Students who want a route into full undergraduate study in Brazil should note that the Brazilian Government Scholarship Programme (PEC-G / PEC-PLE) for 2027 is open now. It combines a tuition-covered undergraduate path with a Portuguese-language preparation route for applicants who do not yet meet the language requirement.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Government of Brazil
Opportunity type: International undergraduate scholarship / exchange pathway
Who it’s for: South African applicants who have completed (or are completing) secondary education outside Brazil and want to pursue undergraduate studies there
Location: Brazil
Study level: Undergraduate degree, with optional PEC-PLE Portuguese-language preparation
Closing date: 9 May 2026
Last verified: 23 April 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This opportunity covers tuition fees, but not living costs. You’ll need financial support or sponsorship for accommodation, travel, and day-to-day expenses. Another key point is the Portuguese language requirement: if you do not yet have qualifying Portuguese proficiency, you need to apply for the PEC-PLE route as well.
The process also works in stages. First, you complete pre-registration. Only pre-selected applicants are later invited to submit full documentation through the South African Embassy in Brasília.
About the sponsor
This programme is funded by the Government of Brazil and is intended to expand academic exchange through undergraduate study opportunities at Brazilian higher education institutions. The PEC-PLE stream supports language preparation so that successful students can transition into undergraduate study under PEC-G.
Source Link: DHET International Scholarships
What it covers
The main PEC-G route covers tuition fees, with no institutional costs or entrance exams required. The PEC-PLE route adds a free one-year Portuguese language and Brazilian culture programme for applicants who need language preparation before progressing into undergraduate study.
Living expenses, accommodation, travel, and related costs are not covered.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of a country participating in PEC-G
- Must reside outside Brazil
- Must not be Brazilian or have Brazilian parentage
- Must not hold a Brazilian residence permit (except a tourist visa)
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have completed, or be completing, secondary education outside Brazil
- Must have at least a 60% average in high school
- Must have financial support/sponsorship for living costs
- Must commit to returning to the home country after studies
- Must meet the Portuguese language requirement, or apply through PEC-PLE
Documents to prepare
Prepare your pre-registration details, school results, and the documents required for the Brazilian process. If you are pre-selected, you will need to submit the full documentation pack through the South African Embassy in Brasília.
Closing date
9 May 2026 for pre-registration.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming this scholarship covers living costs as well as tuition
- Applying without a plan for financial support in Brazil
- Ignoring the Portuguese language requirement
- Failing to apply for PEC-PLE when language preparation is needed
- Missing the pre-registration deadline and assuming late document submission will still be accepted
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the current DHET International Scholarships listing for Brazil’s PEC-G / PEC-PLE 2027 intake, including the deadline, eligibility criteria, coverage, and staged application process.
How to apply
- Review the DCE guidance and the PEC-G / PEC-PLE requirements.
- Complete the online pre-registration form before the deadline.
- Select your preferred courses and institutions once available.
- If pre-selected, submit the required full documentation through the South African Embassy in Brasília.