CNPq PIBIC scholarships support scientific research training for undergraduate students through participating institutions in Brazil. Students should find a suitable researcher and follow the institution’s selection process. PIBIC is a supervised research award, with local application dates, rather than a universal tuition scholarship application.
Official sources checked: October 3, 2026. Independent guide by Excelsior Scholarships; applications go to the official sponsor.
What PIBIC is designed to do
The official CNPq PIBIC page describes undergraduate scientific initiation and learning research methods with a qualified supervisor. Its student guidance directs interested undergraduates to a researcher in their field. The institution’s call determines the practical submission route.
| Check | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Institution | Does it participate and have a current call? |
| Supervision | Which researcher can supervise an appropriate project? |
| Study schedule | How will research fit with undergraduate coursework? |
| Selection | What must the student and supervisor submit? |
Find a research question you can learn from
Start with a subject that interests you and read work from relevant groups at your institution. You do not need to arrive with a complete independent research agenda. A useful first conversation asks what question a student could address, what methods would be taught and what work the group can realistically support.
Choose a manageable task within the available time. Learning to collect, organize or analyze evidence carefully can be more valuable than proposing an enormous project. Discuss what a successful result would look like and how you will know whether the work is progressing.
Approach a potential supervisor
Write a short message identifying your course, academic stage and reason for interest in the research. Mention a specific topic from the group rather than sending the same vague request to everyone. Ask whether there is an opportunity to discuss a PIBIC project under the current institutional call.
At the meeting, discuss expected activities, the time commitment and supervision arrangements. If you need training before beginning, ask how that training would be provided. Clear expectations make it easier to combine research with the rest of your undergraduate responsibilities.
Read the local call and divide responsibilities
The CNPq institutional program directory helps distinguish PIBIC from related routes. Your institution’s current notice should explain student eligibility, supervisor conditions, documents and selection dates. Do not assume a national institutional call is the same as the student deadline.
- Locate the current institutional PIBIC notice.
- Confirm student eligibility and a suitable supervisor.
- Agree on the project and expected training.
- Prepare the student and supervisor documents required.
- Submit through the local process and monitor results.
Make a small checklist showing who prepares each item. The student may be able to collect academic records, while the supervisor handles other research information. Check the whole file together before submission so a completed student form does not conceal a missing supervisor stage.
Understand the stipend and research responsibilities
CNPq refers applicants to its current award-value table. Confirm the value and implementation dates in the selected award’s terms. A research stipend should not be assumed to cover tuition, equipment or every study expense unless those benefits are expressly included.
During the project, keep a research notebook or other appropriate record. Track methods, observations, questions and feedback from supervision. This habit supports learning and makes later reporting or presentation easier. Ask the institution about the reports or research events required by its program.
Compare the ESPM tuition award route to distinguish research funding from tuition support. Use our Brazilian student funding guide and academic document checklist for broader planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is PIBIC a scholarship to pay any college tuition?
Its stated purpose is supervised undergraduate research training. Check the actual award benefits separately.
Do I need a supervisor?
The official student guidance directs applicants to a researcher willing to involve and supervise them.
Where do I find the student deadline?
In the current institutional selection notice, rather than a generic national scholarship list.
Must I already know every research method?
Discuss preparation and training with the potential supervisor. The program is designed to introduce students to research.