Brazil has emerged as an attractive study destination for international students seeking affordable and world-class education in Latin America. With its strong higher education system, globally recognized universities, and government-backed funding schemes, Brazil offers a range of fully funded scholarships and sponsorship programs that cover tuition, living expenses, and research support. For the 2026 academic year, several top scholarship opportunities stand out for international applicants.
1. PEC-PG (Postgraduate Student Agreement Programme)
This is Brazil’s flagship government initiative for international postgraduate students. Managed jointly by the Ministry of Education (CAPES), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and CNPq, PEC-PG provides fully funded Master’s, PhD, and Sandwich PhD opportunities.
What it covers:
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Full tuition waiver at participating Brazilian universities
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Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
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Access to health insurance under Brazil’s public system
Who can apply:
International students from countries that maintain educational cooperation agreements with Brazil. Applicants must present official diplomas, sworn translations, a research proposal, recommendation letters, and in most cases, proof of Portuguese or English proficiency.
Timeline: Applications typically open in August and close by late September of the year prior to enrollment.
2. GCUB-Mob (International Mobility Program)
Organized by the Consortium of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), this program offers hundreds of fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships every year. For 2026, GCUB-Mob is expected to provide placements in dozens of Brazilian universities.
What it covers:
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Full tuition exemption
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Monthly financial support from the host university or funding agencies
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Access to academic and language support services
Why it’s important: With hundreds of placements, GCUB-Mob is one of the easiest entry routes for international students seeking fully funded study in Brazil.
3. FAPESP Research Scholarships and Fellowships
The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is Brazil’s largest state-level research agency, funding thousands of international students and researchers each year.
Programs available:
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Graduate research scholarships
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Doctoral and Sandwich PhD fellowships
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Fully funded postdoctoral fellowships
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Visiting researcher grants
Highlight: FAPESP is particularly strong for research in science, technology, and innovation. International applicants hosted by universities in São Paulo benefit from generous stipends and full research funding.
4. TWAS–FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship
This joint program between the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and FAPESP is aimed at early-career researchers from Least Developed Countries.
Duration & Benefits:
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12–24 months of postdoctoral research at universities in São Paulo
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Fully funded stipend and research support
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Supervision by leading Brazilian research groups
This fellowship is ideal for scholars from developing countries seeking to advance their careers in a high-impact research environment.
5. Fulbright–FAPESP Awards
For U.S. citizens, the Fulbright–FAPESP partnership offers prestigious postdoctoral fellowships and research awards in São Paulo.
What it offers:
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Living stipends
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Research funding
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Travel allowances
This program strengthens academic exchange between the U.S. and Brazil and provides scholars with access to Brazil’s top institutions.
6. University-Level Scholarships
In addition to national and state-level programs, many leading Brazilian universities such as the University of São Paulo (USP), Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), and PUC-Rio provide their own scholarships and funding packages.
Key features:
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Tuition-free study (especially at public universities)
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Access to CAPES or CNPq stipends
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Institutional support for international integration
These opportunities are often tied to the PEC-PG and GCUB-Mob programs but may also include internal university funding schemes.
Application Tips for 2026
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Prepare your documents early: Most Brazilian scholarships require apostilled diplomas, sworn translations, and certified transcripts.
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Research proposals matter: A strong proposal aligned with a potential supervisor increases your chances.
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Language requirements: Portuguese proficiency is often needed, though some programs accept English.
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Multiple applications: Programs like PEC-PG and GCUB-Mob allow applications to several universities, boosting your chances of selection.
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Follow the edital (public call): Each scholarship is governed by official announcements with strict deadlines.
Why Brazil?
Choosing Brazil in 2026 means more than just free tuition. International students gain access to:
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A diverse cultural and linguistic environment
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Strong networks for research collaboration across Latin America
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Opportunities for long-term career development in academia, industry, and international organizations
For the 2026 academic year, Brazil offers multiple fully funded scholarship pathways for international students. Whether through the government-backed PEC-PG, the expansive GCUB-Mob placements, or FAPESP’s generous research fellowships, international applicants have a real chance to pursue advanced education in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging economies.
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