PEC-G is a Brazilian government program that offers international students the chance to earn an undergraduate degree in Brazil through academic cooperation agreements.
This guide explains what PEC-G is, who it is for, how it works, and how Portuguese proficiency and the CELPE-Bras exam fit into the process.
What is PEC-G
PEC-G stands for Programa de Estudantes Convênio de Graduação.
In practice, it is a pathway for eligible international students to study an undergraduate degree at participating Brazilian higher education institutions
through international education cooperation agreements.
Official reference:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE): PEC-G
and
gov.br service page: Study higher education in Brazil (PEC-G)
.
How PEC-G works
PEC-G is organized through a selection process coordinated via Brazilian embassies and consulates abroad.
Applicants submit documentation and meet eligibility rules, then compete for available seats at participating institutions in Brazil.
Start here if you want the official selection overview:
MRE: PEC-G selection process
.
Who can apply
Eligibility depends on the current selection rules and on whether your country participates through cooperation agreements.
In general, PEC-G focuses on candidates from partner countries and requires proof that the applicant can maintain themselves during studies in Brazil.
For program scope and overview at the Ministry of Education:
MEC: Programa de Estudantes Convênio (PEC)
.
For student guidance and maintenance expectations:
MRE: Information for PEC-G students
.
Is PEC-G free
PEC-G is widely described by official sources as offering access to undergraduate study without tuition or entrance exams in many cases,
but students are expected to cover living costs and demonstrate financial support.
Always confirm the exact rules for your country and for the current call.
See:
MEC: PEC overview
and
MRE: Student maintenance information
.
Portuguese requirement and CELPE-Bras
Many PEC-G applicants must prove Portuguese proficiency.
The most common official route is the CELPE-Bras, Brazil’s official Portuguese proficiency exam for foreigners, administered by INEP with support from the Ministry of Education.
Official reference:
INEP: CELPE-Bras
.
PEC-G selection pages also explicitly mention CELPE-Bras and, in some cases, accepted alternatives depending on the call:
MRE: Selection process and language documentation
.
What is PEC-PLE
If you need Portuguese preparation before your degree, PEC-PLE is a related pathway that can place you in a Portuguese language and Brazilian culture course first,
so you can later take CELPE-Bras and continue toward PEC-G.
Official reference:
MRE: About PEC-G and PEC-PLE
.
Typical application timeline
- Check if your country participates and review the current call instructions at your local Brazilian embassy or consulate.
- Prepare documents and language proof according to the selection process rules.
- Apply through the official process described by MRE and your local representation.
- If needed, prepare for CELPE-Bras, take the exam, and submit results as required by the call.
Start with:
MRE: PEC-G selection process
.
FAQ
Is CELPE-Bras mandatory for PEC-G
Many calls require CELPE-Bras, and some calls may accept specific alternatives depending on the rules for that year and your country.
Always verify the current selection instructions and embassy guidance.
Official starting point:
MRE: Selection process
.
Does PEC-G guarantee a seat at a specific university
PEC-G is a selection process with available seats at participating institutions.
Your options and placement depend on the call, your profile, and availability.
See:
MRE: PEC-G
.
Where do I start
Begin with the official PEC-G pages and then contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country for local instructions and deadlines.
Official sources:
MRE: PEC-G
and
MEC: PEC
.
Official sources
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE): PEC-G
INEP: CELPE-Bras official page