How International Students Can Apply for UFSM Graduate Scholarships in Brazil 2026

If you have been searching for a way to pursue a fully tuition-free master’s or PhD degree at a world-class public university in South America, then the Federal University of Santa Maria, known as UFSM, deserves your full attention. Brazil has quietly become one of the most welcoming destinations for international graduate students, and UFSM sits right at the heart of that opportunity. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about UFSM graduate scholarships for international students, from understanding the university itself to submitting your application with confidence.

About the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)

The Federal University of Santa Maria, or Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Portuguese, is a public federal university located in Santa Maria, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. It was founded in 1960, making it one of the oldest federal universities in the country, and it carries a historic distinction: it was the very first federal university in Brazil established outside a state capital city.

Today, UFSM is home to more than 30,000 students, faculty, and administrative staff. It consistently ranks among the top 20 universities in Brazil and within the top 800 universities worldwide. In 2023, UFSM was ranked 13th among Brazilian federal universities, and the institution has earned strong recognition in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and the UI GreenMetric Ranking for sustainability.

The university operates four campuses: the main campus in the Camobi neighborhood of Santa Maria, a campus in Silveira Martins, and two smaller campuses in Frederico Westphalen and Palmeira das Missoes in northern Rio Grande do Sul. It is divided into nine academic centers covering a broad spectrum of disciplines, from arts and languages to technology and health sciences.

The city of Santa Maria itself is sometimes called the “university city” or “culture city,” a reflection of how deeply academic life is woven into the daily fabric of the region. Located near the borders of Argentina and Uruguay, it offers a welcoming, affordable, and culturally rich environment for international students.

Why International Students Choose UFSM

Before diving into the scholarship details, it helps to understand why so many students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe choose to pursue their graduate studies at UFSM.

First and most importantly, UFSM is tuition-free. As a public federal university funded by the Brazilian government, it charges no tuition fees to either domestic or international students. This alone makes it an extremely attractive destination for those who want a quality graduate education without the financial burden that comes with private institutions.

Second, UFSM has a strong research culture. The university hosts over 100 research groups working across areas such as energy, environmental sciences, health sciences, agricultural sciences, and artificial intelligence. Graduate students benefit directly from this environment through mentorship, lab access, and collaboration opportunities.

Third, the university has established international partnerships with universities in Germany, Japan, France, the United States, and the Netherlands, creating pathways for joint research and academic exchange. Students who enroll at UFSM often go on to complete postdoctoral work or continue PhD studies abroad, particularly in Germany, Canada, and Japan.

Graduate Programs Available at UFSM

UFSM offers a comprehensive portfolio of graduate programs at both the master’s (mestrado) and doctoral (doutorado) levels. According to the UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal, the university currently offers 106 graduate courses: 12 at the specialization level, 59 at the master’s degree level, 34 at the doctoral level, and one at the postdoctoral level. It also provides 13 distance-learning courses.

The major areas of knowledge covered by UFSM graduate programs include Agricultural and Animal Sciences, Health Sciences, Natural and Exact Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages and Arts, Education, and Technology. Below is a summary table of the key graduate program categories available to international students:

It is worth noting that while most programs are delivered in Portuguese, several postgraduate programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, particularly in science, engineering, and social sciences, are available in English. This gives students who have not yet achieved full Portuguese fluency a practical entry point into the UFSM graduate community.

Types of Scholarships Available for International Students at UFSM

There are several scholarship pathways available for international students who wish to study at UFSM at the graduate level. Each pathway has its own funding source, eligibility requirements, and application procedures. Understanding the differences is key to choosing the right option for your situation.

1. UFSM Direct Scholarship (Through the Simplified Call for International Students)

This is UFSM’s own initiative, developed jointly by the Provost Office for Graduate Studies and Research (PRPGP) and the International Affairs Office (SAI). It represents a pioneering and simplified admission process designed specifically for non-Brazilian candidates.

Under this program, UFSM opens a set number of spots in participating graduate programs each semester. In the most recent call (Edital 027/2025), a total of 20 openings in the master’s program and 9 openings in the doctoral program were made available across nine participating graduate programs. Two scholarships were available for doctoral candidates.

There are typically two admission windows per year: one around the middle of the year for entry in the first semester of the following year, and another near the end of the year for entry in the second semester. The application fee is R$150.00. If you are approved, you become eligible to compete for a scholarship worth R$2,100.00 per month for master’s students and R$3,100.00 per month for doctoral students.

Importantly, the selection process under this initiative is simplified and conducted entirely online, which removes logistical barriers for students applying from outside Brazil. Programs within this call do not require an in-person visit for the selection stage.

2. PEC-PG Scholarship (Program for Graduate Students from Partner Countries)

The Programa de Estudantes-Convenio de Pos-Graduacao, commonly known as PEC-PG, is one of Brazil’s most established scholarship programs for international graduate students. It is administered jointly by CAPES (the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) and the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), with participation from CNPq (the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development).

PEC-PG offers foreign citizens the opportunity to pursue full graduate degrees or participate in short-term exchange programs, including sandwich doctoral stays, at educational and research institutions in Brazil. In a recent call, CAPES announced a total of 650 PEC-PG scholarships with a total investment of R$41 million.

To be eligible for PEC-PG, candidates must be citizens of a country that has an educational, cultural, or scientific cooperation agreement with Brazil. Currently, 73 countries participate in this agreement, many of which are in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and parts of Europe.

Candidates must not hold Brazilian nationality, dual nationality with Brazil, or permanent residence status in Brazil at the time of application. They must also have a Curriculum Vitae registered on the CNPq Lattes platform, have an ORCID registration, and in many cases must have passed or commit to passing the CELPE-Bras Portuguese language proficiency exam. Securing formal admission from a Brazilian institution with a CAPES-rated postgraduate program is also a requirement.

Applications for PEC-PG are submitted through the CAPES online platform. Questions about the selection process can be directed to inscricao.pecpg@capes.gov.br.

3. PAEC/GCUB Scholarship (Partnerships Program for Education and Capacity Building)

The Partnerships Program for Education and Capacitation, known as PAEC and administered in collaboration with the Coimbra Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), is another major route for international students to enter UFSM’s graduate programs. Like PEC-PG, this program connects foreign students with Brazilian higher education institutions through formal bilateral agreements and multilateral initiatives, particularly targeting students from African, Latin American, and developing countries.

4. CAPES and CNPq Institutional Scholarships

Beyond PEC-PG and PAEC, both CAPES and CNPq offer a range of additional scholarship opportunities for graduate students enrolled at Brazilian universities. These include research-based scholarships for master’s and PhD students, support for sandwich doctoral programs where students split time between UFSM and an international partner university, and institutional internationalization support through programs such as PrInt/CAPES.

These opportunities are offered directly by the funding agencies. Students interested in obtaining a scholarship from these agencies are advised to monitor the agency websites regularly, as availability and deadlines vary by program and year.

Eligibility Requirements for International Students

While specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship type and the individual graduate program, there are common criteria that most international applicants will need to meet.

For UFSM’s direct simplified call for international students, the core requirement is that you must not be a Brazilian citizen. You must hold a university degree (bachelor’s level or equivalent) to be eligible for master’s programs, and you must hold a master’s degree to be eligible for doctoral programs. Beyond this, each participating graduate program sets its own academic requirements, so it is important to check the details of the specific program you are applying to.

For PEC-PG specifically, additional requirements include being a citizen of one of the 73 participating countries, not holding Brazilian nationality or a permanent visa, having a Lattes CV in Portuguese, having an ORCID registration, and in some cases, having completed a minimum two-year residency in your home country or country of residence after receiving a Brazilian diploma or master’s degree funded by a Brazilian agency.

Language requirements are an important consideration. Most graduate programs are taught in Portuguese, so a working level of Portuguese proficiency is generally expected or required. The CELPE-Bras certificate is the standard recognized proof of Portuguese language ability for foreigners in Brazil. However, some programs at the graduate level, particularly in science and engineering, offer instruction in English, and for these programs, an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL may be accepted instead.

Required Documents for Application

While the document checklist may vary slightly depending on the program and scholarship type, applicants generally need to prepare the following:

• A valid passport
• Academic transcripts from all previously completed degrees
• Diploma or certificate of completed university degree (bachelor’s for master’s applicants, master’s for PhD applicants)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (Lattes format preferred for CAPES and CNPq programs)
• Research proposal or statement of purpose (required by most programs)
• Two or more letters of recommendation from academic referees
• Proof of language proficiency (CELPE-Bras for Portuguese-taught programs, or English test scores for English-taught programs)
• ORCID identification number (for PEC-PG and CAPES programs)
• Proof of acceptance or letter of intent from a faculty supervisor at UFSM (for some programs)
• Health insurance documentation (travel and health insurance must be arranged by the student)

It is important to note that while UFSM waives all tuition fees, travel costs, health insurance, and daily living expenses remain the responsibility of the student unless covered by a scholarship. Therefore, students should factor these costs into their planning and explore scholarship options that cover living allowances, such as PEC-PG or UFSM’s own scholarship grants.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying to UFSM as an international graduate student can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking the process into clear steps makes it manageable. Here is a practical roadmap to follow:

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Start by browsing the list of available master’s and doctoral programs on the PRPGP website. Programs are organized by level (specialization, master’s, and doctoral) and by academic area. Look for programs that align with your research interests and academic background. Pay attention to which programs have active calls for international applicants, as not all programs participate in every admission window.

Step 2: Identify a Potential Supervisor

For most graduate programs, especially at the doctoral level, identifying a faculty member who is willing to supervise your research is a critical first step. Review the faculty profiles of professors in your field, read their recent publications, and reach out via email to introduce yourself and inquire about availability. A strong connection with a potential supervisor can significantly strengthen your application.

Step 3: Check the Current Call for Applications

Calls for applications are published on the PRPGP website. There are generally two windows per year, so it is important to check regularly and note the deadlines carefully. For the simplified international student call, applications are submitted online, making the process accessible from anywhere in the world. The most recent call had a deadline of August 20, 2025, with program start dates ranging from October to November 2025.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all required documents well in advance. This includes getting your academic transcripts translated or certified if they are not already in Portuguese or English, creating or updating your Lattes CV, and writing a compelling research proposal. If you need to take the CELPE-Bras exam, schedule it as early as possible, as test dates fill up quickly.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

For UFSM’s direct international call, applications are submitted through the UFSM online portal. For PEC-PG scholarships, applications are submitted through the CAPES online platform. Make sure to complete all fields accurately, upload all required documents in the specified formats, and pay any applicable application fees (R$150.00 for UFSM’s direct process).

Step 6: Attend the Online Selection Process

The selection process for the simplified international call is conducted remotely. This typically involves an evaluation of your CV and research proposal, and in some cases a video interview with faculty members. The process is designed to be accessible for candidates applying from outside Brazil.

Step 7: After Acceptance

Once accepted, you will need to arrange your student visa, health insurance, and accommodation in Santa Maria. UFSM’s International Affairs Office (SAI) provides guidance on visa types, registration processes, and settlement in Brazil. The university also has a Buddy Program that pairs incoming international students with current students who help ease the transition into campus life.

Life as a Graduate Student in Santa Maria, Brazil

One of the underrated advantages of choosing UFSM is the quality of life in Santa Maria. The city is mid-sized, safe, and relatively affordable by Brazilian standards. Housing costs are manageable compared to major Brazilian cities like Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, and the university’s restaurant and library services are available to all enrolled students.

The campus itself covers a vast area of 4,604 acres and includes sports facilities, health services, student housing options, and a rich calendar of cultural and academic events. Students from Latin America, Africa, and Asia make up a growing portion of the international community, creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere on campus.

Language support is also available. Portuguese language courses are offered to help incoming international students build fluency, and the university’s welcoming week for new students is designed to help everyone feel at home from day one.

Tips to Strengthen Your UFSM Scholarship Application

Competition for scholarship spots can be strong, particularly in popular fields. Here are some practical tips to make your application stand out:

• Reach out to a potential faculty supervisor before applying. A professor who knows your work is more likely to support your candidacy during the selection process.
• Write a focused, specific research proposal. Vague or overly broad proposals are far less compelling than those that clearly define a research problem, methodology, and expected contribution.
• Update your academic CV to highlight research experience, publications, conference presentations, and any awards or honors.
• Get your Portuguese up to at least a basic communicative level before arriving. Even if your program offers instruction in English, daily life in Santa Maria is conducted in Portuguese, and making an effort shows cultural respect and adaptability.
• Apply early and monitor deadlines. Scholarship spots fill quickly, and late applications are typically not considered regardless of academic quality.
• Check whether your country is eligible for PEC-PG. If it is, applying through this channel gives you access to a guaranteed monthly stipend, which can make a significant difference to your financial stability during your studies.

Contact Information and Useful Resources

If you have questions about UFSM’s graduate programs or the application process for international students, the following contacts are available:

• Center for Graduate Admissions and Scholarships: +55 55 3220 8214 or editais.cpg@ufsm.br
• International Affairs Office (SAI): Available through the UFSM Global website
• For PEC-PG inquiries: inscricao.pecpg@capes.gov.br
• Main campus address: Av. Roraima No. 1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, CEP 97105-900
• General university phone: +55 (55) 3220-8000

To access the current call for applications and begin your application, visit the UFSM Global Call for Applications page. For a full list of available graduate programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, visit the UFSM Graduate Programs page. For PEC-PG scholarship applications, you can access the CAPES online application platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UFSM a public or private university?

UFSM is a public federal university funded by the Brazilian government. It offers tuition-free education to both national and international students at the graduate level.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply?

Most undergraduate programs require Portuguese. However, at the graduate level, several programs, especially in science, engineering, and social sciences, offer instruction in English. For Portuguese-taught programs, Portuguese language proficiency demonstrated through the CELPE-Bras exam is typically required or strongly encouraged.

Is there an IELTS or TOEFL requirement?

UFSM does not require IELTS or TOEFL for admission through the simplified international student call. Some English-taught graduate programs may accept or request English proficiency scores, but the process is generally more flexible than at many other institutions globally.

How much is the scholarship stipend?

If you are awarded a scholarship through UFSM’s direct program, the stipend is R$2,100.00 per month for master’s students and R$3,100.00 per month for doctoral students. PEC-PG scholarship amounts may differ based on the CAPES funding structure for each cycle.

How many times a year can I apply?

There are generally two admission windows per year: one around mid-year for entry in the first semester of the following year, and another near the end of the year for entry in the second semester. Not all programs participate in both windows, so it is important to check individual program deadlines on the PRPGP website.

Can I apply if I already have a Brazilian visa?

For PEC-PG specifically, applicants must not hold a permanent visa or work authorization in Brazil at the time of application. For UFSM’s direct international call, the requirements are more flexible. Always consult the specific call for applications for detailed eligibility rules.

Final Thoughts

UFSM represents a genuinely remarkable opportunity for international students who want to pursue graduate-level research and study at a respected public university in Brazil without paying tuition fees. Between the university’s own simplified international admission call and the broader PEC-PG, PAEC, CAPES, and CNPq scholarship frameworks, there are multiple credible pathways to funding your studies at this institution.

The key is preparation: identify a research area and potential supervisor early, gather your documents well ahead of deadlines, and understand which scholarship pathway best fits your nationality, academic background, and funding needs. Brazil’s higher education system is genuinely open to the world, and UFSM is one of its finest entry points.

If you are serious about studying in Brazil, bookmark the UFSM Global website, set reminders for the application windows, and start building your research proposal today. The next admission window may be closer than you think.