The GCUB International Mobility Scholarship (also known as GCUB-Mob) is a major initiative by the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB) to attract international students to Brazil. It allows eligible students from around the world to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at top Brazilian universities with tuition waived and a monthly stipend making it a powerful option for scholars seeking quality education at minimal cost.
🎯 Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to:
- International students of all nationalities, except Brazilian citizens.
- Applicants for Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) degree programs at participating Brazilian higher-education institutions (HEIs).
- Individuals who meet the academic prerequisites (e.g. bachelor’s degree for Master’s, relevant prior degree for PhD) as per the program they apply for.
- Candidates who acknowledge that certain expenses (e.g. airfare, visa, health-insurance) may not be covered by GCUB — depending on the terms.
In short: If you are outside Brazil and hold the required prior degree, you are likely eligible — regardless of your country of origin.
📄 Requirements & Application: What You Must Prepare
To apply to GCUB-Mob, you typically need to submit the following:
| Document / Requirement | Who needs it / Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport or national ID (proof of nationality) | All application. |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume | All applicants |
| Previous degree certificate (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD — if required) or proof of graduation | As per desired program level |
| Academic transcripts / transcripts of records | As required by host university / program |
| Essays / Motivation letter and possibly a research proposal (especially for PhD) | Usually required for master’s/PhD — depends on program |
| Application form (online) via GCUB-Mob portal | Standard requirement |
Important notes:
- Applications can be submitted in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French.
- Applicants are typically allowed to apply for up to five different Master’s or PhD programs across various participating universities.
- GCUB does not require a pre-existing acceptance letter from a Brazilian university — simplifying applications for many international students
🎁 What GCUB-Mob Offers (Scholarship Benefits)
Here’s a summary of what the GCUB International Mobility Scholarship covers for successful candidates:
| Benefit | Coverage / Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ Tuition & Enrollment Fees | 100% waiver — no tuition or academic fees. |
| ✅ Monthly Stipend | A living-cost stipend for the duration of your study (Master’s or PhD). |
| ✅ Access to University Facilities | Access to libraries, labs, university services, dining (restaurants), etc. |
| ✅ Application & Enrollment Process | No application fee; no requirement to contact a professor or have prior acceptance — simplified application route |
Note: The scholarship package may not cover airfare, visa costs, or health insurance, so applicants should plan for these additional expenses.
📅 Deadline & Timeline (2025–2026 Cycle)
For the latest GCUB-Mob call:
- Application Deadline: 13 July 2025
- After submission, the selection process typically involves: document review, host-university evaluation, final classification, and publication of results.
- If selected, master’s studies usually run for up to 24 months, while PhD programs run up to 48 months.
⚠️ Keep in mind: Even if the main application deadline has passed, GCUB sometimes issues new “calls for application” every few years so it’s worth monitoring their official website regularly.
✅ Why GCUB-Mob Is Worth Considering (Especially for International Students)
- It’s one of the largest fully-funded Master’s/PhD scholarship programs in Latin America with 800–850+ scholarships supported at dozens of top-tier universities across Brazil.
- No need for a prior acceptance letter or a professor’s endorsement which removes barriers common in many scholarship applications abroad.
- Allows wide discipline coverage: whether you are in engineering, social sciences, humanities, sciences, etc., participating HEIs offer diverse Master’s and PhD programs.
- Offers a chance to study in a culturally rich, globally diverse environment expanding academic horizon, research exposure, and international collaboration opportunities.