jul/26 | em Notícias
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Research Grants in Brazil for U.S. Citizens (2026 Guide)
If you’re looking for fully funded scholarships, fellowships, or research grants in Brazil, there has never been a better time to explore your options.
Brazil is home to world-class universities, internationally recognized research centers, unparalleled biodiversity, and one of the largest scientific communities in Latin America. Every year, U.S. students, researchers, and faculty travel to Brazil to teach, conduct research, collaborate with Brazilian universities, and immerse themselves in one of the world’s most dynamic academic environments.
One of the best ways to make that experience possible is through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, which offer fully funded opportunities for U.S. citizens.
Can Americans Get Scholarships to Study in Brazil?
Yes.
Several organizations offer scholarships for U.S. citizens interested in studying in Brazil, but Fulbright is among the most prestigious and comprehensive.
Fulbright Brazil provides fully funded opportunities that may include:
- Tuition (when applicable)
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Health benefits
- Research and professional support
- Cultural and academic integration
Programs are available across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Can I research in Brazil in English?
Can I research or teach in Brazil in English?
Yes. Many Fulbright Brazil awards allow U.S. researchers, scholars, and English teachers to work in Brazil primarily in English.
The level of Portuguese required depends on the specific award, your host institution, and the activities you will carry out during your grant. For most Scholars awards Portuguese is not a requirement and English is sufficient.
For many university-based research projects, laboratory research, and collaborations with Brazilian faculty, English is commonly used in academic settings. In these cases, applicants may be able to complete much or all of their research in English.
If your project involves interviews, community engagement, classroom teaching, archival research, or extensive fieldwork with Portuguese-speaking participants, stronger Portuguese proficiency may be expected. Your language skills should match the needs of your proposed project, and applicants should always review the language requirements listed for their chosen Fulbright Brazil award.
English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award
The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award is designed for U.S. citizens who will help teach English at Brazilian universities. Since the teaching itself is conducted in English, applicants do not need to be fluent in Portuguese before they arrive.
However, ETAs are expected to have a foundation for learning Portuguese. Applicants should have either three years of college-level Portuguese before the grant begins, or three years of college-level Spanish plus additional Portuguese study at the time they apply.
For ETAs, advanced Portuguese skills are strongly recommended because they make it easier to settle into daily life, build relationships, and participate in the local community outside the classroom. At the same time, applicants with only basic Portuguese proficiency are still competitive if they demonstrate a clear plan to continue studying the language before the grant begins through the required Language Self-Evaluation.
Choosing the right award
Before applying, review the language expectations for your chosen Fulbright Brazil award, discuss them with your prospective host institution or reach out to us. Selecting a project and award that align with your academic goals, research methods, and language preparation will strengthen both your application and your experience in Brazil.
Research Fellowships in Brazil
Brazil has become an increasingly attractive destination for researchers interested in addressing global challenges.
Researchers work alongside Brazilian experts in areas including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Climate Change
- Biodiversity
- Sustainability
- Public Health
- Engineering
- Public Policy
- Agriculture
- Energy Transition
- Data Science
- Education
- Architecture
- International Relations
Fulbright scholars collaborate with leading Brazilian institutions while developing long-term international partnerships.
Scholarships for U.S. Students in Brazil
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers opportunities for graduating seniors, graduate students, and early-career professionals who want to:
- Conduct independent research
- Pursue graduate-level study projects
- Teach English through the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program
- Build language and intercultural skills
- Develop international professional experience
Participants describe their Fulbright experience as a defining moment in their academic and professional careers.
Grants for Professors, researchers & practitioners
Faculty members and established professionals can apply for Fulbright Scholar awards to:
- Teach at Brazilian universities
- Conduct collaborative research
- Develop joint publications
- Build international research networks
- Exchange expertise with Brazilian colleagues
These awards span virtually every academic discipline and include both general and institution-specific opportunities.
Why Choose Brazil?
Brazil offers a unique combination of academic excellence and real-world impact.
Researchers gain access to:
- Globally significant ecosystems, including the Amazon Rainforest and Atlantic Forest
- Leading laboratories and research infrastructure
- Diverse urban and rural research settings
- Strong international collaborations
- Rich cultural experiences beyond the classroom and laboratory
Whether your interests lie in engineering, public health, social sciences, environmental studies, arts, or technology, Brazil offers opportunities to conduct meaningful work with global relevance.
Learn More During Our Live Information Sessions
If you’re considering applying for a Fulbright award in Brazil, join the Fulbright Brazil team for one of our upcoming live information sessions.
July 14, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
For U.S. Scholars & Researchers
Hear directly from Pablo Meninato, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar and Associate Professor at Temple University, as he shares his experience conducting research and teaching at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in São Paulo.
Watch live:
You can also join and watch on LinkedIn.
July 16, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
For U.S. Students
Meet Dan González-Kosasky, a recent Fulbright Study & Research grantee, who will discuss his research in Brazil, his Fulbright experience, and how it helped shape his academic career.
Watch live:
You can also watch on LinkedIn.
If you can’t attend live, submit your questions in the YouTube comments before the event. We’ll answer as many as possible during the session, and recordings will be available afterward.
Explore Fulbright Opportunities in Brazil
Learn more about awards for U.S. citizens:
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program
- Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
- Specialized Scholar Awards
- Institution-specific research opportunities
Applications for the current cycle are open until September 15, 2026 for scholars and October 6, 2026 for students.
