Overview
The Brazilian Government Scholarships for international students are primarily offered through the PEC-PG Programme (Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Pós-Graduação), coordinated by CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) in partnership with CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) and the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil (MRE). The programme is aimed at students from developing countries that have bilateral agreements with Brazil, with a focus on postgraduate studies at Brazilian public universities.
The PEC-PG programme supports master’s and doctoral studies across a broad range of disciplines available at Brazilian federal universities. It is a key vehicle for Brazil’s scientific and academic diplomacy, particularly with partner countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
What’s Included?
PEC-PG scholarship benefits are provided by CAPES or CNPq and include:
- Monthly Stipend: A living allowance is provided throughout the scholarship period (master’s or doctoral studies).
- Health Insurance: Basic health insurance or access to health services through the host university may be provided.
- Tuition: Tuition fees at Brazilian public universities are generally free (as public universities in Brazil do not charge tuition), making the scholarship primarily a stipend programme.
- Travel Allowance: A one-time international travel allowance may be provided to cover part of the cost of travelling to Brazil (conditions apply — confirm in the official call).
Eligibility
Eligibility for PEC-PG is subject to bilateral agreements between Brazil and the applicant’s country. General criteria include:
- Must be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral cooperation agreement with Brazil under the PEC-PG programme (check the official CAPES or MRE website for the eligible country list).
- Must not hold Brazilian citizenship or permanent residency in Brazil.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree for master’s programmes, or a master’s degree for doctoral programmes.
- Must have been admitted or pre-approved by a Brazilian postgraduate programme at a public university.
- Must meet the age limits specified in the annual call (usually under 45 for master’s and under 50 for PhD).
- Must be proficient in Portuguese (Brazil’s primary language of instruction). Some programmes offer English-taught options.
How to Apply
The PEC-PG application process is managed through a Brazilian diplomatic mission (Embassy or Consulate) in the applicant’s home country, and the online CAPES application system. The typical steps are:
- Step 1 – Check the call: Visit the official CAPES website (gov.br/capes) and look for the PEC-PG annual call, or contact the Brazilian Embassy/Consulate in your country for details.
- Step 2 – Secure admission: You must obtain a pre-admission or acceptance letter from a postgraduate programme at a Brazilian public university before applying for the scholarship.
- Step 3 – Register on the portal: Register and complete your scholarship application on the official CAPES portal.
- Step 4 – Upload documents: Attach all required documents including academic certificates, passport, acceptance letter from the university, proof of Portuguese proficiency (if required), and any other materials listed in the call.
- Step 5 – Submit via Brazilian Embassy: Submit the application to the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your country before the annual deadline (approximately June 30).
- Step 6 – Await results: CAPES reviews applications and announces results after the selection process. Successful scholars are contacted with instructions for visa and travel procedures.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Selection Period | After deadline (timing varies) |
| Scholarship Start | Varies by university intake (typically July–August) |
Contact Information
For official programme details, eligible countries, and current calls, visit the CAPES website at gov.br/capes. You can also contact the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for application guidance and country-specific information.
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