Brazil opens selection process for international students to study for free in Brazilian universities

The Embassy of Brazil in Port of Spain announces that the Government of Brazil has opened the application process for the Brazilian Exchange Programme for Undergraduate Students (PEC-G), which offers vacancies for international students to do complete undergraduate studies for free in Brazil. Over 6,000 vacancies have been offered in the programme this year, for courses in all areas of knowledge in more than 100 Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – among which 10 of the top 20 universities in Latin America, as ranked in the Best Global University Index.

The Embassy invites all interested students and parents to a general presentation to be held on Tuesday, June 27, at 10 a.m., at the Embassy premises, on 18 Sweet Briar Road, Saint Clair, Port of Spain, to explain the advantages of education in Brazil and how to apply for a vacancy, as well as respond inquiries about the experience of studying and living in Brazil.

About the Brazilian Exchange Programme for Undergraduate Students

The Brazilian Exchange Programme for Undergraduate Students (PEC-G) was officially created in 1965 and offers foreign students the opportunity to carry out full undergraduate studies in Brazilian Higher Education Institutions for free. This includes one year of free language study of Portuguese, prior to entering the university, for those who do not have proficiency in this language. Since its creation, 11,180 international students have participated in the programme and concluded their studies in Brazil.

Only the national citizens from the 69 countries with which Brazil has educational, cultural or scientific-technological agreements may participate in PEC-G – among which candidates from Trinidad and Tobago. There are no country quotas for number of selected students. As a rule, participants in the programme must return to their countries of origin after graduation, in order to contribute to the development of their countries and the improvement of the local human capital.

From an institutional point of view, PEC-G contributes to the internationalization of Brazilian Higher Education Institutions, which is important to broaden perspectives and create a richer academic environment. At the same time, the programme helps disseminate Brazil's views, opportunities and current reality, bringing the civil societies of participant states closer together.

The programme offers the following benefits to international students:

- Free places for complete undergraduate courses in all areas of knowledge.
- Choice of study in more than 100 participating Brazilian Higher Education Institutions, public and private.
- No country quotas for number of selected students.
- Medical, dental and pharmaceutical assistance by the Unified Health System (SUS) of Brazil.
- Free legalization/apostille of students’ final academic documents (diploma, academic record and course description).
- In specific cases, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of External Relations may grant scholarships and Higher Education Institutions may offer other forms of aid.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.br/mre/en/subjects/culture-and-education/educacional-themes/study-opportunities-for-international-applicants/pec-g/selection-process