PEC-G Brazil 2027: Tuition-Free Undergraduate Study at Brazilian Universities
No tuition. No entrance exam. Placements at Brazilian higher education institutions for international undergraduate students — with up to 1,400 candidates selected in the 2027 selection process.
The PEC-G (Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Graduação) is Brazil’s exchange program for undergraduate students. It’s one of the most distinctive government routes in the world: tuition-free study in Brazil with no exam, for students from participating countries. The next selection process runs ~2027.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | PEC-G (Brazilian Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students) |
| Funded by | Government of Brazil |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Value | Tuition-free placements (no fees, no entrance exam) |
| Awards | Up to 1,400 candidates per selection |
| Duration | Duration of undergraduate program |
| Eligibility | International students from participating countries |
| Coverage | Tuition (free); living costs via sponsor proof |
| Application Route | Via Brazilian diplomatic/consular missions |
| Deadline | Next selection ~2027 |
| Website | www.gov.br |
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What the Program Covers
Tuition is free — but you must prove you can cover living costs.
Tuition
- No tuition fees: free placements at Brazilian higher education institutions
- No entrance exam: selection is through the program, not a Brazilian exam
Living Costs (Your Responsibility)
- You must have a financial sponsor proving ~$300/month support
- This is a requirement, not an option — proof of sponsorship is mandatory
Scale
- Up to 1,400 candidates selected in the 2027 selection process
What it does NOT cover:
- Living costs (sponsor proof required)
- Travel to Brazil
- Health insurance (verify current requirements)
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Eligibility Requirements
1. Nationality
- Citizen of a participating country (PEC-G covers many developing countries — check the official list)
- International students, not Brazilian nationals
2. Sponsorship
- Financial sponsor proving ~$300/month support for the duration of study
- This is the key requirement for most applicants
3. Portuguese Proficiency
- CELPE-BRAS (Portuguese proficiency certificate) required
- Programs are taught in Portuguese
4. Academic Standing
- Completed secondary education meeting Brazilian university requirements
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Application Process
Timeline: Selection runs on cycles. 2026 registration (for 2027 entry) closed; next round ~mid-2027.
Step 1: Confirm Your Country Participates (Now)
- Check the PEC-G participating countries list
- Confirm your nationality qualifies
Step 2: Prepare Sponsorship and Portuguese (Now)
- Secure a financial sponsor and documentation proving ~$300/month
- Register for CELPE-BRAS — the Portuguese certificate is required
Step 3: Apply via Your Country’s Brazilian Mission (Next Round ~2027)
- Applications go through Brazilian diplomatic/consular missions in participating countries
- Not a direct online university application
Step 4: Selection and Placement
- Up to 1,400 candidates selected
- Placement at Brazilian institutions follows
- Program starts per the Brazilian academic calendar
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Selection Criteria
Eligibility-based with strong sponsor and language requirements.
1. Sponsor Proof
- Demonstrated financial support of ~$300/month
- This is a hard requirement
2. Portuguese Proficiency
- CELPE-BRAS certificate — required for study in Portuguese
3. Academic Readiness
- Completed secondary education at the required level
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PEC-G vs. Other Latin America Routes
| Scholarship | Country | Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEC-G | Brazil | Tuition-free UG | ~mid-2027 |
| ICETEX | Colombia | 100% tuition + living | ~Mar-Jun 2027 |
| Ireland Fellows | Ireland | Full fees + €700/mo | ~Jul 2027 |
PEC-G advantages:
- Tuition-free undergraduate study with no entrance exam
- Large cohort (up to 1,400)
Choose ICETEX if: you want a funded Master’s/PhD with a living allowance. Choose Ireland if: you’re a professional targeting an English-language Master’s.
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Common Mistakes
1. Missing the Sponsor Requirement
Mistake: Assuming tuition-free means fully free.
Fix: You must prove ~$300/month sponsorship for living costs. This is mandatory.
2. Skipping CELPE-BRAS
Mistake: Assuming English programs are available.
Fix: Brazilian programs are in Portuguese. CELPE-BRAS is required — register early.
3. Applying Through the Wrong Channel
Mistake: Looking for a direct university application.
Fix: PEC-G applications go through Brazilian diplomatic/consular missions in your country.
4. Ignoring the Participating Countries List
Mistake: Assuming all nationalities qualify.
Fix: Only participating countries are eligible. Verify yours before preparing.
5. Missing the Selection Window
Mistake: Applying outside the cycle.
Fix: The selection runs on cycles. 2026 registration closed; the next round is ~mid-2027. Track the announcement.
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Should You Apply?
Yes, if:
- Your country participates in PEC-G
- You have a sponsor who can prove ~$300/month
- You can pass CELPE-BRAS (or are willing to learn Portuguese to that level)
Realistic expectations:
- Tuition-free study is a real benefit, but living costs are on you (sponsor proof)
- Portuguese proficiency is a genuine barrier for non-speakers
Worth applying:
- No fees and no entrance exam is a rare combination
- Up to 1,400 slots is a large pool
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Strategy Tips
1. Confirm Country Participation Now
The participating list is the first gate. Verify before anything else.
2. Start Portuguese Early
CELPE-BRAS takes months to prepare for. Begin language study now.
3. Secure Your Sponsor Early
Document the ~$300/month sponsor arrangement with clear evidence.
4. Monitor the Brazilian Mission
Applications go through the consular mission in your country. Know which one covers you.
5. Plan Living Costs Honestly
Tuition is free, but rent, food, and transport in Brazil are on you. Budget realistically.
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Next Steps
1. Now: Confirm your country participates in PEC-G
2. This year: Start Portuguese study; register for CELPE-BRAS
3. Secure sponsorship: Prepare ~$300/month sponsor documentation
4. ~mid-2027: Apply through your Brazilian consular mission when the next round opens
5. On selection: Complete placement and enrollment
Tuition-free undergraduate study in Brazil with no entrance exam — if you can prove sponsorship and pass CELPE-BRAS. The next selection is ~2027. Start your Portuguese now.
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Related: Colombia Government Scholarship (ICETEX) 2027 · Ireland Fellows Programme — Latin America · KU Leuven Scholarship for Central & South America · Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2027