Applications are now open for the FAPESP Masters Scholarship. This fully funded opportunity supports talented students who want to pursue a Masters degree in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The scholarship helps students develop high-quality research leading to a dissertation. It is open throughout the year with no fixed deadline. There is no application fee.
Guidelines for the Submission and Selection of Proposals in the Masters Scholarship Program
1. Target Audience
This scholarship is intended for students regularly enrolled in stricto sensu academic Masters postgraduate programs in public or private higher education institutions in the state of São Paulo. The goal is to develop a research project leading to a dissertation.
Key requirements for the Advisor:
- Must hold a PhD or equivalent title.
- Must demonstrate experience in internationally competitive research projects.
- Must show international research experience after the doctorate or active participation in international research collaboration networks.
The Advisor holds main responsibility for the project, but the candidate must actively participate in its development, be able to discuss it, and analyze results.
Important notes:
- Applications may be submitted before completing the previous course (graduation), but proof of completion and enrollment in the Masters program is required upon acceptance.
- FAPESP prioritizes recently graduated candidates with excellent academic records and, preferably, successful Scientific Initiation experience.
- Previous scholarships from other agencies are only allowed in exceptional cases, and prior duration will be deducted.
1.1 Masters Scholarships Linked to Research Grants
Masters Scholarships can be linked to ongoing Research Grants in two ways:
a) Linked to ongoing Grants (Regular Research Grant, Thematic Project Grant, RIDC, ERC/ARC, SPEC, Young Investigator Grant, Research in Public Policies Program, Public Education Research Program)
- Explicitly request linkage in the SAGe system by entering the Grant process number in the “Processo Vinculado” field.
- Submit a signed document from the Principal Investigator agreeing to the link and detailing the contribution of the proposed research.
- The Scholarship Advisor must be the Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, or Associate Researcher of the Grant.
- See complementary rules at fapesp.br/17929.
b) Associated Submission as a budget item for new Grants Follow the specific rules for each modality. Detailed information is available at fapesp.br/17940.
In both cases, the Masters research project must be closely linked to the funded Research Grant.
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1.2 Research Internship Abroad (RIA)
FAPESP views a concrete plan for a Research Internship Abroad positively. The internship must be relevant to the project and take place at a center of recognized excellence. For details, visit: fapesp.br/en/bepe
2. Scholarship Components
- Monthly fees: According to FAPESP’s Table of Scholarship Values (available at fapesp.br/3162).
- First year: MS-I level
- Second year: MS-II level
- Research Overhead: Details at fapesp.br/17937.
- Moving Cost Allowance: Available for candidates who need to relocate (details at fapesp.br/7771).
- Maternity/Paternity Leave: Leave without interruption of payment (details at fapesp.br/18207).
3. Duration
- Up to 24 months, always starting on the first day of the month.
- Annual performance evaluation based on partial Scientific Reports.
- Scholarships shorter than 6 months are not awarded.
- Previous scholarship periods (from FAPESP or other national agencies) are deducted.
- If the dissertation is defended during the scholarship period, it ends at the end of that month.
3.1 Interruption of MS Scholarship
The scholarship may be interrupted (up to 6 months) for study abroad with other funding. Reactivation must be requested via the SAGe system. For Research Internship Abroad (RIA), interruption is automatic, with reactivation required at the end.
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4. Application Date
Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.
5. Requirements for Applications
5.1 Candidate Requirements
- Strong research potential, recent graduation within normal time, excellent academic record, and preferably Scientific Initiation experience.
- No pending responsibilities with FAPESP (Scientific or Financial Reports).
- Foreign candidates must handle their own visa and legal documentation for Brazil.
- Inform if applying for or receiving other grants for the same purpose.
5.2 Advisor Requirements
- No pending responsibilities with FAPESP.
- PhD or equivalent with proven research competence and productivity.
- International research experience or active participation in international networks.
- Must be a formal employee of a Research Institution in São Paulo (with some exceptions requiring prior inquiry).
- Must demonstrate adequate support and infrastructure for the project.
- FAPESP does not award scholarships where the Advisor is closely related to the candidate.
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6. Required Conditions and Obligations
6.1 Scholarship Recipient Obligations
- Full-time dedication to the Masters program and research.
- Maintain enrollment in a São Paulo institution.
- Submit all required reports on time.
- Acknowledge FAPESP support in all publications and presentations.
- Follow open access policies and Data Management Plan.
- Obtain prior approval for any project changes or absences.
- Respect FAPESP’s Code of Good Scientific Practices.
6.2 Advisor Obligations
- Oversee the scholarship and serve as main contact with FAPESP.
- Ensure project success and proper use of funds.
- Provide reviews when requested by FAPESP.
- Acknowledge FAPESP support in publications.
- Follow Data Management and Intellectual Property policies.
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7. Required Documents
All submissions are made through the SAGe system .
Main documents include:
- Research Project
- Curricular summary of the Advisor
- Curricular summary of the Candidate
- Complete undergraduate transcript (official)
- Complete Masters transcript, if applicable
- Manifestation from the Head of the Host Institution
- Institutional infrastructure information
- Data Management Plan (up to 2 pages)
- Results of previous FAPESP grants (if any)
- Other supporting documents (some may be submitted later upon acceptance)
8. Authorizations Required by Law
The Principal Investigator and Host Institution must obtain all necessary legal authorizations for the research.
9. Intellectual Property
FAPESP’s Intellectual Property rules apply. Full policy available at fapesp.br/17939.
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10. Review of Applications
Applications undergo a rigorous peer-review process involving ad hoc reviewers, Area Coordinators, Associate Coordinators, and final decision by the Scientific Director.
Main evaluation components:
- Quality of the Research Project
- Candidate’s academic background and potential
- Advisor’s research background and qualifications
Average review time: approximately 75 days.
11. Scientific Report
Annual Scientific Reports are mandatory. Final reports and dissertation defense documentation must be submitted after completion.
12. Financial Report
Financial reports for Research Overhead funds must be submitted according to the Grant Contract schedule.
13. Changes to the Award
Significant changes to the approved project require prior approval from FAPESP.
14. Conversion of Masters Scholarship into Doctorate Scholarship
Masters Scholarship recipients may convert to a Doctorate (DD) Scholarship if accepted into a Doctorate program and approved by FAPESP reviewers.
How to Apply
- Prepare all required documents including research project, CVs, transcripts, and letters.
- Register and submit your application through the SAGe system at fapesp.br/sage.
- Ensure your Advisor also has an updated SAGe registration.
- Submit the complete proposal online.
Applications are reviewed continuously throughout the year. The average review time is about 75 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the FAPESP Masters Scholarship?
Students enrolled, or soon to be enrolled, in a stricto sensu masters program at a public or private institution in São Paulo state are eligible, provided their advisor holds a PhD and meets FAPESP’s research experience standards.
How much does the FAPESP Masters Scholarship pay?
Recipients receive a monthly stipend based on FAPESP’s official scholarship value table, with a lower MS I rate in the first year and a higher MS II rate in the second year, plus possible research overhead and relocation support.
How long does the FAPESP Masters Scholarship last?
The award runs for up to 24 months, always starting on the first day of a month, with continued funding tied to annual performance reviews.
When can I apply for the FAPESP Masters Scholarship?
Applications can be submitted to FAPESP at any point during the year through the SAGe online system.
Can I combine the FAPESP Masters Scholarship with a research internship abroad?
Yes. Candidates can apply separately for FAPESP’s Research Internship Abroad program, and a solid abroad research plan is viewed positively during evaluation.
How long does the FAPESP review process take?
The average processing time is about 75 days, though this varies by field and season, with longer waits common for applications submitted between October and January.
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