Brazil has launched its annual postgraduate scholarship initiative for international candidates, signaling growing investment in academic partnerships with developing nations. The application window for the 2026 cohort remains open through late December 2025.
Scholarship Details and Timeline
The postgraduate exchange programme welcomes applications for master’s and doctoral studies at accredited Brazilian universities. International scholars can pursue full-time master’s degrees, complete doctoral programmes, or sandwich doctorate tracks that combine research across multiple institutions.
Applications opened October 1, 2025, with a firm deadline of December 30, 2025, at 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time. Final selections will be announced in April 2026, with successful candidates beginning their academic programmes in August 2026.
Selected scholars receive monthly stipends of R$1,500 for master’s students and R$2,200 for doctoral candidates, along with tuition waivers at participating institutions and return airfare to their home countries.
Brazil as an Emerging Study Destination
Latin America is witnessing a steady rise in cross-border student mobility. Recent data shows over 110,000 Brazilian students pursuing education abroad in 2024, while Brazil itself has strengthened its position as a regional academic hub.
The country’s public universities operate largely tuition-free, making them attractive alternatives for international students facing rising costs in traditional destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Application Requirements
Candidates must secure admission to a recognized Brazilian graduate programme before applying for the scholarship. Portuguese language proficiency is mandatory—applicants need to demonstrate competency through the CELPE-Bras certification, regardless of their country of origin.
Additionally, applicants must create an academic curriculum vitae on the CNPq Lattes platform in Portuguese and cannot hold Brazilian citizenship, permanent residency, or work authorization in Brazil.
Growing Interest in Alternative Markets
With approximately 4.6 million students pursuing education outside their home countries in 2022, emerging destinations in Latin America, Asia, and Europe are capturing a larger share of globally mobile students.
According to UNESCO data, 23% of Latin American students now study within the region, up from previous years when Western Europe and North America dominated student flows.
Selection Process
The Brazilian government conducts the entire selection process independently. India’s Ministry of Education has clarified it plays no role in nominations or candidate evaluations.
Applicants register through the CAPES electronic portal, where they can also access the complete list of eligible programmes and participating universities. The ministry evaluates applications in multiple rounds, with some candidates undergoing interviews.
“Getting started early and ensuring document completeness is crucial. Many applicants underestimate the time needed for language certification and admission processes,” said Neha Sharma, a student counselor who has guided clients through Latin American applications (illustrative quote).
Strategic Academic Cooperation
The programme, formally established in 1981, serves as Brazil’s primary mechanism for educational diplomacy with developing nations. It operates under bilateral cultural and educational cooperation agreements, fostering long-term academic exchange and research collaboration.
For Indian students, the initiative represents an opportunity to diversify study abroad portfolios beyond Anglophone destinations, particularly in fields where Brazilian institutions have established research strengths.
Prospective applicants can direct questions to inscricao.pecpg@capes.gov.br or consult the official CAPES portal for detailed programme information and institutional listings.
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