FAPESP postdoctoral fellowships support research with active groups at institutions in São Paulo state. The current ordinary PD route accepts continuous applications. Its general candidate framework includes a PhD obtained less than seven years earlier, with specified exceptions, and an initial award request of up to 36 months.
Official sources checked: October 3, 2026. Independent guide by Excelsior Scholarships; applications go to the official sponsor.
Check the postdoctoral candidate framework
The official postdoctoral rules explain the degree-timing conditions, permitted exceptions, supervisor’s role and host requirements. Requests can be prepared before the doctorate is finished, but completion proof is required for acceptance. Read the current framework rather than an archived version with an earlier validity period.
| Item | Planning question |
|---|---|
| Research fit | What does the proposed project contribute to the group? |
| Preparation | Which skills can the candidate bring and develop? |
| Resources | What facilities, data or support are available? |
| Timing | When can the doctorate and award requirements be met? |
Choose a host for the next stage of your work
A postdoctoral plan should explain how the work develops beyond the doctoral thesis. Identify the new question, collaboration or methodological direction you want to pursue. Then compare research groups against that aim. A familiar topic alone may not provide the training or independence you need next.
Read recent work from the potential group before making contact. Describe a specific connection to your proposed project and ask whether the resources and supervision would be available. A short, informed message gives the host a better basis for discussion than a generic request for any scholarship.
Develop the project jointly with the supervisor
The published framework treats project preparation and development as a joint responsibility. Agree on the research question, tasks, expected outputs and practical support. Ask how your project will relate to other work in the group and which parts you will lead.
Discuss professional development as well as results. Consider the skills, collaborations or research practices you want to acquire and how they fit your next career step. Keep the plan specific enough that you and the supervisor can review progress during the fellowship.
Understand the duration and grant-linked routes
The ordinary initial request is up to 36 months. Certain grant-linked arrangements can permit renewal within the published limits. Those conditions do not create an automatic extension for every fellow. Check the project linkage and prior equivalent scholarship time before building your personal schedule.
Ask whether you are applying through an advertised group opportunity or preparing a new proposal with a supervisor. The administrative starting point can differ. In either case, read the sponsor’s current rules and confirm the required selection and submission steps.
Prepare a clear evidence file
- Confirm PhD completion timing and the applicable eligibility conditions.
- Identify a São Paulo host and a suitable supervisor.
- Develop a project that advances your work and serves the host research.
- Collect the required curriculum, academic and institutional documents.
- Review award duration, existing funding and submission details.
Use your research record to show what you actually contributed. In a collaborative publication or project, identify your role rather than relying only on the group’s overall reputation. Explain relevant technical experience and the work you are now ready to develop.
Budget for relocation and future research abroad
Review current payment values, research-related benefits and any relocation provisions with the award terms. For an overseas component, the BEPE rules set separate conditions for eligible postdoctoral fellows. Plan that component around the domestic project and required return period.
Compare the doctoral funding route, the BEPE guide and our Brazilian funding overview when mapping your next research stage.
Frequently asked questions
Must my PhD already be complete when I prepare the request?
The rules permit preparation before completion, but the degree proof is required for award acceptance.
Is there a general PhD-age condition?
The verified framework normally uses less than seven years since the doctorate, with specified exceptions in the rules.
Does every postdoc receive an extension?
No. Extensions depend on eligible arrangements and favorable approval under the applicable limits.
Is overseas BEPE support automatic?
No. It requires a separate suitable plan and compliance with the current BEPE conditions.