PEC-PG: Postgraduate Scholarships in Brazil for International Students (Master’s & PhD)

If you are an international student dreaming of pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Brazil, the Postgraduate Student Exchange Program (PEC-PG) is a golden opportunity. Funded by the Brazilian government through CAPES, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and CNPq, this program provides full scholarships for talented students from partner countries to study in Brazilian universities.

What is the PEC-PG Program?

The PEC-PG (Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Pós-Graduação) is a prestigious scholarship initiative that enables foreign students from developing countries to access high-quality postgraduate education in Brazil. With full financial support, the program covers both Master’s and PhD studies in a wide range of academic fields.

By joining PEC-PG, international students not only benefit from advanced academic training but also become part of Brazil’s vibrant multicultural environment.

Benefits of PEC-PG Scholarships

Students selected under the PEC-PG program enjoy several benefits, making it one of the most attractive scholarship opportunities in Latin America:

Monthly stipend: Around R$ 2,100 for Master’s and R$ 3,100 for PhD, plus R$ 400 for health expenses.

Free healthcare: Full access to Brazil’s public health system (SUS), including medical, dental, and basic medication.

Return airfare: Financial assistance to return to your home country upon graduation.

No tuition fees: All academic costs are fully covered by the Brazilian government.

Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the PEC-PG scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a citizen of a partner country with which Brazil has an educational or cultural cooperation agreement.

Not hold Brazilian nationality or permanent residency.

Hold an undergraduate diploma recognized as equivalent to a Brazilian degree.

Prove Portuguese language proficiency, either through exams (like Celpe-Bras) or university requirements.

Application Timeline (2025–2026)

The latest PEC-PG call for applications offers 650 scholarships across Master’s and PhD programs.

100 PhD full scholarships (up to 48 months).

350 PhD sandwich scholarships (6–10 months).

200 Master’s full scholarships (up to 24 months).

Key dates:

Master’s & Full PhD: August 14 – September 29, 2025.

Sandwich PhD: October 1 – December 30, 2025.

 Start dates:

Master’s & Full PhD: First semester of 2026.

Sandwich PhD: August 2026.

Why Choose PEC-PG?

Here are some reasons why PEC-PG is a life-changing opportunity for international students:

Full financial support: Covers living, study, and healthcare expenses.

Global academic exposure: Study in renowned Brazilian universities.

Cultural immersion: Experience Brazil’s diverse culture while building an international academic network.

Career opportunities: A postgraduate degree from Brazil strengthens your profile for both local and international opportunities.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Check if your country is eligible by contacting the Brazilian embassy or consulting the CAPES website.

2. Prepare your academic transcripts and diploma early for verification.

3. Work on your Portuguese skills, since fluency is a major requirement for admission.

4. Respect all application deadlines and double-check the required documents.

Voices from International Students

Past PEC-PG applicants highlight the importance of language and preparation:

> “You have to write your project in Portuguese… pass the language test or be fluent.” – International student on Reddit

“Apply through the PEC-PG at your local Brazilian consulate.” – Former applicant

These testimonials reinforce the need for strong preparation and early planning.

Final Thoughts

The PEC-PG Program stands out as one of the most comprehensive scholarship opportunities in Latin America. By covering all major expenses and promoting academic and cultural exchange, it helps international students build successful academic and professional careers.

If you are an international student with ambition, academic talent, and a passion for cultural exchange, this could be your gateway to advanced studies in Brazil.

Call to Action

To learn more about the program, eligibility, and required documents, visit the official PEC-PG page on CAPES and start preparing your application today.