overview: This program promotes academic mobility for international students at public universities in Brazil.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the participating Brazilian universities.
Closing Date: May.
FAPESP Academic Excellence Scholarships’ Programme
Issuing Entity: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
Overview: This program targets students keen to carry out advanced research in collaboration with institutions in São Paulo.
Aimed at: Emerging researchers and postgraduate students interested in interdisciplinary projects.
How to Apply: Applicants must register through FAPESP’s online platform and submit a detailed research project, recommendation letters, and an updated CV.
Closing Date: April.
Brazil Government Scholarships Postgraduate Student Agreement Program (PEC-PG)
The fully funded Brazil Government Scholarship offered through the Postgraduate Student Agreement Program (PEC-PG), covers tuition, monthly stipends, health insurance, and international travel fees for selected candidates.
The PEC-PG is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (coordinating bodies).
Essential Tips for Securing a Scholarship in Brazil
Securing a scholarship to study in Brazil requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your chances of success:
- Learn Portuguese before you apply: While some programs accept applications in English, proficiency in Portuguese is crucial for daily life and academic settings.
- Focus on Brazil’s priority fields: The Brazilian government prioritizes subjects such as sustainability, biodiversity, engineering, and healthcare. Aligning your study interests with these areas can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
- Build connections with Brazilian universities: Attend academic events, education fairs, or conferences where Brazilian institutions are present. Networking can provide valuable insights and potential opportunities.
- Show your social impact: Many scholarships, such as the PEC-G program, value students who plan to return to their home countries and contribute to positive change. Highlight your commitment to making a difference.
- Research Brazilian university life and culture: Demonstrate your familiarity with Brazil's culture and student life in your motivation letter. This shows your genuine interest in studying in Brazil.
- Watch Brazil’s application deadlines: Brazil follows a different academic calendar, with most classes starting in February. Be aware that application deadlines often fall by the end of the previous year. Plan ahead to avoid missing crucial dates.
Top Universities in Brazil
Brazil boasts internationally recognized universities renowned for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse range of study options. Here are some of the most prestigious institutions in the country:
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP): Widely regarded as the top university in Brazil and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. It offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive libraries, and exchange programs with top universities worldwide.
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP): UNICAMP stands out for its focus on exact sciences, technology, and the arts. It is an excellent choice for students seeking scholarships related to scientific and technological research.
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ): Located in the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ combines academic excellence with a multicultural environment. Its rich cultural and artistic surroundings make it ideal for creative and entrepreneurial students.
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio): A private university with a strong focus on social sciences, humanities, and business. It is an ideal destination for students focused on community and sustainable development projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships to Study in Brazil
- What’s the most comprehensive scholarship to study Brazil? The CAPES Scholarship is one of the most complete, covering living expenses, study materials and travel. It also supports postgraduate research programs.
- Are there free scholarships to study in Brazil? Yes, many scholarships offered by public universities and organizations like CAPES and CNPq are fully funded. Most scholarships cover tuition fees and accommodation. Some also include a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- What are the general requirements to get a scholarship in Brazil? Requirements vary by program, but generally include: Acceptance into a Brazilian university, a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the course and a research project (for postgraduate programs).
- When do calls for applications for scholarships in Brazil open? Most scholarships have yearly calls. For instance, CAPES usually opens applications in July and closes in September. Other university-specific scholarships may follow different timelines.
- Do scholarships include Portuguese language training? Yes, some scholarships, such as those offered by UFRJ or USP, include Portuguese courses for international students. These help with academic and social integration.
Applying for the GCUB-Mob Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those interested in the GCUB-Mob program, here's a detailed guide to the application process:
- Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria, including citizenship, health condition, and financial capacity to cover expenses not included in the scholarship.
- Program Selection: Explore the Table of Masters and Doctorates of Brazilian universities to identify programs that align with your academic interests and career goals. You can apply for up to five programs from different universities and regions.
- Document Preparation: Gather all the required documents in PDF format:
- Copy of identification document (passport or national ID)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Diploma or certificate of completion of university studies (undergraduate and Master's if applicable)
- Two essays with specific content requirements (academic expectations and research proposal)
- Online Application: Access the online application system and complete the application form. You can submit your application in Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French.
- Essay Submission: Prepare two essays as part of the application process:
- Essay 1: Academic expectations and interests; professional expectations and perspectives for returning to the country of origin (maximum 1,000 words).
- Essay 2: A Research proposal containing a maximum of 4,000 words, covering the following topics:
- Justification for the selection;
- Central theme and research problem;
- Delimitation and justification of the object of study;
- Literature review;
- Methodological process;
- Timeline;
- Bibliographical references.
- Submission: Submit your application electronically before the deadline. It's advisable to submit your application as early as possible to avoid potential issues due to system congestion or technical failures.
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