Study in Brazil scholarships can support graduate research, international exchange or access to undergraduate education, but each route has its own nationality and funding rules. Compare PEC-G, PEC-PG and GCUB-Mob against your degree level before preparing an application. Tuition access and a living allowance should be checked separately.
Official sources checked: October 3, 2026. Independent guide by Excelsior Scholarships; applications go to the official sponsor.
Choose the route for your degree
| Program | Study level | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| PEC-G | Undergraduate | Partner-country eligibility and application through the official process |
| PEC-PG | Graduate | Specific calls for eligible foreign applicants and degree modalities |
| GCUB-Mob | Master’s and doctorate | Participating courses and benefits defined in each annual call |
These routes are not interchangeable. An applicant seeking a first university degree should not submit to a graduate research call. Likewise, a Brazilian citizen looking for domestic funding should examine Brazilian student programs rather than assuming a foreign-student exchange scheme accepts them.
Undergraduate study through PEC-G
The official PEC-G government service explains eligibility for citizens of partner countries living outside Brazil. It includes nationality restrictions and the official application route. Read those conditions before investing in translations or travel plans.
When comparing an undergraduate place, ask what you will have to pay beyond tuition. Housing, meals, local transport and documents can remain substantial expenses. A tuition-free place should not be described as an all-expenses-paid scholarship unless the current notice explicitly promises those benefits.
Graduate study through PEC-PG and GCUB-Mob
CAPES’ PEC-PG announcement describes master’s and doctoral support for eligible foreign students under its published call. Check the program’s latest timetable before applying: an old announcement can remain online after applications close. Our PEC-PG guide explains how to read the degree-specific process.
The 2026 GCUB-Mob call is another graduate route. Its application period has ended; this page does not offer a new application window. Use the official call and amendments to track the current selection, or prepare for a future edition without assuming its dates will repeat.
Check language and course requirements
Find the language of instruction for each course on your shortlist. An English-language website does not establish that the degree is taught in English. Ask the program how it evaluates Portuguese or other language proficiency, whether a certificate is required at application or enrollment, and whether it provides language support.
For research degrees, compare more than the university’s name. Read faculty profiles and recent work in your proposed field. A useful shortlist identifies a suitable research group, the methods you hope to learn and the resources needed for your project. This also gives you a precise question to send to a graduate coordinator.
Prepare documents and a realistic budget
- Confirm that your country and degree are accepted in the current call.
- Collect your academic records and check translation instructions.
- Write down language, research and enrollment requirements.
- Compare covered benefits with the actual costs of your destination city.
- Wait for the official selection and enrollment instructions before making travel commitments.
Budget separately for the first month. Deposits, local transport and meals may become due before a stipend reaches your account. Ask the institution when it expects to implement funding and what documents are needed for payment. That question can be more useful than a broad claim that an award is fully funded.
Continue with the GCUB-Mob scholarship guide and our Brazilian student funding guide to distinguish incoming international awards from domestic opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Are all universities in Brazil tuition-free?
Do not assume that. Confirm the institution, course and award terms. Public and private institutions can have different financial arrangements.
Can I apply without Portuguese?
It depends on the course and program. Check the current language rule and when proof must be supplied.
Is GCUB-Mob accepting applications now?
The verified 2026 call’s application period has closed. Consult the sponsor for selection updates and any future call.
Should I choose a scholarship before a university?
Compare both together. A scholarship can restrict participating universities, while a course can impose separate admission requirements.