Introduction to the Brazilian Program for Exchange Students (PEC) - Undergraduate Level
The Brazilian Program for Exchange Students (PEC) is a Brazilian government initiative aimed at strengthening international relations and promoting educational cooperation with friendly countries, particularly through higher education. The program offers free spots for foreign students in Brazilian higher education institutions (HEIs), without any tuition or enrollment fees. Courses are available in various fields of knowledge, and participants are responsible for covering their living expenses in Brazil. The PEC is a foreign policy strategy designed to enhance ties with other nations, contribute to the development of human resources in participating countries, and broaden the cultural horizons of Brazilians through the internationalization of higher education.
PEC Modalities:
1- Program for Exchange Students – Undergraduate Level (PEC-G): PEC-G offers foreign students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree at Brazilian higher education institutions. This program is aimed at countries with diplomatic relations with Brazil and seeks to train qualified professionals who can contribute to the development of their home countries. In addition to being exempt from academic fees, students have access to medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services through the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), and in specific cases, may receive scholarships and other forms of assistance.
2- Program for Exchange Students – Graduate Level (PEC-PG): PEC-PG is aimed at foreign students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to pursue graduate studies (master's and doctoral programs) in Brazil. The program seeks to promote the training of highly qualified professionals in various fields of knowledge, thereby strengthening educational cooperation between Brazil and participating countries. Students receive academic support and, in some cases, may be awarded scholarships to facilitate their stay in the country.
3- Program for Exchange Students – Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PEC-PLE): PEC-PLE is designed for foreign students who wish to learn Portuguese before enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate program in Brazil. This program offers Portuguese language courses for foreigners at various higher education institutions, preparing them linguistically to follow academic content and facilitating their cultural integration. Mastery of Portuguese is essential for students to fully benefit from the educational opportunities provided by the PEC-G and PEC-PG programs.
These modalities are regulated by specific legislation, ensuring that foreign students have equitable access to services and assistance programs offered by Brazilian institutions, with respect for cultural differences and the financial situation of each student.
Regulations and Selection 2025
The Program for Exchange Students – Undergraduate (PEC-G) offers free spots for complete undergraduate courses at Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) without institutional costs. The courses cover all areas of knowledge, and starting in 2025, there will be no limit on the number of spots per country. The program requires students to support themselves in Brazil with their own financial resources.
Selection Process
Candidates apply at a PEC-G operating post, where they can indicate up to two course and HEI options. Applications are reviewed by the Division of Educational Themes (DCE), and the selection is conducted by a panel appointed by the Ministry of Education (MEC), consisting of representatives from participating HEIs. The new regulations stipulate that students have proportional access to HEI assistance services, taking into account their financial conditions and cultural differences.
Participating Countries
PEC-G includes participation from 74 countries across various regions: South America (11), North and Central America and the Caribbean (17), Africa (29), Asia (9), and Europe (7). Among the participating countries are Argentina, Paraguay, Angola, Mozambique, India, and France.
Participating States and HEIs
PEC-G involves 142 Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including federal, state, municipal, and private universities. Among the participating institutions are UFJ, UFAM, UFF, UFRR, UFMG, UFRN, UFBA, UnB, and UFPA, representing all regions of Brazil.
Benefits
Students in the PEC-G program have access to medical, dental, and pharmaceutical assistance through the SUS (Unified Health System). Additionally, they receive free legalization of their final academic documents, such as diplomas and transcripts. In some cases, they may receive scholarships from MEC (Ministry of Education), MRE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), or specific aids from HEIs (Higher Education Institutions).
Regulations and Recent Changes
The program underwent several updates in 2024, including Decree 11.923/2024, which established new modalities of the PEC, including PEC-G (undergraduate), PEC-PG (graduate), and PEC-PLE (Portuguese as a Foreign Language). Key changes include a relaxation of the Portuguese proficiency requirements, with new options beyond the Celpe-Bras exam, and updates to the rules for changing HEIs or courses.
Vacancies for 2025
For 2025, the PEC-G will continue to expand its offerings, with no limits on the number of spots per country, and with new regulations aimed at improving inclusion and support for exchange students. The changes in proficiency requirements and rules for changing courses or HEIs are intended to make the process more accessible and adaptable to the needs of international students.
Contacts
For more information, interested parties can visit the DCE/MRE website, which provides detailed information about the program, including applications, enrollments, schedules, and contacts for participating HEIs, as well as promotional materials in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.
