CNPq PIBIC-Af scholarships support undergraduate research training for beneficiaries of affirmative-action admission policies at participating public institutions. Applicants should confirm the local eligibility definition, find a suitable researcher and follow the institutional selection. The award is a research opportunity, with conditions separate from general student financial assistance.
Official sources checked: October 3, 2026. Independent guide by Excelsior Scholarships; applications go to the official sponsor.
What the affirmative-action research route supports
The official PIBIC-Af page explains the aim of expanding scientific training and participation for students entering higher education through affirmative action. Participating institutions need the relevant public-institution and research-program conditions. Students should use their institution’s current notice to establish their own eligibility.
| Question | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Does my admission route qualify? | Current local PIBIC-Af notice and student records |
| Does the institution participate? | Official research office |
| Is there a suitable project? | Potential research supervisor |
| What documents are needed? | The specific selection checklist |
Confirm the admission and enrollment evidence
Find the official record of your admission pathway and current enrollment. Compare the terminology in those records with the local selection notice. If they use different labels, ask the research office how to document the relevant condition rather than deciding for yourself that they are equivalent.
Submit only the evidence requested through the official process. Documents about admission circumstances can contain personal information. Keep them organized for the institutional selection, and do not post them in public comments or send them to an unrelated scholarship website.
Choose a research group and learning goal
Explore researchers in the academic areas that interest you. Look for work you would like to understand and skills you hope to learn. Then ask about an appropriate undergraduate task. You can bring curiosity and preparation to the discussion without pretending to have a complete research project already.
Agree on how supervision will work. Ask what training, feedback and resources will be available. A good planning conversation also identifies how the research commitment will fit with classes and other responsibilities. Record those expectations so you can return to them during the project.
Read the local call as a complete process
The CNPq institutional directory distinguishes the affirmative-action route from the broader research programs. At the student level, the institution’s notice sets the application channel, deadline, required evidence and evaluation stages.
- Confirm the institution and applicable student eligibility.
- Find a researcher and discuss a suitable project.
- Collect the admission, enrollment and other requested documents.
- Check student and supervisor responsibilities for submission.
- Monitor the official result and any implementation request.
Read the entire timetable, including any appeal and award-acceptance stages. A result announcement may require a further action from you before implementation. Keep the submitted file and confirmation so you can respond accurately if the institution asks for clarification.
Understand funding and ongoing participation
The official page refers to the current CNPq scholarship value table. Ask the institution which funding period and award terms apply to a selected student. Research stipends and assistance with living or tuition costs should be compared by their actual purpose and benefits.
Once the project starts, keep notes about what you learn and what questions remain. Discuss difficulties early with the supervisor. A training award is most useful when the research activities, feedback and final reporting help you develop skills you can use in later study.
For related routes, read our PIBIC guide, PIBITI technology guide and Brazilian student funding overview.
Frequently asked questions
Is PIBIC-Af the same as any low-income student grant?
No. It is an affirmative-action undergraduate research route with specific institutional and student conditions.
Who confirms my qualifying admission pathway?
Use official student records and the current selection instructions, asking the institution if the evidence is unclear.
Do I still need a research supervisor?
Yes, investigate a suitable supervised project under the institution’s process.
Is there one national student deadline?
Follow your institution’s current call. Its selection dates are separate from institutional funding applications.