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Sustainable Development Doctoral

Sustainable development.

Sustainable Development (Master's and Doctoral Degrees)

Program Description

The Stricto Sensu Graduate Program in Sustainable Development at the University of Brasilia (PPG-CDS) was created in December 1995 as a doctoral program in Environment and Development. With the creation of the Master's degree in 1998, the program was renamed Sustainable Development. It has formed 211 doctors and 531 masters to this date.

The objectives of the PPG-CDS are: to contribute to the interdisciplinary debate and scientific practice in order to stimulate the advancement of knowledge about the relationship between environment and development; to train qualified human resources capable of developing theoretical and empirical knowledge and applying their skills in the area; to adopt and encourage principles and values focused on the ethics of sustainability; and to be a university space, acting in an integrated manner in teaching, research and extension.  

Research Topics

• PUBLIC POLICIES, CULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY
• TECHNOLOGY, CONSUMPTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
• TERRITORY, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY

The Master student must take 24 credits from the following courses:

The Doctoral candidate must take 30 credits from the following courses:

* Required courses

ANTONIO CESAR PINHO BRASIL JUNIOR

ARMANDO AZEVEDO CALDEIRA PIRES

CARLOS HIROO SAITO

CARLOS JOSE SOUSA PASSOS

CRISTIANE GOMES BARRETO

DORIS ALEIDA VILLAMIZAR SAYAGO

ELIMAR PINHEIRO DO NASCIMENTO

EMILIE SUZANNE COUDEL

ERIC PIERRE SABOURIN

FABIANO TONI

FREDERIC ADELIN GEORGES MERTENS

IZABEL CRISTINA BRUNO BACELLAR ZANETI

JOAO NILDO DE SOUZA VIANNA

JOSE AUGUSTO LEITAO DRUMMOND

JOSE LUIZ DE ANDRADE FRANCO

LUDIVINE ELOY COSTA PEREIRA

MARCEL BURSZTYN

SAULO RODRIGUES PEREIRA FILHO

SERGIO SAUER

STEPHANE GERARD EMILE GUENEAU

STEPHANIE CAROLINE NASUTI

Phone: +55 61 3107 6000

Website: http://www.cds.unb.br

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PhDs in Brazil and São Paulo

• The figure for Brazil is 6% higher than in 2017 , when 21,591 PhDs were awarded.
• São Paulo, which saw a slight growth of 0.5% over 2017, accounted for 32% of all doctorates granted in Brazil.
• The three state universities (USP, UNICAMP, and UNESP) awarded 23% of the country’s PhDs in 2018 and 76% of all PhDs granted by state universities that year.

• There is a strong association 1 between the annual rise in the number of PhDs awarded and the number of scientific papers published 2
• The values of m in the graph represent the change in the number of articles published per PhD graduate in each incline period
• Between 2005 and 2010, more than 100 Brazilian journals were added to the Web of Science , resulting in a period of faster growth, as shown by the sharp incline in the total publications line
• Considering only articles published in foreign journals, the association remains linear throughout the period (R 2 = 0.99), indicating 2.2 more articles published by each new PhD graduate

Notes (1) The values of R2 are greater than 0.97 in all periods considered (1994–2005, 2005–2010, 2010–2018). The association is not considered evidence of a causal relationship. In this case, both variables are linked to the expansion of graduate studies in the country. (2) Papers published includes Articles, Proceeding Papers, and Reviews with at least one author based in Brazil and indexed by the Web of Science/Clarivate

Sources Capes/MEC and Incites/Web of Science/Clarivate

This article may be republished online under the CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons license. The Pesquisa FAPESP Digital Content Republishing Policy, specified here, must be followed. In summary, the text must not be edited and the author(s) and source (Pesquisa FAPESP) must be credited. Using the HTML button will ensure that these standards are followed. If reproducing only the text, please consult the Digital Republishing Policy .

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PhD in Brazil

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Why Study PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Brazil

1. Global Research Impact: Brazil is making significant contributions to various fields of research, gaining international recognition for its scientific achievements. Engaging in a PhD program here provides you with the chance to collaborate with top-notch researchers and contribute to globally impactful research projects.

2. Cultural Diversity and Rich Heritage: Immerse yourself in Brazil's rich cultural tapestry, where diverse influences converge to create a unique experience. Studying here offers not just academic growth but also a chance to embrace a vibrant lifestyle and build cross-cultural competencies.

3. Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Beyond the academic setting, Brazil boasts breathtaking landscapes, from the Amazon Rainforest to pristine beaches. This offers a refreshing escape and a balanced lifestyle, allowing you to rejuvenate amidst nature's wonders.

4. Language Skills and Cultural Fluency: Portuguese is the official language in Brazil. Studying in an environment where Portuguese is spoken will not only enhance your language skills but also provide you with a valuable cultural perspective. Being bilingual can be a significant asset in an increasingly interconnected world.

5. Research Opportunities in Unique Ecosystems: Brazil is home to diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon Rainforest. If your research aligns with environmental sciences, biodiversity, or related fields, studying in Brazil provides unparalleled access to these unique environments, allowing for groundbreaking research opportunities.

6. Thriving Academic Community: Brazilian universities have a strong academic tradition, and many of them are ranked globally. Engaging with the thriving academic community in Brazil allows you to collaborate with experts, attend conferences, and broaden your academic network.

7. Government Funding and Scholarships: The Brazilian government, through various programs, offers funding and scholarships for international students pursuing doctoral studies. This financial support can alleviate the financial burden and make your academic journey more accessible.

8. Innovation and Technology Hub: Brazil is emerging as a hub for innovation and technology in Latin America. If your research involves cutting-edge technologies or entrepreneurship, being part of Brazil's dynamic innovation ecosystem can provide a platform for real-world applications and collaborations.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) specialization in Brazil

Admission intake for phd (doctor of philosophy) in brazil.

Main Intake

• The primary admission intake for PhD programs in Brazil is usually once a year, often for the academic year starting in February or March.
• The application period for this main intake typically takes place a few months before the beginning of the academic year, usually around October to December of the previous year.

Secondary Intake

• Some universities and specific programs might offer a mid-year intake, usually starting in July or August.
• This secondary intake is less common than the main intake and might not be available for all PhD programs.

Rolling Admissions

• Some PhD programs, particularly those that are research-focused and have specific funding or project requirements, may have rolling admissions, allowing applications at various times throughout the year.

International Students

• International students often have to follow specific admission procedures, which may include language proficiency tests (especially for Portuguese-taught programs), recognition of foreign qualifications, and sometimes separate entrance exams or interviews. The intake periods for international students might be similar to those for Brazilian students, but it's important to check with the individual universities.

Top 10 Universities in Brazil for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Cost of studying phd (doctor of philosophy) in brazil.

Total Estimated Monthly Cost (Excluding Tuition) : Approximately 1,550 - 4,100 BRL per month.

Eligibility for doing PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Brazil

1. Master's Degree: Typically, candidates applying for a PhD program in Brazil are required to have completed a master's degree in a related field. Some programs may accept candidates with an exceptionally strong academic background directly from a bachelor's degree, but this is less common.

2. Academic Excellence: Applicants are usually expected to have a strong academic record, often measured by their grades in previous degrees. A high GPA or equivalent measure is commonly required.

3. Research Proposal: Many PhD programs in Brazil require applicants to submit a detailed research proposal outlining the scope, objectives, and methodology of their intended research. This proposal is an important component of the application process and is used to assess the candidate's research aptitude.

4. Language Proficiency: As Portuguese is the official language in Brazil, proficiency in Portuguese may be required. Some programs, especially those offered in English, may have alternative language requirements. International applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

5. Entrance Exams: Some universities and programs may require candidates to take entrance exams. These exams may assess the candidate's general knowledge in the chosen field of study or may be specific to the program.

6. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are typically required to submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to the candidate's qualifications and potential for success in a PhD program.

7. Interviews: In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process. This interview could be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.

8. Application Documents: Ensure that you have all necessary application documents, which may include transcripts, curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of purpose, and any additional materials specified by the university.

Documents Required for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Brazil

1. Application Form: Most universities will have an online application form that you need to fill out. Ensure that you complete all sections accurately and provide the required information.

2. Academic Transcripts: Copies of your academic transcripts from your previous degrees (bachelor's and master's) are usually required. These transcripts should detail the courses you have taken and the grades you have achieved.

3. Degree Certificates: Provide copies of your official degree certificates for your bachelor's and master's degrees. These certificates should be from accredited institutions.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Résumé: A comprehensive CV outlining your academic and professional background, research experience, publications, and any relevant achievements.

5. Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Research Proposal: A document outlining your research interests, academic goals, and the specific area of research you intend to pursue during your PhD. This may also include your motivation for choosing the particular program and university.

6. Letters of Recommendation: Typically, you'll need to submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your qualifications and potential for success in a PhD program.

7. Language Proficiency Test Scores: If the program is taught in Portuguese or if Portuguese proficiency is required, you may need to provide language proficiency test scores. For programs in English, you may need to submit scores from tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

8. Entrance Exam Results: Some programs may require you to take an entrance exam, and you may need to submit the results as part of your application.

9. Passport Copy: A copy of your passport or another form of identification. This is necessary for international students.

10. Financial Documents: Proof of financial means to support your studies, which may include bank statements or a financial sponsorship letter.

11. Visa Documents: If you are an international student, you may need to provide documents required for obtaining a student visa, such as a letter of acceptance from the university.

12. Other Supporting Documents: Some programs may have specific requirements, such as a writing sample, portfolio, or additional documentation related to your research experience.

Scholarships for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Brazil

1. CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) Scholarships: CAPES is a Brazilian government agency that provides scholarships for international students. The agency supports various programs, including the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education. Check the CAPES website or contact your chosen university for information on available scholarships.

2. CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico) Scholarships: CNPq is another government agency in Brazil that offers scholarships for graduate studies, including PhD programs. They provide financial support for research projects and may offer scholarships for international students. Explore the CNPq website for detailed information.

3. Brazilian Universities Scholarships: Many Brazilian universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs. Check with the international offices of the universities you are interested in for information on available scholarships.

4. Science Without Borders Program: The Science Without Borders program, also known as Ciência sem Fronteiras, is a Brazilian government initiative that aims to promote the internationalization of Brazilian science and technology. While the program has gone through changes, it's worth checking if there are still scholarship opportunities available for international PhD students.

5. Fulbright Commission in Brazil: The Fulbright Commission offers scholarships for U.S. citizens to study, teach, or conduct research in Brazil. These scholarships cover various academic levels, including PhD programs. Visit the Fulbright Commission website for information on available opportunities.

6. OAS-GCUB (Organization of American States - Grupo Coimbra de Universidades Brasileiras) Scholarships: OAS-GCUB offers scholarships for graduate studies, including PhD programs, to citizens of OAS member countries. The scholarship program is a collaboration between the Organization of American States and Brazilian universities.

7. Santander Universidades Scholarships: Santander Universidades is a program that collaborates with universities worldwide to provide scholarships and support for academic exchange. Some Brazilian universities may have partnerships with Santander Universidades, offering scholarships for international students.

Jobs and Salary after PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)w in Brazil

Job opportunities:.

Academic Positions:

• Many PhD holders in Brazil pursue academic careers. They may become professors or researchers at universities and research institutions.
• Positions in academia often involve teaching, conducting research, and publishing scholarly work.

Research and Development Roles:

• Industries and companies in Brazil engaged in research and development may hire PhD graduates for roles that involve leading or contributing to innovative projects.
• Opportunities exist in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.

Government and Public Sector:

• PhD holders may find opportunities in government agencies, contributing to policy development, research initiatives, and scientific projects.
• Positions may be available in areas such as health, education, environmental science, and public policy.

Private Sector and Industry:

• Some industries, especially those with a strong focus on innovation, may hire PhD graduates for roles in product development, quality assurance, and research.
• Opportunities exist in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Consulting:

• PhD holders may work as consultants, providing expertise to businesses, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
• Consulting roles may involve solving complex problems, offering strategic advice, or conducting specialized research.

Salary Expectations:

• Salaries for academic positions in universities can vary, with factors such as the university's prestige and the individual's experience playing a role.
• Assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors may have different salary levels.

Research and Development:

• Salaries in research and development roles can vary based on the industry, the company's size, and the complexity of the projects.
• Industries with a high demand for innovation may offer competitive salaries.
• Salaries in government positions are typically structured based on the level of responsibility and the employee's qualifications.
• PhD holders may receive higher salaries compared to those with lower academic qualifications.
• Salaries in the private sector depend on the industry and the specific role. PhD holders may command higher salaries, especially in leadership or specialized positions.
• Industries with a strong focus on research and development often offer competitive compensation.
• Consulting fees for PhD holders can vary based on the nature of the consultancy, the client, and the consultant's expertise.
• Established consultants with a track record of success may command higher fees.
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Masters and phd study in brazil.

Sam Study in Brazil Leave a comment

Generally, graduate studies include a Masters and PhD in Brazil. To study for a master’s or a doctorate in Brazil, you’d have to obtain admission to a graduate program. Here’s our complete coverage on Masters and PhD Study in Brazil in 2020.

Students must first obtain a bachelor’s degree or a professional diploma. Postgraduate admission is subject to certain and required criteria, which vary depending on the institution and field of study.

Table of Contents

Master’s in Brazil for international students

Oftentimes, applicants to Master’s program need to take entrance exams. You can check with your university, where you may find other selection processes. Admission exams may include (when required) an interview during which the team assesses the applicant’s purpose to join. Applications for the postgraduate program can be found online on the university site.

You may want to send your university an email asking them to send back the forms. It’s a great strategy.

Registration dates

The deadlines to apply for graduate studies vary upon the university, but the dates may be relatively early.

Always remember that the school year begins in February, so be sure to remember the deadline to apply to the universities!

Required documents

• An application form
• Official copies of the diplomas (it may be necessary to get it stamped by a lawyer, local authorities, consulate, or embassy).
• University Certificates
• Two or three reference letters
• A letter from your academic supervisor
• A copy of the fee payment receipt (if applicable).

Admission for Masters and PhD in Brazil

To apply for a master’s degree in Brazil, you need to have a scientific degree or international equivalent for a Bachelor’s degree.

In Brazil, higher education is divided into two distinct types of courses, which you need to be familiar with in order to make the right choice.

• The “lato sensu” curriculum that will allow you to obtain an MBA but will not allow you to continue your studies afterward. This course usually lasts 1 or 2 years;
• and the “stricto sensu” curriculum, which allows for longer studies. It consists of Master’s degrees (1 to 2 years), doctorates (3 to 4 years), with the possibility of doing post-doctoral research.

The language criteria for Masters and PhD Study in Brazil:

Examinations and courses are generally presented in Portuguese. So it is imperative that your proficiency is good in the Portuguese language. Also, to prove your knowledge of Portuguese you’d have to submit a certificate (Celpe-Bras), which is the only recognized Portuguese language test in Brazil.

Even if taught in English, you will need at least some proficiency in Portuguese before starting your studies and your everyday life.

To learn Portuguese in Brazil, universities offer intensive language training courses in and before the courses. Have a look at those courses!

Doctoral studies requirements in Brazil

Application documents.

• Undergraduate and postgraduate texts, including your degrees and curriculum.
• A copy of master’s theses, and a letter from your academic supervisor.
• Personal Statement: It should include a CV, a brief overview of your education and academic achievements. It must also contain personal details, relevant research experience or professional details, skills, honors, and awards.
• Recommendation letter: Two or three letters emphasizing your skills, accomplishments, and argues why you want to enroll.
• Application fee receipt: Copy to show you have paid the application fee.

Research proposal

It should include the topic and its importance, how relevant is your research to your chosen major. It should also contain methodologies for research and analysis methodology, background and resources used.

The most important thing is to demonstrate a thoughtful idea and evaluate the contribution to literature and general knowledge.

Your motivational letter

Finally, you should mention your reasons to register in this particular institution, study courses, your research interests and career plans in the future.

Language proficiency

• Portuguese: The Portuguese Language Proficiency Certificate for Foreigners (CELPE-Bras) is the only recognized test. In addition, students applying to study in Brazil have to demonstrate their proficiency in Portuguese by taking the (CELPE-Bras).
• English: TOEFL with a very good score works as a foreign language test. Also, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Find out how to study Portuguese in Brazil

Tuition fees and PhD scholarships in Brazil for international students

Usually, public universities in Brazil charge no tuition fees to their students, local or international ones. However, private institutions apply a monthly tuition of USD $280 to $470 (BRL 1,540 and BRL 2,575).

Moreover, students will need to pay an application fee, whether they enroll in a private or a public university. Another cost to anticipate is the health insurance fee as well as student services. 

In order to cover their living cost, PhD students in Brazil can apply for scholarships to fund their studies and research. Some universities also provide funding for doctoral students, but you can also check for funding from the Brazilian government, consulates as well as other Portuguese-speaking countries. 

You can find more details about these PhD and post-doctoral scholarships, available for international students in Brazil , in our article on the subject.

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• Published: 10 October 2019

PhDs in Brazil are perishing even when they publish

• Elisa Mari Akagi Jordão 1  

Nature Human Behaviour volume  3 ,  page 1015 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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Brazil’s university landscape has undergone dramatic changes in recent decades, leading to increased pressure to publish despite stripped resources. Elisa Jordão argues that this makes it all the more important to educate the public about the value of scientific research and education.

In 1987, the year I was born, 1,000 people received a PhD in Brazil. In 2017, this number had ballooned to about 20,000 people. Many agree that public investment in education and science are intricately linked and necessary to develop a country’s autonomy. Since 2000, there has been a fivefold increase in international scientific publications in Brazil, accompanied by an almost fivefold increase in the number of graduate students. The number of new principal investigators in federal and state universities has increased threefold, and today 65% of them have a PhD. Authorship of publications by graduate students has also grown significantly. However, financial investment in science grew by only 72%.

While scientific productivity and the number of graduate students have undergone massive growth, the increase in investment in scientific research has not been to scale. In 2016, scholarship amounts were the lowest since 1996, taking into account corrections for inflation. Today, a PhD student receives on average US $564 a month, less than half as much as in 1996 when adjusted for inflation. One reason for the increase in publications is that under these conditions, PhD students depend on papers to remain competitive for the few opportunities on offer.

Another issue is that the rapid and substantial increase in the number of publications was not accompanied by an increase in impact. Brazil’s scientific production, as measured by number of citations, is historically below world average despite an increase of 15% between 2011 and 2016. This low impact could be due to different factors, such as areas of research, lack of cutting-edge techniques or low originality because of the high pressure to publish. But that does not mean that Brazil’s science is bad. On the contrary, we have a very good reputation in areas such as ecology, mathematics and neuroscience. In fact, Brazil was one of the few countries in which the percentage of papers accepted for publication increased between 2012 and 2017, suggesting an increase not only in volume, but also quality.

The pressures on Brazil’s PhD students are not decreasing with Brazil’s economy, which has been shrinking since 2013. Since 2016, federal spending on higher education has dropped sharply, with cuts of around 30% to maintenance funds and 70% to investment; the public budget for research and development has suffered cuts exceeding 28%, and scholarships funds have been cut by 25%. For graduate students this is worrisome because these cuts increase competition for scholarships. Publishing is almost a requirement for getting a scholarship, yet offers no guarantee of funding. Financial cuts also reduce the purchasing and maintenance of equipment and consumables. Therefore, even PhD students who win a scholarship may not have enough money to actually do their research. Financial insecurities together with high pressure to publish could be related to the alarming mental health issues among graduate students.

After finishing a PhD, the situation does not improve: a new graduate may now be very qualified, but unemployed. In 2014, the percentage of PhD graduates in formal employment was only 75%. This number may decrease given governmental austerity measures. Motivated by the prospect of working in excellent institutions, PhD graduates are competing for temporary jobs at universities where they may earn only US $475 a month. The selection process is hard and competition is fierce for careers in universities. People are getting more qualified, which is a good thing, but when papers are more important to selection committees than other skills and attributes, this creates a problem. Publications are a parameter used in almost all decision-making in science, and we could lose scientific autonomy when doing that blindly. When you are pressured to publish, perhaps you might think twice before researching a challenging topic or very specific local issues that may be less likely to get accepted for publication. Besides, publishing skills alone do not make a great scientist. Of course we should publish—that is an essential part of science—but intellectual and cultural autonomy means we must be independent of such control tools. Other aspects should be regarded as equally relevant, such as dissemination of Brazilian science, teaching and organizing courses, and participating in scientific debates and decisions.

Now more than ever, Brazilian society needs to understand science to value what we do as scientists. This will not be achieved solely on the back of publications. Science in Brazil is facing a new challenge. For the first time, the government is verbally attacking public institutions of education and science, trying to justify budget cuts by questioning their quality and productivity. Together with financial cuts, this disregard for science is putting everything that Brazil has already built at risk, especially because Brazil has huge inequalities in resource distribution among its many regions.

Although my future in academia is uncertain, just as the future of science and education in Brazil are, this gives me more motivation to continue working and fighting for public science and education development. In May 2019, tens of thousands of people went twice into the streets around the country to protest against financial cuts in education and science, and I was there both times. Participation in social projects can give society power and a voice; my main interest now is bridging communication between public schools and neuroscience so that researchers and teachers can exchange knowledge and improve students’ learning. This is a challenge that can only be overcome with cooperation and solidarity between many people.

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Jordão, E.M.A. PhDs in Brazil are perishing even when they publish. Nat Hum Behav 3 , 1015 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0723-2

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Published : 10 October 2019

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0723-2

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