If you’re an international student looking for a chance to study in South America, the Brazilian Scholarship 2025 might be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
This scholarship opens doors to top universities in Brazil and offers financial support to talented students worldwide.
What is the Brazilian Scholarship 2025?
The Brazilian Scholarship 2025 is a government-funded or university-sponsored program aimed at helping international students study in Brazil for free or at reduced costs. It’s part of Brazil’s mission to boost international academic cooperation and attract bright minds from around the world.
These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and even post-doctoral programs. Some are funded by the Brazilian government, such as the PEC-G and PEC-PG programs, while others come from individual universities or private institutions.
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Why Study in Brazil?
Brazil is more than just football, festivals, and rainforests. It’s also known for:
- Top-Ranked Universities like the University of São Paulo and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
- A wide range of courses taught in English
- Rich cultural diversity
- Affordable cost of living
- A strong focus on research and innovation
So, if you’re looking for quality education in a vibrant, multicultural environment, Brazil is an excellent choice.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the Brazilian Scholarship 2025, you need to meet these general conditions:
- Be a non-Brazilian citizen
- Have completed the required level of education (e.g., high school for undergrad, bachelor’s for master’s, etc.)
- Have a strong academic record
- Some scholarships may require Portuguese language proficiency, but many programs are now taught in English
- Meet the age and health requirements if applicable (varies by program)
Each scholarship may have specific eligibility rules, so it’s important to check the official guidelines.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Most Brazilian scholarships for international students are fully funded or partially funded, and can include:
- Tuition fees (full or partial)
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Free Portuguese language training
- Health insurance
- Accommodation or housing support
- Airfare (in some cases)
Note: Not every scholarship covers all of the above. It depends on the type of scholarship you apply for.
Types of Brazilian Scholarships in 2025
Here are the main scholarship options for international students in Brazil:
a. PEC-G (Undergraduate Level)
Program for Undergraduate Students from Developing Countries, Offered by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education.
- For undergraduate studies
- Available to students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Offers tuition-free education in public universities
b. PEC-PG (Graduate Level)
Postgraduate scholarship for students from developing countries.
- For master’s and PhD programs
- Funded by CAPES, CNPq, and other Brazilian agencies
- Covers tuition, stipend, and housing support
c. PAEC OAS-GCUB Scholarship
- Collaboration between the Organization of American States (OAS) and Brazilian universities
- Focused on students from OAS member countries
- Covers tuition, Portuguese lessons, and monthly living support
d. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Brazilian universities offer their own scholarships. Examples include:
- University of São Paulo International Office Scholarships
- Federal University of Minas Gerais International Grants
- Scholarships from private institutions such as FGV and PUCRS
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s a general guide to applying for the Brazilian Scholarship 2025:
Step 1: Choose Your Program and University
- Research Brazilian universities and their scholarship offerings
- Pick the course and level of study you want
Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
- Review academic and language requirements
- Confirm if your country is eligible
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
- Get transcripts, ID, and certificates ready (see full list below)
Step 4: Apply Online
- Visit the official scholarship or university website
- Fill out the application form
- Upload documents
Step 5: Take Language or Admission Tests (if required)
Step 6: Wait for Results
- If selected, you’ll get an admission or scholarship letter
- Follow further instructions, such as visa processing
Required Documents
Most Brazilian scholarship applications require:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport or valid ID
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Language proficiency certificate (Portuguese or English)
- Health certificate (for some scholarships)
- Proof of nationality (if applying under country-specific quotas)
Always double-check the official scholarship page for exact requirements.
 Top Universities in Brazil That Offer Scholarships
Here are some well-known Brazilian universities that offer scholarships to international students:
- University of São Paulo (USP)
- University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
- Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)
- Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV)
- University of BrasÃlia (UnB)
These schools are ranked among the best in Latin America and offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Tips to Win a Brazilian Scholarship
To increase your chances of success:
- Start early, Some scholarships close as early as February or March
- Write a powerful motivation letter
- Get strong recommendation letters
- Show academic excellence
- Prepare for Portuguese (even basic level)
- Apply to multiple scholarships if possible
FAQs About Brazilian Scholarships
1. Do I need to speak Portuguese?
Not always. Many postgraduate courses are taught in English, especially in STEM fields. However, Portuguese is helpful for daily life in Brazil.
2. Can I work while studying in Brazil?
Brazil’s student visa generally allows limited work hours. Always confirm the latest immigration rules.
3. Is Brazil safe for international students?
Like any country, safety varies by city. Stick to well-known areas and follow local advice. Major university cities like São Paulo, Rio, and BrasÃlia have large student communities.
4. Are these scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, most are renewable based on your academic performance and attendance.