BRAZILIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (MRE), CAPES, AND CNPQ
Brazil PEC-PG Scholarship Programme
full · masters, phd
- Stipend (tuition-free unis)Support
- Study in BrazilHost country
- Master’s & PhDStudy levels
- Agreement countriesEligibility
- ~R$2,200–3,100/moStipend
- Embassy routeApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€8k
Max amount
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
Developing countries with cooperation agreements with Brazil
Country
Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), CAPES, and CNPq
Provider
The Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Pós-Graduação (PEC-PG) funds citizens of developing countries with cooperation agreements with Brazil to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at Brazilian universities. It is run jointly by Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and the funding agencies CAPES (master's) and CNPq (doctoral). Because graduate programmes at Brazilian public universities are tuition-free, PEC-PG focuses on living support: it provides a monthly stipend (around R$2,200 for master's and R$3,100 for doctoral students), and may include a travel/installation allowance, for the standard duration of the degree (~24 months for a master's, ~48 months for a doctorate). Selected students must demonstrate Portuguese proficiency (via the Celpe-Bras exam) for Portuguese-taught programmes. Applicants apply through the Brazilian embassy or diplomatic mission in their home country during the annual call, having secured admission to a participating Brazilian graduate programme. PEC-PG scholars commit to returning to their home country after completing the degree.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — ~R$2,200/month for master's students and ~R$3,100/month for doctoral students.
- No tuition — Graduate programmes at Brazilian public universities are tuition-free for PEC-PG students.
- Travel/installation (some) — A travel and/or installation allowance in some cases.
- Duration — ~24 months (master's) or ~48 months (doctorate), subject to satisfactory progress.
- Health (SUS) — Access to Brazil's public health system (SUS).
How to apply
Secure admission to a participating Brazilian graduate programme, obtain Celpe-Bras (where required), and apply through the Brazilian embassy/mission in your country during the annual call.
- Confirm eligibility — Check that your country has an agreement and that you meet the degree and Portuguese requirements.
- Obtain admission — Apply to and gain admission to a participating Brazilian graduate programme.
- Take Celpe-Bras (if needed) — Obtain Celpe-Bras certification for Portuguese-taught programmes.
- Apply via the embassy — Submit the PEC-PG application through the Brazilian embassy/mission during the annual call.
- Selection — MRE with CAPES/CNPq evaluate and select scholars.
- Award & enrolment — Selected scholars enrol in Brazil with the monthly stipend.
Eligibility
CountryCitizen of a developing country with an educational/cultural cooperation agreement with Brazil.
DegreeA bachelor's for master's applicants; a master's for doctoral applicants.
AdmissionAdmitted to a participating Brazilian graduate programme.
PortugueseCelpe-Bras certification (Portuguese proficiency) for Portuguese-taught programmes.
Return commitmentA commitment to return to the home country after completing the degree.
Apply through the Brazilian embassy/diplomatic mission in your country during the annual call. You need admission to a Brazilian programme first; tuition is free at public universities, so the grant is for living costs.
Eligible countries
Developing countries with cooperation agreements with Brazil
Deadlines
Annual call (typical)2026-11-30
Selection
Selection is coordinated by Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs with CAPES (master's) and CNPq (doctoral), based on academic merit, the study plan, and the programme/agreement framework. Admission to a Brazilian programme and Portuguese proficiency (where required) are prerequisites.
Verified sources
- PEC-PG — Brazilian Governmentgov.brofficial
About the provider
PEC-PG is run by Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) together with CAPES and CNPq, the country's main graduate-education and research funding agencies. It is part of Brazil's educational cooperation with developing countries, hosting their students in Brazilian graduate programmes to build shared capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the PEC-PG programme?
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A Brazilian government programme funding citizens of developing countries (with cooperation agreements) to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at Brazilian universities, run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with CAPES and CNPq.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of developing countries that have educational/cultural agreements with Brazil, who hold the required degree, gain admission to a Brazilian programme, and (for Portuguese-taught courses) certify Portuguese via Celpe-Bras.
What does it cover?
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A monthly stipend (~R$2,200 master's, ~R$3,100 doctoral) — graduate study at Brazilian public universities is tuition-free — plus a possible travel/installation allowance and access to the public health system.
Is tuition charged?
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No — graduate programmes at Brazilian public universities are tuition-free, so PEC-PG focuses on a living stipend rather than tuition.
How do I apply?
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Secure admission to a participating Brazilian programme, obtain Celpe-Bras if required, and apply through the Brazilian embassy/diplomatic mission in your country during the annual call.
When is the deadline?
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The annual call typically runs in the second half of the year with a late-year deadline; studies begin in the Brazilian academic year (~March). Confirm dates with the Brazilian embassy.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
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For Portuguese-taught programmes, yes — you need Celpe-Bras certification. Some programmes may accept other arrangements, but Portuguese proficiency is generally required.
Do I have to return home?
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Yes — PEC-PG scholars commit to returning to their home country after completing the degree, as the programme supports development cooperation.
How long does it last?
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About 24 months for a master's and up to ~48 months for a doctorate, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Which countries are eligible?
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Developing countries that have educational or cultural cooperation agreements with Brazil — the list is defined by the programme and Brazil's diplomatic agreements.
Do I need admission before applying?
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Yes — you must have admission to a participating Brazilian graduate programme before or as part of the PEC-PG application.
Who funds the stipend?
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CAPES funds master's stipends and CNPq funds doctoral stipends, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinating the programme through Brazilian embassies.