Admission and Scholarship Are Not Always the Same
Admission to a Brazilian university or postgraduate programme does not automatically mean that a scholarship has been awarded. Some programmes allocate scholarships during admission, some rank students for funding after enrolment, and some may have no scholarship available for a particular intake.
Before admission
Some scholarship programmes have their own application and selection process.
During admission
Some postgraduate programmes consider scholarship allocation as part of their student-selection process.
After admission
Some students are admitted first and later compete for available scholarship quotas.
Important:
Always verify whether admission and funding are combined or separate in the official edital or scholarship regulation.
Other International & Bilateral Opportunities
Additional funding may come from bilateral agreements, foreign governments, foundations, international organisations and cooperation programmes involving Brazilian institutions.
Main Scholarship & Funding Routes in Brazil
Brazil does not have one universal scholarship application system. Funding may come through federal agencies, state research foundations, international cooperation programmes or the universities themselves.
CAPES Scholarships
CAPES is one of Brazil’s principal postgraduate funding agencies. Master’s and PhD scholarships are commonly made available through recognised postgraduate programmes and higher-education institutions. Applicants should check directly with their target programme for availability and allocation rules.
CNPq Scholarships
CNPq supports postgraduate education, scientific research and researcher training through institutional scholarship programmes and specific public calls. Availability and selection depend on the institution, programme and applicable CNPq rules.
State Research Foundations — FAPs
Brazil’s states have research funding foundations that support science, postgraduate education and research. Examples include FAPESP, FAPERJ, FAPEMIG, FAPESPA and other state foundations. Eligibility and opportunities vary according to the state and funding call.
PEC-PG
The Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Pós-Graduação — PEC-PG is an international postgraduate cooperation programme coordinated by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CAPES and CNPq. Eligible international applicants compete through specific public calls.
GCUB-Mob
The GCUB International Mobility Program provides international applicants with opportunities to compete for Master’s and PhD places and scholarship support offered through participating Brazilian universities. Universities, programmes and conditions vary by edition.
University & Postgraduate Programme Scholarships
Brazilian universities and postgraduate programmes may receive institutional scholarship quotas or operate internal funding mechanisms. Students may be ranked for available support according to programme-specific criteria.
There is no single application route for all of these opportunities. Always follow the current official call or programme regulation.
What Can Scholarship Support Include?
Living support
Some scholarships provide a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Research support
Certain opportunities may support research activity, academic events or project expenses.
Additional benefits
Some international programmes may include travel, insurance or other benefits.
Partial support
A scholarship may not cover every expense associated with studying and living in Brazil.
Values, benefits and payment conditions vary and can change between funding cycles. Always check the current official regulation.
What Can Influence Scholarship Selection?
Academic performance
Research or professional experience
Programme selection score or ranking
Research-project quality and alignment
Available scholarship quotas
Rules of the specific funding programme
Not every funding route uses all of these criteria. Applicants should understand how their specific scholarship opportunity evaluates candidates.
Prepare for Costs Beyond the Scholarship
Even candidates expecting financial support should prepare for the initial cost of relocating to Brazil. Scholarship payments may not begin immediately, and some expenses may remain the student’s responsibility.
A scholarship should support your study plan — it should not be your only financial plan before arrival.
Travel to Brazil
Visa and document expenses
Initial accommodation or housing deposit
Food, transport and personal expenses
Emergency funds for the first weeks or months
How Brasil Gateway Consulting Can Help
Scholarship opportunity screening
Funding eligibility review
University and programme matching
Admission and scholarship strategy
Application-document guidance
Pre-departure financial and relocation planning
Brasil Gateway Consulting is an independent educational guidance service. We are not CAPES, CNPq, GCUB, the Brazilian government, a university or a scholarship provider. We cannot guarantee admission, scholarship selection, scholarship availability or any specific funding amount.