Scholarships in Brazil for Pakistani Students 2025

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is not only famous for its vibrant culture, Amazon rainforest, and football heritage but also for its rapidly growing education system. Over the past decade, Brazil has emerged as a promising destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education, especially in engineering, agriculture, medicine, and natural sciences.

For Pakistani students, Brazil offers government-funded scholarships, university-specific grants, and research fellowships. Many of these opportunities are available in English, though Portuguese remains the primary language of instruction. With proper planning, Pakistani students can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at some of Brazil’s most prestigious universities.

Why Choose Brazil for Higher Education?

• Affordable Education: Tuition fees and living costs are lower than in Europe or the USA.
• Diverse Scholarships: Fully and partially funded opportunities for international students.
• Research Excellence: Strong academic focus on natural sciences, agriculture, and engineering.
• Cultural Experience: Exposure to Latin American culture and Portuguese language skills.
• Strategic Partnerships: Increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Brazil in education.

Top Scholarships in Brazil for Pakistani Students 2025

1. Science Without Borders Program (Ciência sem Fronteiras)

• Initially a large-scale scholarship by the Brazilian government, it now continues through partnerships with universities.
• Focuses on STEM subjects such as engineering, technology, natural sciences, and health.
• Offers tuition waivers, stipends, and travel grants.

2. CAPES Scholarships (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel)

• Government scholarships for Master’s and PhD research programs.
• Covers monthly stipends, tuition, health insurance, and airfare.
• Highly competitive, focusing on academic excellence and research proposals.

3. CNPq Fellowships (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development)

• Supports research-oriented students, especially in science and technology fields.
• Open for PhD, postdoctoral, and exchange programs.
• Provides stipend + research funding + international mobility support.

4. PEC-G & PEC-PG Programs (Exchange Programs)

• PEC-G: For undergraduate students.
• PEC-PG: For postgraduate students (Master’s & PhD).
• Funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Covers full tuition and sometimes living stipends.

5. University-Specific Scholarships

• University of São Paulo (USP) International Scholarships
• Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Research Grants
• University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Excellence Scholarships

Scholarships in Brazil for Pakistani Students

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students

• Must be a Pakistani national with strong academic background.
• For Undergraduate (PEC-G): Completed intermediate/A-Levels.
• For Master’s/PhD: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with research proposal.
• English or Portuguese proficiency (some programs require Portuguese language test - CELPE-Bras).
• Good academic record (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 or equivalent).
• Some government scholarships require a commitment to return to Pakistan after completion.

Average Cost of Living for Students in Brazil

Application Process for Pakistani Students

• Select Program & University – Choose your field of study and scholarship type.
• Check Deadlines – Most scholarships open between December – March for fall intake.
• Prepare Documents:
• Academic transcripts & degrees
• Passport copy
• Recommendation letters
• Research proposal (for Master’s/PhD)
• Proof of English/Portuguese proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or CELPE-Bras)
• Motivation letter
• Apply Online – Submit applications on the scholarship or university portal.
• Await Results – Shortlisted candidates may be called for interviews.
• Apply for Brazilian Student Visa – After selection, apply for a VITEM-IV student visa at the Brazilian Embassy in Islamabad.

Benefits of Brazilian Scholarships for Pakistani Students

• Full or Partial Funding – Covers tuition and living expenses.
• Research Opportunities – Strong emphasis on science, agriculture, and environmental studies.
• Cultural Exposure – Learn Portuguese and experience South American culture.
• Global Recognition – Degrees from Brazilian universities are HEC Pakistan recognized.
• Career Pathways – Opportunities to network with global researchers and industries.

Tips for Pakistani Applicants

• Start learning basic Portuguese – it will give you an advantage.
• Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously to improve chances.
• Focus on STEM and research programs where Brazil has international strength.
• Highlight in your motivation letter how your studies will contribute to Pakistan’s development.
• Keep all academic and financial documents attested for visa purposes.

FAQs – Scholarships in Brazil for Pakistani Students

1. Are Brazilian scholarships fully funded for Pakistani students? 
Yes, programs like PEC-PG, CAPES, and CNPq fellowships are fully funded, covering tuition and living costs.

2. Do I need to know Portuguese to study in Brazil? 
Some programs are in English, but for undergraduate studies, Portuguese (CELPE-Bras) is often required.

3. How much stipend do scholarships provide in Brazil? 
Monthly stipends range between BRL 1,200 – 2,500 (PKR 72,000 – 150,000) depending on the program.

4. Which fields are best for Pakistani students in Brazil? 
Engineering, medicine, agriculture, environmental sciences, and technology are the most funded.

5. Can I work part-time in Brazil as a student? 
International students may work with proper authorization, but scholarships usually provide enough support.

6. Are Brazilian degrees recognized in Pakistan? 
Yes, universities like USP, UNICAMP, and UFRJ are HEC-recognized.

7. What is the visa process for Pakistani students? 
After receiving the acceptance/scholarship letter, apply for a Brazilian Student Visa (VITEM-IV) at the Brazilian Embassy in Islamabad.

Conclusion

Brazil is becoming a promising education hub for Pakistani students. With opportunities like CAPES scholarships, PEC programs, and CNPq research fellowships, students can access world-class education at little to no cost.

For the 2025 intake, Pakistani students are encouraged to prepare early, learn basic Portuguese, and apply to multiple programs to maximize their chances. Studying in Brazil not only opens doors to academic excellence but also provides cultural diversity and international career pathways.