Postgraduate Student Agreement Programme (PEC-PG) in Brazil 2026

The Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) has officially announced the opening of applications for the Postgraduate Student Agreement Programme (PEC-PG) for admission in 2026. This program is a great opportunity for international students who want to continue their higher education in Brazil with financial support. The PEC-PG program offers scholarships to foreign students from countries that have signed Educational Cooperation Agreements with Brazil. These scholarships are available for study at Brazilian public universities in many different academic fields.

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Quick Overview

• Program Name: Postgraduate Student Agreement Programme (PEC-PG)

• Host Country: Brazil

• Funding Organization: CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel)

• Program Levels: Full Master's, Full Doctoral, Sandwich Doctoral

• Number of Scholarships: Up to 650 students

• Financial Coverage: Monthly stipend + health insurance support + return assistance

• Language of Instruction: Portuguese (Celpe-Bras certification required)

• Tuition Fees: No tuition fees at Brazilian public universities

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Program Overview

The PEC-PG program is designed for international students from countries that have signed Educational Cooperation Agreements with Brazil. These scholarships are available for study at Brazilian public universities in many different academic fields.

The program covers:

• Full Master's degrees – complete postgraduate study

• Full Doctoral degrees – complete PhD programs

• Sandwich Doctoral programs – part of doctoral study in Brazil

This year, up to 650 students will be selected for these scholarships.

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Scholarship Benefits

Monthly Stipend

• Master's students: R$2,100 per month for up to 24 months

• Doctoral students: R$3,100 per month for up to 48 months

• Sandwich doctoral students: R$3,100 per month for 6 to 10 months

Health Insurance Support

• R$400 per month to help students purchase mandatory health insurance

Return Assistance

• Provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to travel back to home country after completing studies

• Amount depends on the student's country of origin

Access to Public Healthcare

• Students can use Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) – the public healthcare system

• Access health services across Brazil just like Brazilian citizens

• However, students are still required to maintain additional health insurance as per program rules

Important Note

• No tuition fees at Brazilian public universities under this program

• However, students must arrange their own living expenses while staying in Brazil (covered by the monthly stipend)

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Language Requirements

All courses in Brazil under this program are taught in Portuguese. Therefore, students must prove their Portuguese language proficiency.

Celpe-Bras Certificate

• Students must obtain the Celpe-Bras certificate – the official Brazilian Portuguese proficiency exam

• The Celpe-Bras exam is offered in several countries, including Brazil

Portuguese Language Training

• If a student does not already have this certificate, they must spend the first year in Brazil taking a free Portuguese language and Brazilian culture course

• This course prepares students to pass the Celpe-Bras exam

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Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

• Must be a foreign student from a country that has signed Educational Cooperation Agreements with Brazil

• Must apply for full master's, full doctoral, or sandwich doctoral programs

• Must meet specific program requirements outlined in the official notice

Special Requirement for Former Students

• Former students who studied in Brazil under PEC-G or received Brazilian government scholarships for undergraduate or master's degrees

• Must have stayed in their home country for at least two years after completing their previous degree before applying again

Application Deadlines and Timelines

The application process has different timelines depending on the program type.

For Full Master's and Full Doctoral Programs

Activity Date Publication of available positions August 13, 2025 Application Period August 14 – September 29, 2025 (until 5:00 p.m. Brasília time) Final Results November 14, 2025 Studies Begin First semester of 2026

For Sandwich Doctoral Programs

Activity Date Publication of available positions September 30, 2025 Application Period October 1 – December 30, 2025 (until 5:00 p.m. Brasília time) Final Results April 30, 2026 Studies Begin August 2026

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How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Review the official notice carefully for all instructions and requirements

• Step 2: Prepare all required documents

• Step 3: Apply directly through the CAPES online system

• Step 4: Submit your complete application before the deadline

• Step 5: For questions, contact CAPES through the official email address provided in the announcement

Important Notes

• All instructions are available in the official notice

• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying

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Why Choose Brazil for Postgraduate Studies

• Quality Education: Brazilian public universities offer high-quality academic programs

• No Tuition Fees: Full waiver at public universities under this program

• Comprehensive Support: Monthly stipend, health insurance support, and return assistance

• Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Brazil's rich and diverse culture

• Portuguese Language: Gain proficiency in one of the world's major languages

• International Experience: Build global networks and enhance your career prospects

• Public Healthcare Access: Use Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS)

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing your documents well before application deadlines

• Check Eligibility: Ensure your country has an Educational Cooperation Agreement with Brazil

• Language Preparation: If you don't have Celpe-Bras, be prepared for the first-year language course

• Meet Former Student Requirements: If applicable, ensure you have spent two years in home country

• Follow Instructions Carefully: Read the official notice thoroughly

• Submit Complete Application: Ensure all required documents are included

• Apply Before Deadline: Submit well before the closing dates

Final Thoughts

The PEC-PG 2026 program is an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue postgraduate education in Brazil. With financial support including monthly stipends (R$2,100 for Master's, R$3,100 for Doctoral), health insurance support, return assistance, and no tuition fees at public universities, this program helps students build strong academic and professional careers.

Up to 650 students will be selected for full master's, full doctoral, and sandwich doctoral programs. Applications open in August 2025 for master's and doctoral programs, and in October 2025 for sandwich doctoral programs. All courses are taught in Portuguese, requiring Celpe-Bras certification or first-year language training.

If you are from a country with an Educational Cooperation Agreement with Brazil and dream of studying in this vibrant South American nation, the CAPES PEC-PG scholarship could be your pathway to academic excellence and international experience.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your application, visit the official CAPES application portal:

Apply for CAPES PEC-PG Scholarships 2026 Brazil