If you are planning to study an undergraduate degree in Brazil as an international student, you will likely come across PEC-G.
This guide explains the PEC-G requirements in plain English, with official sources you can trust and a practical checklist you can follow.
New to the program? Read this first:
What is PEC-G.
PEC-G requirements overview
PEC-G is a Brazilian government program for international students who want to complete an undergraduate degree in Brazil.
The exact requirements can vary by call, so the safest approach is to follow the official selection rules and your local Brazilian embassy or consulate instructions.
Start with the official program pages:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE): PEC-G
and the official selection process hub:
MRE: Selection process and calendar
.
Eligibility requirements
Eligibility is defined in the official call and typically focuses on applicants from participating countries, with rules about prior education, documentation,
and the ability to maintain yourself during the program.
For the current selection rules, check the official MEC call document:
MEC: Official PEC-G call (Edital)
.
Academic requirements
In general, you should have completed secondary education that is equivalent to Brazilian high school, and be able to present proof as required by the call and by the receiving institution.
Your local embassy or consulate will confirm what document formats are accepted in your country.
Official context and process guidance:
MEC: PEC-G registration information and process notes
.
PEC-G requirements for Portuguese proficiency
Portuguese proficiency is a major requirement for PEC-G.
The official exam most commonly used for proof is CELPE-Bras, administered by INEP.
Depending on the call and your background, there may also be specific alternatives accepted under official rules.
Official sources:
MRE: Language requirement overview for PEC-G
and
INEP: CELPE-Bras official page
.
The CELPE-Bras certification is typically reported in levels such as Intermediário, Intermediário Superior, Avançado, and Avançado Superior:
MEC: CELPE-Bras level overview
.
Financial requirements
Even when tuition is not charged by the institution, PEC-G applicants are generally expected to demonstrate financial ability to cover living expenses in Brazil.
In some cases, students can apply for support, but the baseline expectation is that the student has financial maintenance covered.
See:
MRE: Information to PEC-G students and maintenance expectations
.
Documents required
Document lists vary by call and country, but most applicants should prepare a complete file that covers identity, education, and language proof.
Your embassy or consulate may require specific formats, translations, or legalization steps.
Common document categories
- Identity documents, such as passport and civil registry documents, according to consular guidance
- Secondary education completion proof, plus any required transcripts
- Portuguese proficiency proof, often CELPE-Bras, following the rules in the official call
- Financial support proof, following the official guidance
- Any additional documents required by the selection process or the receiving institution
Official starting points:
MEC: Official PEC-G call (Edital)
and
MRE: Selection process hub
.
Additional reference for documentation and later university steps:
gov.br service page: Study higher education in Brazil (PEC-G)
.
Application process and timeline
- Confirm eligibility and your country participation through official PEC-G channels.
- Check the current call and deadlines, then contact your local Brazilian embassy or consulate for country specific instructions.
- Prepare your documents and Portuguese proficiency proof according to the call rules.
- Submit your application through the official pathway described by MRE and your local representation.
Timeline reference:
MRE: PEC-G calendar and selection process
.
Common mistakes
- Relying on unofficial checklists instead of the call and embassy instructions
- Submitting incomplete documentation or missing deadlines
- Underestimating the Portuguese requirement and delaying CELPE-Bras preparation
- Not preparing clear financial proof aligned with official expectations
Final checklist
- I read the official call and confirmed all eligibility rules
- I checked the PEC-G selection process hub for deadlines and updates
- I confirmed country specific instructions with my Brazilian embassy or consulate
- I prepared identity, education, language, and financial documents in the required format
- I verified my Portuguese level and planned CELPE-Bras preparation if needed
If you want the program overview first, read:
What is PEC-G.
FAQ
Is CELPE-Bras required for PEC-G
CELPE-Bras is the most common official route for proving Portuguese proficiency, and it is frequently referenced in PEC-G guidance.
However, accepted alternatives can depend on the specific call and your background.
Always verify using official rules.
Official sources:
MRE: Language requirement overview
and
MEC: Official call (Edital)
.
Where do I apply for PEC-G
Applications are typically handled through Brazilian embassies or consulates in participating countries, following the official selection process.
Start with:
MRE: Selection process hub
.
Is PEC-G free
PEC-G is commonly described as providing access to undergraduate study without tuition in many cases, but students are expected to cover living costs and demonstrate financial maintenance.
Confirm details with the call and your local representation.
Reference:
MRE: Student maintenance information
.