South America is becoming a more and more popular place for international students to study because it has a rich culture, public universities with high academic standards, and a low cost of living. Several governments have renewed their main “Exchange” and “Integration” scholarships for the 2026/2027 cycle. These scholarships aim to promote scientific collaboration with Africa, Asia, and other regions of the Americas.
1. Brazil: The PEC-G and PEC-PG programmes
Brazil has one of the most organised programmes for international students in the Southern Hemisphere. The Brazilian government has set aside hundreds of spots for students from partner countries (many of which are in Africa and Latin America) for 2026.
- PEC-G (undergraduate): This program pays students to go to some of Brazil’s best public universities for free. The programme doesn’t always give you a monthly stipend, but it does let you use university cafeterias and health services.
- This is the “Full Funding” flagship for PEC-PG (Postgraduate). It gives the following for the 2026/2027 cycle:
- Monthly Stipend: For Master’s students, it’s about 2,100 BRL ($400), and for PhD students, it’s about 3,100 BRL ($590).
- Travel: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will give you a return flight ticket when you finish.
- Health: You can use the Unified Health System (SUS) and get a monthly health assistance grant of 400 BRL.
- Deadline: 2026/2027. The application for this cycle just closed in late 2025. The portal usually opens in August 2026 for the 2027 intake.
- The “Celpe-Bras” Rule: You must be able to speak Portuguese well, which is not the case in many other places. If you don’t have it, the scholarship often pays for a full year of language training in Brazil before you start your degree.
2. Colombia: Beca Colombia for People from Other Countries
ICETEX runs this scholarship, which is the most important for international professionals who want to study for a master’s, PhD, or specialisation in Colombia.
- The award includes full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend equal to three minimum wages (about $750 USD), health insurance, and a one-time “installation” allowance for books and other materials.
- Deadline: Applications for the 2026 intake are due by June 2026.
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be younger than 50 years old and have a cumulative GPA of at least 4.0/5.0 (or the same) from their last degree.
- Language: If you don’t speak Spanish, the scholarship may include an intensive Spanish language course before you start your postgraduate studies.
3. Chile: Scholarships from Nelson Mandela and AGCID
Chile is a leader in research and innovation in the region. The Chilean International Cooperation Agency for Development (AGCID) runs several well-known tracks for the school year 2026/2027.
- The Nelson Mandela Scholarship is for people who work in South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique. It pays for tuition, a monthly allowance for up to 24 months, and health insurance for master’s degree programmes.
- AGCID Master’s Scholarships: Available to people from many Latin American, Caribbean, and some African countries.
- Deadline: The application period usually runs from May to October 2026 for programmes that start in early 2027.
- Simultaneously apply for a scholarship and admission to a Chilean university accredited by the CNA.
4. The OAS Academic Scholarship Programme
The Organisation of American States (OAS) has a huge scholarship programme for people from its member states to study in any other member state. This includes well-known South American countries like Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.
- The Award: A maximum of $10,000 USD per academic year, which can be used for tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance.
- The last day for the 2026/2027 cycle is December 31, 2026.
- Focus Areas: Education, Social Development, and Sustainable Development are some of the most important areas because they help the Americas’ “Integral Development.”
5. Strategic Advice for Awards in South America
- The “Physical Submission” Rule: Some South American programmes, like Colombia’s ICETEX, may still need you to mail physical, notarised copies of your documents to their offices in the capital city. This is different from European or American scholarships, which are all digital.
- NIN and Digital Trust: For applicants from West Africa, the 2026 portals for Brazil and Chile have stricter rules for checking identities. Make sure that your academic transcripts and passport are correctly linked to your National Identity Number (NIN).
- Spanish/Portuguese Readiness: Even if you are in a programme that teaches English, you will need to speak Spanish or Portuguese every day while living in South America. If you say in your personal statement for 2026 that you are already using apps or taking local classes to learn the language, it shows that you are “culturally ready,” which is what committees look for.
