The Brazil PEC-PG Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded scholarship program aimed at international students aspiring to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, or Sandwich Doctoral degrees in Brazil. Supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this prestigious scholarship provides a unique opportunity to study at leading Brazilian higher education institutions (HEIs) with full financial coverage including living stipend, health insurance, and round-trip airfare. This blog post offers a comprehensive overview of the scholarship, detailing application deadlines, eligibility, benefits, study areas, the application process, and much more to help prospective candidates maximize their chances for a successful application.

Basic Information About the Brazil PEC-PG Postgraduate Scholarship 2026
- Host Country: Brazil
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship
- Degree Levels: Full Master’s, Full Doctorate, Sandwich Doctorate Program
- Application Deadline:
- Full Master’s and Doctorate: September 29, 2025
- Sandwich Doctorate: December 30, 2025
- Scholarship Start Date: First half of 2026 for Master’s/PhD; August 2026 for Sandwich Doctorate
- Funded by: Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), CAPES, and CNPq
- Modalities:
- Full Doctorate in Brazil
- Sandwich Doctorate in Brazil
- Full Master’s Degree in Brazil
- Duration of scholarships:
- I – Sandwich Doctorate: between 6 (six) and 10 (ten) months;
- II – Full Doctorate: up to 48 (forty-eight) months and
- III – Full Master’s Degree: up to 24 (twenty-four) months.
University / Institution Details
The scholarship supports studies at Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) recognized by CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel). These include some of Brazil’s most prestigious universities spread throughout the country. Participating institutions feature a wide range of graduate programs in various disciplines.
Candidates must secure admission or acceptance from one of these HEIs for their Master’s, Doctoral, or Sandwich Doctoral program before applying for the scholarship.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
Brazil PEC-PG Scholarship covers a broad spectrum of study areas offered by Brazilian universities. Some key fields include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Environmental Sciences
- Exact and Earth Sciences
- Education and Communication
Applicants can select any available strictu sensu postgraduate course evaluated by CAPES with a minimum quality rating (concept equal to or greater than 3). The program supports diverse academic fields to promote interdisciplinary and international cooperation.
Brazil PEC-PG Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Benefits
The Brazil PEC-PG Scholarship offers comprehensive financial benefits, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately R$1500 for Master’s and R$2200 for Doctoral students
- Health Insurance Coverage: Ensures access to medical care during the study period.
- Round-Trip International Airfare: Air travel funded between the student’s home country and Brazil.
- No Tuition Fees: Tuition is waived at participating Brazilian HEIs.
- Study Duration Supported:
This financial package significantly reduces the economic burden on international students.
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship covers many essentials, some costs are not included:
- Initial travel expenses to Brazil before the first stipend payment
- Accommodation costs beyond the stipend coverage
- Daily personal expenses exceeding typical living costs
- Additional family member support costs (family accompanying students must finance themselves)
- Portuguese language tuition (except if enrolling in the PEC-PLE program separately)
Students should prepare to cover initial arrival expenses and personal costs not explicitly funded.
Eligibility Criteria for the Brazil PEC-PG Postgraduate Scholarship 2026
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for PEC-PG:
- Be a citizen of a PEC-PG partner developing country (Brazil maintains agreements with several countries worldwide).
- Hold an undergraduate degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for Doctoral applicants) with strong academic records.
- Secure formal acceptance from a Brazilian HEI with a CAPES-rated postgraduate program.
- Submit all academic and supporting documents as required in the official call.
- Agree to comply fully with the scholarship’s terms and conditions.
- Not be a Brazilian citizen or have permanent visa or employment authorization in Brazil.
- Have a Curriculum Vitae registered or updated on the CNPq Lattes platform in Portuguese.
- Have passed or commit to passing the Portuguese language proficiency exam CELPE-Bras if required.
- Be financially responsible for costs until receipt of the first stipend payment (including travel to Brazil).
- Not hold certain types of Brazilian visas, such as permanent or diplomatic visas.
Participating countries
Countries that have an educational, cultural, or scientific and technological cooperation agreement with Brazil can participate in PEC-G. Currently, 73 countries participate:
Africa – 29 countries
South Africa
Angola
Algeria
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Cameroon
Ivory Coast
Egypt
Ethiopia
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea Bissau
Equatorial Guinea
Mali
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Kenya
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Zambia
Latin America and the Caribbean – 27 countries
- Argentina
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- El Salvador
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Dominican Republic
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Asia – 10 countries
- Bangladesh
- China
- South Korea
- India
- Iran
- Lebanon
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Thailand
- East Timor
Europe – 7 countries
- Armenia
- Bulgaria
- France
- Hungary
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Turkey
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Acceptance letter from a Brazilian university’s graduate program
- Academic transcripts and diplomas (undergraduate/master’s as relevant)
- Curriculum Vitae on CNPq Lattes platform
- Certified Portuguese language proficiency certificate (CELPE-Bras) or proof of intention to obtain it if required
- Passport and proof of citizenship of a PEC-PG partner country
- Commitment letter agreeing to scholarship conditions
- Additional documents as outlined in the official scholarship announcement (may include recommendation letters, research proposal, etc.)
Brazil PEC-PG Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Research Eligible Programs: Visit the list of CAPES-recognized Brazilian graduate programs to find your preferred course and institution.
- Secure Admission: Apply and obtain acceptance into your chosen Master’s, Doctorate, or Sandwich Doctorate program at a Brazilian HEI.
- Register on CNPq Lattes: Create or update your academic CV on the Lattes platform in Portuguese.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including acceptance letters and language certificates.
- Submit Application: Complete the online scholarship application and submit documents to the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country before the deadline.
- Selection Rounds: Brazilian HEIs conduct the selection in multiple rounds; candidates may be evaluated and interviewed.
- Final Approval: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other coordinating bodies review and approve the final list.
- Announcement: Results are published on official government platforms.
- Begin Studies: Selected candidates start their academic programs in Brazil from early 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early and strictly adhere to all deadlines.
- Ensure all documents are complete, authentic, and translated into Portuguese if necessary.
- Write a strong academic research proposal aligned with program requirements.
- Obtain a solid acceptance letter from a reputable Brazilian HEI.
- Keep your Lattes CV updated with all academic achievements.
- Prepare well for the Portuguese language exam (CELPE-Bras).
- Follow all instructions carefully and confirm submission with the Brazilian Embassy or consulate.
- Highlight any international collaboration or cross-cultural experience in your application.
- Seek recommendations from academics familiar with your work.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Brazil (in USD)
- Accommodation: $250–$400 (shared apartments or university housing)
- Food: $150–$250 (groceries and meals)
- Transportation: $40–$70 (public transport passes)
- Health Insurance: Covered by the scholarship, otherwise approx. $50–$100
- Miscellaneous: $70–$150 (books, entertainment, utilities)
Estimated total monthly expenses: $500–$900 which can be comfortably covered by the PEC-PG monthly stipend.
Why Choose This Scholarship? Key Reasons
- Fully Funded: Offers a complete scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare.
- Diverse Study Areas: Supports a wide range of Master’s and Doctorate courses in top Brazilian universities.
- Cultural and Academic Exchange: Provides a unique platform for international cooperation and networking.
- Opportunity to Study in Brazil: Gain access to Latin America’s largest economy and rich cultural heritage.
- Long Duration of Support: Funding can cover up to 48 months for Doctorate studies, ensuring academic stability.
Additional benefits include official recognition by the Brazilian government, strong institutional support, and access to quality research and education opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the PEC-PG scholarship?
A1: PEC-PG is a Brazilian government scholarship program offering full funding for Master’s and Doctorate degrees to international students from partner countries.
Q2: Who can apply for the PEC-PG scholarship?
A2: Nationals of countries that have a bilateral cooperation agreement with Brazil and who are accepted into a graduate program at a Brazilian HEI.
Q3: What costs does the scholarship cover?
A3: The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, health insurance, tuition waiver, and round-trip airfare.
Q4: Is there a language requirement?
A4: Yes, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese, typically via the CELPE-Bras exam.
Q5: Can family members accompany the student?
A5: Family members can accompany the student but their expenses are not covered by the scholarship.
Q6: What happens after the scholarship ends?
A6: Students are expected to return to their home country or as per agreement terms after the completion of their studies.
Official Link:
This detailed guide should arm prospective applicants with all essential information to confidently apply for the Brazil PEC-PG Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 and embark on a transformative educational journey in Brazil. The fully funded nature and academic prestige of the program make it an outstanding opportunity for international postgraduate students seeking quality education abroad.