FAPESP master’s scholarships fund academic master’s research at eligible institutions in the state of São Paulo. The current rules took effect September 1, 2026. Applications use a continuous submission route, with a research project and supervisor; admission to a master’s course does not automatically produce a scholarship.
Official sources checked: October 3, 2026. Independent guide by Excelsior Scholarships; applications go to the official sponsor.
FAPESP master’s scholarships: who should investigate?
The official master’s scholarship rules describe regularly enrolled academic master’s students conducting dissertation research in São Paulo. They assess the candidate, supervisor and project. A request can be prepared before completion of the preceding degree, but the required graduation and enrollment proof must be supplied for award acceptance.
| Modality | Mestrado, or MS |
|---|---|
| Research location | Eligible institution in São Paulo state |
| Submission timing | Continuous, subject to the current rules |
| Maximum listed duration | 24 months, with applicable prior funding deducted |
Choose a dissertation question of the right scale
Begin with a question you can address during a master’s. Explain what is already known, the gap you intend to investigate and how your proposed work can answer it. A clearly bounded question gives the project a stronger working structure than a broad promise to transform a whole discipline.
Test the plan against the resources you can access. If a method requires equipment, data, field access or training, discuss those needs early. Make a schedule that includes preparation and analysis as well as the collection stage. Leave enough time to turn the results into a dissertation.
Work with the supervisor before submission
The candidate should understand and participate in developing the project. Ask the supervisor how the proposed work connects to the research group and what support will be available. For a project linked to an existing research grant, confirm the appropriate administrative arrangement instead of assuming that the linkage will be recognized automatically.
Prepare for a substantive conversation about your methods. You should be able to explain why you selected them, what their limits are and what you would do if an initial approach did not work. Those discussions also help you identify gaps in your preparation before you submit.
Organize academic and research records
- Read the current MS rules and identify your candidate conditions.
- Confirm the graduate program and proposed supervisor.
- Develop a focused dissertation project and realistic schedule.
- Collect the academic and institutional documents requested.
- Review the submission with the supervisor and use the official system.
Keep your academic records consistent with your curriculum summary. If a date or qualification differs between documents, resolve it before application. Explain relevant research experience using concrete work you completed, such as a method learned or a result produced. Do not replace evidence with unsupported descriptions of your ability.
Understand monthly support and research expenses
The MS framework includes monthly support and specified research-related benefits. Use the current official value table and award terms for a personal budget; this guide does not freeze a payment amount that may change. Ask how the research reserve is managed and which expenses need approval or reporting.
For overseas research, the current BEPE framework has changed. Master’s fellows need to examine appropriate calls rather than assume the continuous doctoral BEPE route applies. Discuss the actual purpose and timing of any overseas component with your supervisor.
Plan reports from the beginning
Keep a working record of methods, results and changes to the project. This makes scientific reporting more manageable and helps you identify whether the research remains on schedule. If a change affects the approved plan, ask how it should be formally submitted before acting on it.
For comparison, see our BEPE rules guide, UFES institutional master’s funding example and Brazilian scholarship routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is FAPESP MS a scholarship for any master’s anywhere?
No. The verified modality concerns academic master’s research at eligible institutions in São Paulo state.
Is there one annual application deadline?
The ordinary route accepts continuous submissions. Check the current rules and any special call conditions.
Do I need a supervisor?
Yes. The supervisor and research project are part of the application framework.
Can I assume overseas BEPE funding is included?
No. Master’s fellows need to check the applicable separate overseas research call and funding conditions.