GCUB Brasil International Mobility Program 2026 – Scholarships for Master’s & PhD in Brazil

A Gateway to Academic Excellence in Brazil

The GCUB International Mobility Program (GCUB-Mob) is a prestigious initiative that offers fully funded scholarships for international students wishing to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at some of the top Brazilian universities. Run by the Grupo de Cooperação Internacional de Universidades Brasileiras (GCUB), this program opens doors to global academic exchange, cultural immersion, and advanced research opportunities in Brazil.

With the 2026 application cycle underway, this scholarship is one of the most attractive opportunities for students in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and other regions who aspire to study abroad without the financial burden. This article explores the GCUB program’s details, eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and why you should seriously consider Brazil as your next academic destination.

What is the GCUB International Mobility Program?

The GCUB International Mobility Program (GCUB-Mob) is a collaboration between:

GCUB (Brazilian Association of International Universities)
Brazilian Federal and State Universities
International organizations like UNESCO and the Organization of American States (OAS)

It aims to promote academic mobility, foster scientific cooperation, and strengthen internationalization among Brazilian institutions and their global counterparts.

Since its inception, the program has enabled hundreds of international students to undertake postgraduate education in Brazil through scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation support, and a monthly stipend.

Why Choose Brazil for Postgraduate Studies?

Brazil is emerging as a top destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality higher education. Here’s why:

Top-Ranked Universities

Brazil is home to internationally recognized universities such as:

University of São Paulo (USP)
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
University of Campinas (Unicamp)
Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)

Diverse Research Opportunities

From agriculture to artificial intelligence, Brazilian institutions lead world-class research projects, especially in environmental science, renewable energy, medicine, and biodiversity.

Cultural Richness and Language Learning

Studying in Brazil offers a deep dive into Portuguese language acquisition and exposure to one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural societies.

Cost-Effective Education

Public universities in Brazil are tuition-free or low-cost, and GCUB scholarships eliminate nearly all financial burdens.

GCUB Brasil Scholarships 2026 Key Highlights

Feature	Details
Level of Study	Master’s and PhD
Host Country	Brazil
Number of Universities	55+ Brazilian universities
Scholarship Coverage	Tuition, monthly stipend, registration fees waiver, support services
Programs Offered	800+ Postgraduate programs across disciplines
Medium of Instruction	Primarily Portuguese (some programs in English)
Duration	Master’s (2 years), PhD (4 years)
Deadline (Expected)	August 2025 (for 2026 intake)

Eligibility Criteria for GCUB International Mobility Program 2026

To be considered for the GCUB Mobility Program, you must meet the following conditions:

General Eligibility

Must be a citizen of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Brazil (Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, etc.)
Should not be a resident of Brazil.
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or a Master’s degree (for PhD) at the time of application.
Strong academic record and professional achievements.
Must be proficient in Portuguese, English, Spanish, or French.

Document Requirements

Valid passport
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of purpose
Two letters of recommendation
Language proficiency proof (if required)
Research proposal (especially for PhD applicants)

Note: Each participating university may have additional or specific entry requirements.

Fields of Study Available

The GCUB Mobility Program offers a wide range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

Environmental Science
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
Medicine and Health Sciences
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Social Sciences
International Relations
Computer Science
Economics and Finance
Law
Education and Humanities

There are over 800 Master’s and Doctoral programs available across 55+ Brazilian institutions.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The GCUB program provides substantial financial and academic support to international students. Here’s what you can expect:

Tuition Fees

100% tuition waiver for the duration of the program

Monthly Stipend

A monthly living allowance based on the minimum stipend set by Brazilian research foundations (e.g., CAPES/CNPq)
Typically ranges from BRL 1,500 to BRL 2,500 depending on the institution and degree level

Language Support

Portuguese language courses are often provided by host universities at no cost

Registration & Administrative Fee Waiver

Students are exempted from university registration or administrative charges

Academic Support

Access to university libraries, laboratories, mentoring, and guidance services

Cultural and Social Integration

Orientation sessions, student exchange groups, and local cultural events to promote integration

Note: The scholarship does not cover airfare, health insurance, or visa processing costs.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the GCUB International Mobility Program 2026 involves several critical steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Program and University

Visit the official GCUB Mobility website and browse the list of participating universities and available Master’s and PhD programs.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure you gather all required academic documents, recommendations, a well-written statement of purpose, and a research proposal (for PhD).

Step 3: Online Application

Complete the online application form via the GCUB portal (link will be available during the application period)
Upload all documents in PDF format

Step 4: Selection Process

Universities evaluate applications based on academic merit, research alignment, and language proficiency
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online interview

Step 5: Final Results & Acceptance

Successful applicants will receive an official scholarship offer
You’ll be required to confirm acceptance and apply for a Brazilian student visa

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early

Application periods are competitive. Gather your documents and draft your proposal in advance.

Tailor Your Statement of Purpose

Clearly explain why you chose Brazil, the specific university, and how the program aligns with your goals.

Demonstrate Language Competency

Even if Portuguese isn’t required for all programs, showing your willingness to learn or any prior knowledge is a plus.

Highlight Research Relevance

If applying for a PhD, ensure your research proposal is aligned with faculty expertise and national development goals.

Stay Updated

Follow GCUB on social media or check their website frequently for official announcements and deadline updates.

Testimonials from Previous Scholars

“Studying in Brazil has been a transformative experience. The GCUB scholarship gave me a chance to research climate change at one of the best universities in Latin America.”
Amina K., Kenya, Master’s in Environmental Studies

“I was nervous about learning Portuguese, but the support from my university helped me settle in. Brazil is beautiful, and the academic quality exceeded my expectations.”
Carlos R., Peru, PhD in Economics

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the GCUB experience is enriching, international students may face some initial hurdles:

Language Barrier

Solution: Enroll in online Portuguese classes before arrival or participate in the university’s language immersion courses.

Cultural Adjustment

Solution: Participate in student exchange networks, cultural events, and seek help from international student services.

Bureaucracy and Visa Delays

Solution: Start your visa application as soon as you get the scholarship offer and ensure all documents are apostilled or translated if required.

Final Thoughts: Is the GCUB Scholarship Worth It?

Absolutely. The GCUB International Mobility Program 2026 is more than just a scholarship—it’s an invitation to grow academically, professionally, and culturally. It provides an excellent platform for students from developing nations to:

Access top-tier education
Conduct high-impact research
Build a global network
Gain exposure to Latin America’s largest economy

With full tuition coverage and living stipends, GCUB makes high-quality education in Brazil accessible and life-changing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will the 2026 GCUB applications open?

Applications usually open around July or August 2025. Keep an eye on the official GCUB website for updates.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

Not necessarily. While most courses are in Portuguese, some programs offer English-taught tracks. Language support is available at host institutions.

Can I apply to more than one university?

Yes. You’ll have the option to choose multiple universities/programs in your application.

Are there any age limits?

No official age limits apply, but applicants must have completed their prior degrees before the program starts.

Is it possible to work in Brazil while studying?

Student visas generally do not allow work, but some research assistant roles within the university may be available.

Conclusion

The GCUB Brasil International Mobility Program 2026 is a golden opportunity for ambitious students from around the world to earn a Master’s or PhD in Brazil without the financial strain. With its focus on inclusivity, academic excellence, and cultural exchange, GCUB stands out as one of the most generous and accessible international scholarship programs today.

If you dream of studying abroad and making a global impact Brazil is calling. Start preparing your application today and take the first step toward an exciting academic journey in South America’s powerhouse of education and culture.