Feature	GCUB-Mob (Brazil)	Typical European/Asia Scholarship*
Tuition waiver	✅ Included	✅ Often included
Monthly stipend for living costs	✅ Yes (monthly scholarships)	Varies: sometimes allowance, sometimes not full living-cost support
Start year	2026 for many programmes	Varies: often academic year next year
Eligibility for Africa/Asia	✅ Broadly open to non-Brazil international students	Often open, but sometimes region-limited or language restricted
Language requirement	Flexible: applications in English/Portuguese/Spanish/French; moderate language requirement depending on university	Often English required; may require IELTS/TOEFL strictly
Number of university choices allowed	Up to 5 programmes/universities allowed in Brazil	Varies, sometimes 1 choice only
Coverage of extra costs (visa/airfare/insurance)	Not fully: applicants expected to cover visa, travel, insurance, etc.	Varies; some cover full costs, some don’t
Cultural & regional fit for Africa/Asia	Excellent: Brazil has South-South cooperation potential and invites many international students	Varies: some may be more Euro-centric or less focused on Africa/Asia
IELTS explicitly required?	Not clearly mandatory in public call for many English-medium programmes (see next section)	Usually strict IELTS/TOEFL requirement

* “Typical” refers to many mainstream fully-funded programmes — always check individual calls.

Takeaway: GCUB-Mob offers a strong combination of full funding + international access + flexibility. For Africa/Asia this is particularly promising. The main caveat: you will still need to pay for certain extra costs (visa/travel/insurance) and you’ll need to check the language of the specific programme.

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Key Insights & Benefits for Students in Africa & Asia

Let’s zoom into why this scholarship is especially beneficial for you if you’re based in Africa or Asia.

1. Access to a Fully Funded Programme with Monthly Stipends

Many scholarships cover tuition but not living costs. GCUB-Mob explicitly mentions monthly stipends (for Master’s up to 24 months, Doctorate up to 48 months) in Brazilian universities. This means you’re not just getting a fee waiver — you’re also supported monthly, which can make a real difference.

2. Broad Regional Eligibility & South-South Focus

Because Brazil has diplomatic relations with most countries, and GCUB emphasizes international cooperation, you (in Africa or Asia) are very likely eligible. One source lists eligible countries from Africa as examples (e.g., Ethiopia, Nigeria, Yemen).  The programme’s openness to students from “five continents” has been emphasised.

3. No Mandatory IELTS if English Medium (Check per University)

While the public call doesn’t always explicitly say “no IELTS”, the application languages include English and the admission in many programmes allows English-medium instruction. This means if you studied in an English-medium institution, you may bypass IELTS — a big relief for many applicants from Africa and Asia. Always verify the chosen university’s specific language requirement. For many “English-medium” programmes this will work in your favour.

4. Opportunity for Cultural and Academic Mobility

Studying in Brazil means exposure to Latin America’s culture, Portuguese language (useful globally), and a different perspective on international development. For students seeking to build global networks, research links or South-South partnerships, this is a meaningful pathway.

5. Strategic Advantage for Future Career/Research

Holding a Master’s or PhD from a Brazilian HEI gives you unique credentials. If you intend to work in international development, NGO sectors, research or academia (especially with ties to Brazil, Latin America, Africa/Asia), it can be distinctive. For example, many research topics crossing continents (climate, agriculture, sustainable development) find good fit in Brazil.

6. Step-by-Step Application Guide (next section)

Because understanding application timing and process is often the biggest barrier — we’ll provide a clear map.

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Your Step-by-Step Application Guide

Here’s a detailed, newbie-friendly guide to applying for GCUB-Mob 2026. Follow this in sequence to stay organised.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Check that your home country maintains diplomatic relations with Brazil (most African/Asian countries do).

• Confirm you are not Brazilian citizen (Brazilian nationals are excluded).

• Have your required previous qualification: for Master’s you need a Bachelor’s, for PhD you need a Master’s (depending on programme).

• Be able to cover extra costs (visa, travel, insurance) which may not be covered by the scholarship.

• Ensure you meet any specific programme language requirement (if it’s English-medium and you studied in English you’re in good shape).

• Verify the university/department you’re aiming for accepts English-medium (if you prefer no Portuguese).

Step 2: Choose Your Programmes & Universities

• Check the Table of Master’s and Doctorate Programmes offered by GCUB-associated Brazilian HEIs.

• Select up to five programmes (Master’s or Doctorate) at different universities/regions of Brazil. This increases your chances.

• Make sure you pick programmes which you can realistically attend and which align with your academic/career goals.

Step 3: Gather Documents & Prepare Essays

Typical required items:

• Valid passport or national ID.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — highlight your academic/professional experience.

• Copies of diplomas and transcripts (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD if required).

• Two essays (or as specified):

  • Essay 1: Your academic expectations, professional experiences, future plans (max ~2 pages)

  • Essay 2: Your chosen programme(s), research topic (for Master’s/PhD), methodology, justification, timeline.

• Any additional forms specified in the call (e.g., commitment to return home, language proficiency if required).

• Note: Combine scanned documents into one PDF if required (one source mentioned a 5 MB limit).

Step 4: Verify Language & Medium of Instruction

• Although the application may be submitted in English/Portuguese/Spanish/French, each host university may require the programme in Portuguese (or in English) and possibly a Portuguese test.

• If your previous degree was English-medium and the programme is explicitly English-medium, you may not need IELTS; but you must check the university’s requirement and mention this in your application.

• If you are not comfortable in Portuguese, aim for programmes that are offered in English or have substantial English instruction.

Step 5: Apply Online & Submit Before Deadline

• Visit the GCUB website (or the call PDF) and complete the online application form.

• Upload all required documents (as PDFs) and fill in your programme preference list.

• Submit before the deadline (e.g., for 2026 start the deadline was around 13 July 2025).

• Keep a record of your submission receipt or confirmation email.

Step 6: Wait for Selection Phases & Respond

The selection process typically has these phases:

• Phase 1: Document consistency check (i.e., completeness)

• Phase 2: Host university evaluation (academic merit & admissibility)

• Phase 3: Final classification & approval by universities

• Results are typically published by late October for the 2026 cohort.
  If you are selected:

• Sign the scholarship contract/acceptance letter.

• Prepare for visa application, travel arrangements, housing, arrival logistics.

• Familiarise yourself with orientation at the host university in Brazil.

Step 7: Prepare for Arrival & Study in Brazil

• Ensure your student visa is approved (often a Brazilian student visa, category “V”).

• Secure accommodation (on campus or off campus) and open a Brazilian bank account if required.

• Attend orientation, register for courses, join international student services.

• Use your monthly stipend wisely—plan for costs of living, travel, cultural adaptation.

• If required to learn Portuguese or reach Portuguese level for thesis defence, start early. Some programmes expect students to attain Portuguese before the end of the degree.

• Build networks — professors, fellow students, Brazilian-international student groups.

Step 8: Return & Leverage Your Degree

• After successful completion you’ll receive a Brazilian-recognized Master’s or Doctorate degree (valid in Brazil).

• Think about how this degree will benefit you when you return home or internationally: global networks, bilingual/multicultural advantage, unique research exposure.

• Consider how you can give back: many scholarships emphasise the value of returning to your home country with new skills.

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Your Statement of Purpose — A Simple, Strong Structure

Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and research proposal essays are among the most important parts of your application. Here’s a straightforward structure you can follow:

1. Opening paragraph:

• Introduce yourself (education background, country).

• Why you are passionate about this field and choosing Brazil/this programme.

2. Academic and professional trajectory:

• What you studied/achieved so far (Bachelor’s, Master’s, work experience).

• Key achievements or projects relevant to your chosen field, particularly if they link Africa/Asia or international development.

3. Choice of programme/university:

• Why you selected this specific Master’s/Doctorate and university in Brazil.

• How the university has strengths or faculty relevant to your topic.

4. Research topic / what you intend to study:

• What is the central theme or problem you will investigate?

• Why this matters (for your country, region, discipline).

• Key methodology and timeline (for Doctorate especially).

5. Future plans & link back home:

• How you will use the degree in your home country or in global context (Africa/Asia).

• Return plan, impact you intend to make.

6. Closing paragraph:

• Reiterate your motivation and readiness for this opportunity.

• Thank the committee for considering your application.

By adhering to this structure, you’ll cover all the essential points the selection committee wants to see.

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Common Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Here are pitfalls many applicants make — and simple tips to steer clear:

• Missing the deadline — Don’t wait until the last minute; internet issues/portal congestion happen.

• Uploading incomplete documents or wrong format — Double-check PDF size limits, required items.

• Selecting too few programmes or universities — Maximise your chances by choosing up to five, across different regions in Brazil.

• Writing generic essays — Personalise your SOP to your background, region (Africa/Asia) and link clearly to Brazil.

• Neglecting language requirement — Even if IELTS isn’t required, verify programme medium. If Portuguese is needed later, begin studying early.

• Not budgeting extra costs — Scholarship may not cover travel, insurance, visa. Be prepared.

• Ignoring follow-up communications — If selected, you’ll have to respond, sign contracts, etc.

• Not researching host university properly — Know what your department, university offers so you can speak convincingly in your essays.

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FAQs (Concise but Useful)

Q: Is IELTS mandatory for GCUB-Mob?
A: Not always. Many sources show that applications can be in English, and there is no strict public rule mandating IELTS if your prior education was in English and the programme is English-medium. Still, always check the specific university’s admission requirement.

Q: Can I apply for an undergraduate degree?
A: No — GCUB-Mob is designed for Master’s and Doctoral programmes.

Q: How much is the monthly stipend?
A: The precise amount varies by university and programme; sources describe it as “monthly scholarships (stipends)” aligned to amounts typically paid to Brazilian students.

Q: Are non-Portuguese speakers eligible?
A: Yes — you may apply in English (or Spanish/French), and many programmes can be English-medium. But some may require Portuguese proficiency at thesis stage, so check carefully.

Q: Are Brazilian citizens eligible?
A: No — Brazilian nationals are excluded from this international mobility scholarship.

Q: When should I apply for 2026 start?
A: For the 2026 programme, earlier calls indicated a deadline around late 2026.

Q: How many universities can I choose?
A: You can list up to five Master’s or Doctorate programmes at different Brazilian universities.

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Conclusion

In short: if you’re a student in Africa or Asia seeking a fully funded Master’s or PhD, the GCUB-Mob scholarship offers a compelling pathway — tuition waived, monthly stipend, global networks, and a chance to stand out. While the call for 2026 might already be underway or even passed depending on your timeframe, it is worth monitoring for next cycles and preparing ahead.

Your next step: Download the official call (from the GCUB website), pick your programmes, start gathering your documents now, and craft your essays with care, making sure you highlight your regional perspective (Africa or Asia), research ambition and how you plan to give back.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X

Consider this your passport to Brazil and beyond — take the first step.