The Government of Brazil has officially opened applications for the Student Exchange Programme, offering opportunities under the Undergraduate Programme (PEC-G) and Portuguese as a Foreign Language Programme (PEC-PLE) for the 2027 academic year.
The PEC-G programme offers international students the opportunity to pursue full undergraduate degrees at Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including both public and private institutions.
The pre-registration form, as well as detailed information on requirements, documentation, application procedures is available on the Educational Cooperation Division (DCE) website (in Portuguese).
Field of Study
Various fields of study are available
Deadlines
09 May 2026
Who can apply?
Applicants will only be considered if they meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a country participating in PEC-G
- Reside outside Brazil
- Not be Brazilian or have Brazilian parentage
- Not hold a Brazilian residence permit (except tourist visa)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have completed (or be completing) secondary education outside Brazil
- Achieve a minimum 60% average in high school
- Have financial support/sponsorship for living costs
- Commit to returning to their home country after completing studies
- Meet Portuguese language requirements (see below)
Portuguese Language Requirements
As undergraduate programmes are taught in Portuguese, applicants must demonstrate language proficiency through one of the following:
- A Celpe-Bras certificate, OR
- An Intermediate certificate from Instituto Guimarães Rosa, OR
- Relevant school-level Portuguese results (where applicable)
Applicants who do not meet the language requirements must apply for PEC-PLE alongside PEC-G.
Under PEC-PLE, students will:
- Complete a one-year Portuguese language and Brazilian culture course in Brazil
- Write the Celpe-Bras exam
- Progress to undergraduate studies under PEC-G upon successful completion
What the scholarship offers
Tuition fees covered (no institutional costs or entrance exams required)
PEC-PLE (if applicable) includes:
- A free one-year language and cultural programme
- Opportunity to transition into PEC-G after passing the Celpe-Bras exam
Please note: Students are responsible for living expenses, accommodation, travel, and other related costs.
Application process
- Complete the online pre-registration form via the Educational Cooperation Division (DCE) website
- Select preferred courses and institutions (once available)
- Await pre-selection results
- Submit required documents to the South African Embassy in Brasília
- Finalise application through the diplomatic mission
Applications are submitted through the South African Embassy in Brasília.
Important Information
- Application forms, requirements, and guidelines are available on the Educational Cooperation Division (DCE) website (in Portuguese)
- Applicants must first complete pre-registration by 09 May 2026
- Only pre-selected candidates will be invited to submit full documentation
Contact
For further information, applicants should contact the South African Embassy in Brasília at
Documents and links
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
