FAPESP Masters Scholarship in Brazil 2025-2026 | Fully-Funded

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The FAPESP Masters Scholarship offered by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing a master’s degree in São Paulo. This scholarship supports research projects leading to a dissertation and prioritizes candidates with strong academic records. Below is a simplified guide to help you understand the eligibility, benefits, application process, and requirements for this scholarship.

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What is the FAPESP Masters Scholarship?

The FAPESP Masters Scholarship is designed for students enrolled in academic master’s programs (stricto sensu) at public or private higher education institutions in São Paulo, Brazil. It aims to fund research projects under the guidance of a qualified advisor with a PhD and international research experience. The scholarship supports the training of new researchers for São Paulo’s research system.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for Candidates

Academic Background: Candidates should have recently completed their undergraduate degree within the standard timeframe, with an excellent academic record. A successful Scientific Initiation internship is preferred.
Enrollment: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a master’s program in São Paulo. Proof of enrollment is required upon scholarship acceptance.
Prior Scholarships: Candidates who have received scholarships from other agencies may be considered only in exceptional cases, and the duration of prior scholarships will be deducted from the FAPESP scholarship term.
No Pending Responsibilities: Applicants must have no overdue obligations with FAPESP, such as pending scientific or financial reports.
Foreign Candidates: Must obtain necessary visa documents through the Brazilian Consulate in their home country.

Eligibility for Advisors

Qualifications: Must hold a PhD or equivalent, with demonstrated international research experience or active participation in global research networks.
Research Competence: Proven productivity in competitive research, evaluated through their curricular summary.
Employment: Must be a formal employee of a São Paulo research institution. Retired professors or non-employees may apply under specific conditions with prior FAPESP approval.
No Conflicts of Interest: Advisors cannot be closely related to the candidate to ensure impartiality.

Scholarship Benefits

The FAPESP Masters Scholarship provides financial support to help students focus on their research. Key benefits include:

Monthly Stipend:
- First Year (MS-I): Amount as per FAPESP’s scholarship value table (check fapesp.br/3162).
- Second Year (MS-II): Increased stipend for the second year.
Research Overhead: Funds to support research-related expenses (details at fapesp.br/rt).
Moving Cost Allowance: Available for students relocating to São Paulo (guidelines at fapesp.br/7771).
Maternity/Paternity Leave: Paid leave without interruption of scholarship payments (details at fapesp.br/8484).
Research Internship Abroad (RIA): Opportunity to conduct research at prestigious international institutions, enhancing the project’s merit (rules at fapesp.br/bolsas/bepe).

Scholarship Duration

Maximum Duration: Up to 24 months, starting on the first day of the month.
Annual Evaluation: Continuation depends on satisfactory progress, assessed through annual scientific reports.
Minimum Duration: Scholarships shorter than 6 months are not awarded.
Interruptions:
- Up to 6 months for a research internship abroad (RIA) or other funded programs, with prior FAPESP approval.
- The scholarship ends at the end of the month of the dissertation defense if completed early.

Application Process

Applications are accepted year-round through FAPESP’s SAGe system (fapesp.br/sage). Here’s how to apply:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Research Project: A detailed proposal outlining the research objectives and methodology.
Curricular Summaries: Updated CVs for both the candidate and advisor.
Academic Transcripts:
- Complete undergraduate transcript (official, with stamp/signature or authenticity code).
- Master’s transcript, if applicable, or a statement explaining its absence.
Linked Grant Documentation (if applicable): A signed statement from the Principal Investigator of a linked FAPESP grant (e.g., Thematic Project, Young Investigator Grant) agreeing to the linkage.
Host Institution Documents:
- Statement from the Head of the Host Institution.
- Institutional infrastructure information (per SAGe templates).
Data Management Plan: A 2-page plan outlining how research data will be managed (guidelines at fapesp.br/gestaodedados).
Additional Documents (submit upon acceptance):
- Graduate degree certificate.
- Proof of enrollment in the master’s program.
- Proof of leave or resignation (if employed).
- Statement if not employed.

Step 2: Submit Application

Register and update profiles for both candidate and advisor in the SAGe system.
Complete the scholarship application form, including the “Processo Vinculado” field if linking to an existing FAPESP grant.
Upload all required documents.

Step 3: Review Process

Timeline: Average review time is approximately 75 days, though delays may occur (October–January submissions may take longer due to academic breaks).
Evaluation Criteria:
- Research Project: Originality, relevance, feasibility, and suitability for a master’s program.
- Candidate’s Background: Academic excellence and research potential.
- Advisor’s Background: Research productivity, international experience, and mentoring ability.
Prioritization: Proposals with RIA plans, linked grants, or excellent prior scholarship results may be prioritized.

Step 4: Post-Award Obligations

Scholarship Recipient:
- Maintain exclusive dedication to the master’s program and research (employment or other scholarships are generally not allowed).
- Submit annual scientific reports and financial reports for research overhead funds.
- Acknowledge FAPESP support in all publications and ensure open access to research outputs (details at fapesp.br/12632).
- Notify FAPESP of any changes (e.g., employment, relocation, or intellectual property developments).
Advisor:
- Oversee the research project and communicate with FAPESP.
- Provide free grant/scholarship reviews when requested.
- Ensure compliance with FAPESP’s Code of Good Scientific Practices (fapesp.br/boaspraticas).

Tips for a Successful Application

Strong Research Proposal: Ensure your project is original, feasible, and well-aligned with your master’s program.
Highlight Academic Excellence: Include evidence of academic achievements, such as awards, publications, or prior research experience.
Choose a Qualified Advisor: Select an advisor with a strong research track record and international experience.
Plan for RIA: Proposing a research internship abroad can strengthen your application.
Complete Documentation: Double-check all required documents for accuracy and completeness.
Data Management Plan: Clearly outline how you will handle and share your research data.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

Poorly defined or unoriginal research objectives.
Inadequate methodology or feasibility issues.
Weak academic record (unless justified by exceptional circumstances, e.g., maternity leave).
Advisor’s lack of significant research output or experience in the project area.
Incomplete or missing documentation.

Additional Opportunities

Linked Scholarships: Can be tied to existing FAPESP grants (e.g., Thematic Projects, Young Investigator Grants) for enhanced funding and collaboration.
Conversion to Doctoral Scholarship: If accepted into a doctoral program, you may apply to convert your master’s scholarship into a doctoral scholarship.
Research Internship Abroad (RIA): Plan a 3–6 month internship at a globally recognized institution to boost your research profile.

Contact FAPESP for Support

For questions or clarifications, contact FAPESP via the “Converse com a FAPESP” channel on their website (fapesp.br). For detailed guidelines, visit fapesp.br/bolsas or fapesp.br/sage.

This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to advance your research career in São Paulo, Brazil. Start preparing your application today to take advantage of FAPESP’s support for innovative research!