Scholarship in Brazil: UFRJ Scholarships 2027 | Fully Funded

Scholarship Overview

The UFRJ PEC-PG Scholarship 2027 is an opportunity for international students who want to study for a Master’s or PhD in Brazil. The program is offered through CAPES, and UFRJ is one of the participating universities. Based on the 2025 Scholarship Announcement, selected students can receive a monthly stipend along with health insurance support. The funding period can be up to 24 months for a Master’s degree and 48 months for a PhD. There is no fixed IELTS, TOEFL, or GPA requirement mentioned in the main PEC-PG Scholarship Announcement, although individual UFRJ programs may have their own requirements. Since the 2027 Scholarship Announcement has not yet been released, students should use the 2025 requirements only as a reference and check the official announcement for the final 2027 rules.

UFRJ, founded in 1920, is Brazil’s oldest federal university and ranks among Latin America’s best. It charges no tuition at all. The fully funded route for foreigners is the PEC-PG scholarship, run by CAPES, CNPq and the Foreign Ministry (MRE). The latest national call gave 650 awards to students from 70+ partner countries, and UFRJ offers vacancies across its graduate programs every year.

Scholarship Benefits & Funding

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarship Requirements

1.  Research project on the official template

2.  Acceptance letter from a UFRJ supervisor

3.  Academic CV (Lattes if you have a Brazilian history)

4.  Degree certificates and transcripts

5.  Language proof or signed declaration

6.  Free online submission within the deadline

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Legalized or apostilled diploma
• Full academic transcripts
• Research project (Anexo II form)
• Memorial or detailed CV
• Supervisor acceptance letter
• Language declaration or CELPE-Bra’s certificate
• CPF/ORCID number plus submission receipt

Available Programs & Fields of Study

UFRJ runs about 180 undergraduate courses and 150+ graduate programs. Popular fields among foreign students:

1. Chemistry — Master’s & PhD
2. Sustainable Process Technology — Master’s & PhD
3. Chemical Engineering — Master’s & PhD
4. Education — Master’s & PhD
5. Economics — Master’s & PhD
6. Law — Master’s & PhD
7. Urban and Regional Planning — PhD Sandwich
8. Other Postgraduate Programs — Master’s & PhD.

Application Deadline

The 2027 Scholarship Announcement was not published yet at writing time. Based on Scholarship Announcement no. 12/2025:

1. Vacancy registration by universities: July 2026
2. Master’s and full PhD applications: mid-Aug to early Oct 2026
3. Sandwich PhD applications: Oct 2026 to early Jan 2027
4. Selection rounds at UFRJ: Oct-Nov 2026
5. Results: Dec 2026 (full degrees), Apr 2027 (sandwich)
6. Classes start: March 2027 or Aug 2027 (sandwich)

How to Apply (Step by Step)

1.  Check your country on the partner list

2.  Pick a UFRJ program from the vacancy list

3.  Get an acceptance letter from a professor

4.  Prepare the project and all documents

5.  Register at inscricao.capes.gov.br (CPF or ORCID)

6.  Submit before 5 pm Brasilia time on the closing date

7.  Pass the selection rounds (Oct-Nov)

8.  Sign the term, arrange visa, book flight, enroll

9. Apply: https://ufrj.br/en/

IELTS/TOEFL & GPA Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is UFRJ free? 
• Yes, zero tuition for Brazilians and foreigners.
• Q: Can undergraduates apply? 
• No. PEC-PG funds graduate study only.
• Q: Is Portuguese mandatory first? 
• Not always upfront; free classes are offered after arrival.
• Q: Age limit? 
• None.
• Q: Country not listed? 
• Apply directly to programs for regular CAPES, CNPq or FAPERJ grants.
• Q: Who to contact? 
• CAPES: [email protected] | UFRJ: internacional.ufrj.br