GCUB Scholarship 2026: Registration, Login, How to apply, Documents and Eligibility

The GCUB scholarship, formally the GCUB International Mobility Program or GCUB-Mob, is one of the largest postgraduate scholarship schemes for international students who want to study in Brazil. Run by the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities, it offers hundreds of master and PhD scholarships across dozens of universities. This guide explains the GCUB eligibility, registration, login, documents and the full apply process.

Overview at a glance

The GCUB-Mob program opened up Brazilian postgraduate study to students from five continents, with member universities offering hundreds of master and PhD places. It is attractive because there is no application fee, no need to contact a professor first and no acceptance letter required up front. In return, you commit to a research-focused application and to building at least intermediate Portuguese during your studies.

Here is a snapshot of the key facts before we go into the details. Use it as a quick reference while you prepare your application.

What the scholarship gives you

The program funds master and PhD study at member Brazilian universities and gives you access to classrooms, libraries, laboratories and other campus services. You can apply to several programs at different universities in one application, which improves your chances, though you should budget separately for airfare, visa processing and health insurance. Some editions also offer a one-time grant of up to about 1,500 US dollars towards these personal costs, but you should still be ready to support your first weeks before the scholarship payments begin. Spreading your program choices across different regions of Brazil can also work in your favour during selection.

Eligibility criteria

Check every point below before you spend time on the application. Most rejections happen because a basic eligibility condition was not met, not because of weak marks.

• You must be a citizen of a country other than Brazil.
• Your country should maintain a diplomatic relationship with Brazil.
• You need a completed degree suitable for master entry, or a master degree for PhD entry.
• You must be in good health and able to cover costs not included, such as airfare, visa and insurance.
• You should be willing to reach at least an intermediate level of Portuguese before defending your thesis.
• You can apply to several programs, usually up to five, at different universities.

Documents needed

Keep clear, properly scanned copies of these documents ready in the formats and sizes the portal asks for. Having them prepared in advance saves you from last minute errors.

• Valid passport
• Graduation diploma for master applicants, or master diploma for PhD applicants
• Academic transcripts
• Essay on your academic expectations and plans on returning home
• Research proposal for each chosen program
• Curriculum vitae
• Any language or extra documents required by the program

Registration process

Registration creates the account you will use for the whole application. Follow these steps in order.

1. Open the official GCUB-Mob portal at gcub.org.br.
2. Create an account with a valid email and password.
3. Confirm your email through the verification link.
4. Complete your applicant profile with personal and academic details.

How to log in

Once you have registered, you can return any time to continue or track your application using these steps.

1. Go to the GCUB-Mob portal and choose login.
2. Enter your registered email and password.
3. Open your dashboard to build or review your application.
4. Use the recovery option if you cannot access your account.

How to apply step by step

With your account ready and documents in hand, complete the application as follows.

1. Log in to the GCUB-Mob portal.
2. Select up to five master or PhD programs at different universities.
3. Upload your diploma, transcripts and CV in PDF format.
4. Write the required essays, including your research proposal for each program.
5. Choose your application language from the four accepted options.
6. Review and submit before the deadline.

Tips to strengthen your application

The GCUB-Mob scholarship does not require you to contact a Brazilian professor in advance or to hold an acceptance letter, which makes it more accessible than many abroad programs. Use the essays well: one usually covers your academic expectations and plans after returning home, while a research proposal is needed for each program you choose. Remember to budget for costs the scholarship does not cover, such as airfare, visa processing and health insurance, and plan to build at least intermediate Portuguese during your studies.

Important dates

Deadlines are the single biggest reason strong candidates miss out. Note the timeline below and always confirm the exact dates on the official portal, since they can change each cycle.

Applying for any scholarship is mostly about preparation and timing. Read the eligibility list once more, keep your documents ready, register early and submit well before the deadline. If you meet the criteria, apply, and keep a backup option ready so your studies are never delayed.

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