The Federal University of Santa Maria (Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM) has officially released its simplified international call for Graduate Admissions 2026/2027. Ranking comfortably among Brazil's top public institutions, UFSM is providing a gateway for global researchers to enter highly esteemed master's and doctoral (PhD) tracks.

There are many reasons why Brazil is becoming a more popular choice for foreign students to study in, such as low-cost education, research opportunities, multiculturalism, and academic cooperation with universities from all around the world. UFSM provides postgraduate studies in science, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, and others.

Key Details

• Country: Brazil

• Host Institution: Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)

• Degree Levels: Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.) Degrees

• Funding Type: Tuition-Free (with highly competitive stipend opportunities)

• Application Period: May 14, 2026 – June 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Brazil Time)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications: The applicant should possess a certified university degree (Bachelor's degree for the Master's stream and Master's degree for the PhD stream).

Language Requirement: Fluency in the Portuguese language is absolutely not essential upon application. But it is compulsory to master the language before your graduation.

Country Conditions: This particular stream is exclusive to non-Brazilian applicants from across the world.

Evaluation Criteria: The selection process involves a simple online verification, which includes your CV profile, letter of recommendation, and an online interview.

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Financial Advantages

No Tuition Costs: Being one of the top-notch public universities, UFSM does not charge any tuition or course fees whatsoever during the whole period of your academic program.

Scholarship Options: Qualified applicants are allowed to apply for internal scholarships that are highly sought-after due to their high value of R$ 2,100 per month for Master’s candidates and R$ 3,100 per month for PhD candidates.

Free Campus Services: All enrolled students can use free campus services, including on-campus student accommodation and cheap student restaurants.

Independent Funding Alert: The number of stipends is tightly controlled by outside institutions like CAPES and CNPq. Candidates should be ready to bear their own travel and living expenses if no independent stipend is provided.

Possible Academic Fields

Programs may include areas such as:

• Biotechnology

• Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Agricultural Sciences

• Veterinary Medicine

• Engineering

• Computer Science

• Environmental Sciences

• Social Sciences

• Public Health

• Education

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Biological Sciences

Applicants should carefully review the program on the website.

Required Documents

• Valid Passport: Clear color scans of your international passport's photo page or your valid Brazilian National Migratory Register (RNM).

• Academic Degrees & Transcripts: Copies of your graduation diplomas alongside comprehensive internal mark sheets compiled in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated academic resume mapping out your specific research history, technical skills, or publication lines.

• Reference Letter: A formal recommendation or presentation letter signed by an active faculty member from your previous university.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Log Into the Official Admission Portal

Candidates have to log into the official admission portal of UFSM for their desired course.

Step 2: Study the Department Announcement

Apply after studying:

• admission criteria

• necessary documents

• research requirements

• the selection process

Contact Professors Professionally (If Required).

Some graduate programs may encourage applicants to contact supervisors before applying.

Tips:

• Read the professor’s research papers first.

• Mention shared research interests

• Keep emails short and professional.

• Attach a clean academic CV.

Important for Applicants

Adhere to the Email Format Guidelines: The automated screening system at public universities monitors all applications globally. Your email will be automatically rejected if it does not conform to the specified format requirement.

Prepare Yourself for a Technical Interview: The new simplified admission procedure prioritizes your technical skills over administrative procedures.

Language Requirement: Portuguese is not required to apply; however, you need to learn the language before graduation. In the interview, indicate your willingness to join the university's Portuguese language course of four credits immediately after admission.

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Why This Opportunity Is Valuable

Studying in Brazil can provide:

• international research exposure

• multicultural academic experience

• affordable graduate education

• networking opportunities

• access to Latin American research collaborations

For students from developing countries, Brazilian public universities can offer strong academic value with relatively lower living costs compared to many Western countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the exact email contact details for general admission queries?

For general questions or system errors, contact the Graduate Admissions office at editais.cpg@ufsm.br or ingresso.prpgp@ufsm.br.

Are there any processing or application entry fees for international tracks?

No. This simplified international call is processed entirely through direct email submissions, meaning there are no upfront registration fees.

What is the typical duration for graduate study tracks at UFSM?

Typically, master's degree programs require a commitment of 24 months, while advanced doctoral (PhD) tracks last up to 48 months.

Official Application Portal

Applicants should use the official UFSM graduate admissions website. The link is below.