Brazil-Germany: one of the world's strongest bilateral academic partnerships
Decades of CAPES-DAAD cooperation
Brazil and Germany have maintained one of the most active bilateral academic exchange relationships in the world. CAPES and DAAD have jointly funded thousands of Brazilian researchers and students since the 1960s. DAAD operates a dedicated office in São Paulo (the only DAAD office in South America) that actively promotes scholarships and provides guidance to Brazilian applicants. This means the funding infrastructure for Brazilians going to Germany is more developed than for most other nationalities.
Key scholarships for Brazilian students in Germany
DAAD Scholarships (Bolsas DAAD)
DAAD offers individual scholarships for Brazilian students at master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. Monthly stipends of €850–€1,200 depending on level. Applications through daad.de or via the DAAD São Paulo office. DAAD also runs the EPOS program (with Brazil as a target country) for development-related master's programs.
CAPES-DAAD PROBRAL
The PROBRAL program funds collaborative research projects between Brazilian and German universities. Brazilian students and researchers work at German institutions as part of binational research teams. Applications are made by the university research group, not individuals — ask your Brazilian professor if their department has PROBRAL links.
CNPq Scholarships Abroad (Bolsas no Exterior)
Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) funds doctoral and postdoctoral stays abroad, including Germany. Open to Brazilians with a research focus. Applications through the CNPq portal (cnpq.br). Germany is consistently among the top five destinations for CNPq-funded stays.
Deutschlandstipendium
Germany's national merit scholarship — €300/month, awarded by individual universities to outstanding students regardless of nationality. Applications are made directly to each university. Brazilian students enrolled at German universities are eligible. No language restriction — available at universities with English-taught programs.
German Political Foundation Scholarships
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, and Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung all offer scholarships to international students with strong social/political commitment. Some have Brazil-specific programs. Stipends typically €850–€1,000/month plus benefits.
DAAD RISE (Research Internships)
DAAD RISE is primarily for undergraduate students in science and engineering — mainly aimed at North American and European applicants, but Brazilian undergraduate students can apply. 10–12 week summer research internship at a German university or research institute. Provides a stipend for living costs.
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