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Scholarship in Brazil: All you need to know
Get to know the best scholarship to study in Brazil that will allow you to live with all the comforts in this vast country.
Studying in Brazil is a goal many international students pursue to experience a country rich in culture and academic opportunities. Its diversity, natural beauty and growing academic collaborations make Brazil an attractive destination for higher education. However, education costs can be challenging, so a scholarship plays a crucial role in making this dream a reality.
In this article, you’ll discover the top scholarships for studying in Brazil in 2025. We’ll explain the benefits of each programme, application deadlines and key requirements set by issuing institutions. Plus, we’ll give tips for a successful stay and list Brazil’s best universities. And if you’re planning a long-term visit, don’t forget to stay connected with one of our unlimited data plans.
The best scholarships to study in Brazil
Brazil offers a variety of scholarships designed for both local and international students. Below, we highlight some of the most relevant programmes for 2025.
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 aimed at students from developing countries who want to pursue undergraduate studies in Brazil. It promotes educational and cultural cooperation between Brazil and its partner countries.
- General requirements:
- You must have completed secondary school with strong academic results.
- You must also be a citizen of a PEC-G programme partner country.
- Applicants can’t be permanent residents or citizens of Brazil.
- Additionally, a CELPE-Bras certificate is required to prove Portuguese language proficiency.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Full tuition waiver.
- Access to student support services at participating universities.
- Type of studies offered:Undergraduate programmes across a wide range of fields.
- Aimed at:Students from developing countries looking to earn a university degree in Brazil.
- How to apply:Visit the official website of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to access the application form. You’ll need to submit academic certificates, proof of language skills and other required documents.
- Opening date: Usually in April.
- Closing date: Usually in June.
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 aim is to support research and academic development in strategic fields.
- General requirements:
- You must already hold a university degree. For PhD programmes, you’ll need a completed master’s qualification.
- You must also submit a research project approved by the host university.
- Language proficiency in Portuguese or English is required, depending on the programme.
- Coverage and benefits:
- A monthly allowance for living expenses.
- Full or partial coverages from tuition fees.
- In some cases, support for transport and accommodation.
- Type of studies offered:Master’s and PhD programmes in a wide range of fields.
- Aimed at:Open to both international and Brazilian students interested in advanced academic research.
- How to apply:Go to the official CAPES portal. Fill in the online application and upload the required documents.
- Opening date: Usually in January.
- 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 programme aims to promote scientific and technological training through scholarships. It supports students at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. It’s perfect for those wishing to join advanced research projects at Brazilian universities.
- General requirements:
- Hold a university degree for master’s studies or a master’s degree for doctoral studies.
- You must also submit a research project endorsed by the host institution.
- Have an assigned academic tutor or supervisor.
- In some cases, proof of proficiency in Portuguese or English is required.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Monthly maintenance allowance.
- Financial aid for research materials.
- Grants for travel related to the research project.
- Type of studies offered:Master’s degrees, doctorates, and postdoctoral programmes focused on research.
- Aimed at:Postgraduate students, both national and international, aiming to conduct scientific research in Brazil.
- How to apply:Applications must be submitted through the official CNPq website. The process includes completing an online form, submitting the research project, letters of recommendation, and proof of acceptance from the host university.
- Opening date: March.
- Closing date: May.
Santander Universities Scholarship Programme
Issuing entity: Banco Santander in collaboration with Brazilian universities
- Overview:This programme aims to promote academic mobility for international students. It offers opportunities for exchange and full-degree studies at universities partnered with Banco Santander.
- General requirements:
- Be enrolled at a participating university.
- Maintain a good academic record.
- Submit a motivation letter.
- Have proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the programme.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Financial support to cover tuition fees, accommodation, or personal expenses.
- Access to exclusive events and international networking opportunities.
- Type of studies offered:Exchange programmes, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses.
- Aimed at:International students keen to join an exchange or complete their studies in Brazil.
- How to apply:Apply through the official Santander Scholarships platform. Complete the form and submit the required documents before the deadline.
- Opening date: September.
- Closing date: November.
OAS-GCUB (Organisation of American States and Coimbra Group of Brazilian Universities) Fellowship Programme
Issuing entity: Organisation of American States (OAS) and Coimbra Group
- Overview:This joint initiative offers full scholarships for international students aiming to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in Brazil. It’s perfect for those seeking advanced education in a multicultural environment.
- General requirements:
- You must be a citizen of a OEA member country.
- Hold a previous academic degree in the desired study area.
- Provide proof of Portuguese or English language proficiency, depending on the programme.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver at participating Brazilian universities.
- Monthly maintenance allowance.
- Basic health insurance.
- Type of studies offered:Master’s and doctoral programmes in specific fields of knowledge.
- Aimed at:International students interested in key areas like social sciences, engineering, public health, and more.
- How to apply:Apply through the official OAS portal. Complete the application form, upload the required documents, and submit a motivation essay.
- Opening date: June.
- Closing date: August.
BRaSIL Academic Mobility Scholarships’ Programme
Issuing entity: Brazilian Ministry of Education and Brazilian public universities
- Overview:This programme promotes academic mobility for international students at public universities in Brazil. Its aim is to attract global talent, boost cultural diversity, and strengthen international academic cooperation.
- General requirements:
- Must be enrolled at an educational institution in your home country.
- Hold an outstanding academic record (usually above 8/10).
- Have an intermediate or advanced level of Portuguese.
- Provide an acceptance letter from the Brazilian university.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Subsidies for accommodation and meals.
- Support for local transport and study materials.
- Access to cultural and language immersion programmes.
- Type of studies offered:
- Academic exchange programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Short-term programmes, usually lasting 6 to 12 months.
- Aimed at:International students from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, mainly from countries with educational cooperation agreements with Brazil.
- How to apply:Applications are submitted through the participating Brazilian universities. Applicants must complete an online form, upload academic documents and recommendation letters, and attend virtual interviews if required.
- Opening date: March.
- Closing date: May.
FAPESP Academic Excellence Scholarships’ Programme
Issuing entity: São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
- Overview:This programme targets students keen to carry out advanced research in collaboration with institutions in São Paulo. FAPESP focuses on promoting global impact projects in strategic areas like biotechnology, renewable energy, and health sciences.
- General requirements:
- Hold a university degree in a field related to the research project.
- Propose an innovative and feasible research project.
- Be accepted by an educational institution or research centre in São Paulo.
- Show proficiency in English or Portuguese, depending on the area of study.
- Coverage and benefits:
- Full funding for the research project.
- Monthly financial support for living expenses.
- Subsidies for laboratory materials and scientific publications.
- Support for national and international travel related to the project.
- Type of studies offered:
- Master’s and doctoral research programmes.
- Postdoctoral research placements.
- Aimed at:Emerging researchers and postgraduate students interested in interdisciplinary projects. Priority is given to applicants from universities with academic agreements with FAPESP.
- ¿How to apply:Applicants must register through FAPESP’s online platform and submit a detailed research project, recommendation letters, and an updated CV. Coordination with the host institution is also necessary to meet local requirements.
- Opening date: January.
- Closing date: April.
Tips on how to get a scholarship in Brazil
Getting a scholarship to study in Brazil takes preparation and a clear strategy. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed:
- Learn Portuguese before you apply:Although some programmes accept English applications, Portuguese is key for daily life and university settings. Taking basic language courses before you arrive can boost your application.
- Focus on Brazil’s priority fields:The Brazilian government values subjects like sustainability, biodiversity, engineering, and healthcare. If your studies match these areas, highlight how you’ll contribute to their development in your application.
- Build connections with brazilian universities:Attend academic events, education fairs, or conferences where Brazilian institutions are present. Establishing direct links with universities can improve your chances of selection.
- Show your social impact:Many scholarships, such as the PEC-G programme, value students who plan to return home and drive change. Include clear examples of how your education will benefit your local community.
- Research Brazilian university life and culture:In your motivation letter, show you’re familiar with Brazil’s culture and student life. This demonstrates genuine interest and commitment to the experience.
- Apply to multiple programmes some scholarships are very competitive:Applying to several increases your chances, as long as you meet the specific requirements of each one.
- Watch Brazil’s application deadlines:Brazil follows a different academic calendar, with most classes starting in February. This means applications often close by the end of the previous year. Plan ahead to avoid missing key dates.
Top universities to study in Brazil
Brazil is home to internationally recognised universities known for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research facilities, and wide range of study options. Below, you’ll find some of the most prestigious institutions in the country and their most recommended degree programmes:
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
- Overview: Widely regarded as the top university in Brazil and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. Its strong focus on research and innovation makes it an ideal choice for students seeking high-level academic training.
- Recommended degrees:
- Engineering (civil, mechanical, environmental).
- Medicine.
- Social and political sciences.
- Law.
- Computer science.
- Why choose it:Offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive libraries and exchange programmes with top universities worldwide.
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
- Overview: UNICAMP stands out for its focus on exact sciences, technology and the arts. It has a strong reputation in research and development.
- Recommended degrees:
- Electrical and electronic engineering.
- Pharmacy and biochemistry.
- Biological sciences.
- Social communication.
- Why choose it:An excellent choice for students seeking scholarships related to scientific and technological research.
Know Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
- Overview: Located in the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ combines academic excellence with a multicultural environment. It’s one of the oldest federal universities in Brazil.
- Recommended degrees:
- Architecture and urbanism.
- Economics.
- Psychology.
- Visual arts and music.
- Why choose it:Its rich cultural and artistic surroundings make it ideal for creative and entrepreneurial students.
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)
- Overview: A private university with a strong focus on social sciences, humanities and business. It’s known for its modern campus and inclusive atmosphere.
- Recommended degrees:
- International relations.
- Business administration.
- Design.
- Philosophy and theology.
- Why choose it:It offers scholarships for international students and has partnerships with top companies for internships.
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
- Overview: Located in Belo Horizonte, UFMG is known for its commitment to sustainability and social development.
- Recommended degrees:
- Environmental sciences.
- Law.
- Nursing.
- Education.
- Why choose it:An ideal destination for students focused on community and sustainable development projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about scholarships to study in Brazil
The CAPES Scholarship is one of the most complete, covering living expenses, study materials and travel. It also supports postgraduate research programmes.
Yes, many scholarships offered by public universities and organisations like CAPES and CNPq are fully funded. Most scholarships cover tuition fees and accommodation. Some also include a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Requirements vary by programme, 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 programmes).
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.
Yes, some scholarships, such as those offered by UFRJ or USP, include Portuguese courses for international students. These help with academic and social integration.
You can find support through the official websites of Brazilian universities, Brazilian embassies in your country, and organisations like CAPES or the Ministry of Education of Brazil.
