Studies in Brazil paid, Tanzania students encouraged to apply

DAR ES SALAAM: By the time you finish reading this, you might just be packing for São Paulo.

Surely, in a major win for Tanzania’s future scholars, Brazil has officially opened its academic doors, tuition-free, to Tanzanian students for both Master’s and PhD programmes. The announcement came from Counsellor Jaçanã Ribeiro of the Brazilian Embassy in Dar es Salaam, recently with a call that this is an opportunity everyone should see the essence of exploiting.

Now here is the twist: while Tanzania is still deciding whether to take this opportunity seriously, a neighboring country (yes, we know which one, but let’s be polite) is already sending students to Brazil like it is a buy-one-get-one-free education sale.

So, the question is: what are you waiting for?

You don’t need a PhD to know that tuition-free education in one of the most vibrant countries in the world is a good deal. Brazil is not just carnival and football (although, that too). It is home to top-tier universities like the University of São Paulo and UNICAMP, and they are rolling out the red carpet for international students.

Let’s break it down like this: Free tuition (yes, completely free); Monthly stipend for living expenses; 850+ scholarships available across 58 top institutions; Research in fields like medicine, energy, environment, and agriculture and Cultural goldmine—music, dance, and food that’ll make you forget you ever liked ugali that much

You will also learn Portuguese, a language spoken in over 250 million homes worldwide, including next-door countries like Mozambique and Angola. That’s not just a language; it is a socio-economic and political global key.

Here, talk of the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB-Mob), the scholarship you have been dreaming of

Thanks to the GCUB International Mobility Program, Tanzanians now have a chance to earn Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Brazil without breaking the bank, or asking relatives for those uncomfortable loan “contributions.”

Here’s what you’ll get: Tuition and enrollment fees waived; Monthly living allowance; Access to labs, libraries, insurance support, university housing, and canteens; A diverse network of scholars from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe; Some universities may even chip in for travel and visa expenses, so you can go from Mwanza to Manaus without maxing out your mobile money wallet.

What do you need to do?

Ready to trade daladala rides for metro lines in Brazil? Here’s the short checklist:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD); Be physically and mentally fit; Cover initial costs (flight, visa, insurance—then the stipend kicks in); Apply online between June 5 and July 13, 2025

Warning: Submitting multiple applications gets you disqualified faster than saying “Sambusa” in Portuguese. Stick to ONE submission with up to FIVE program choices.

For the required documents, kindly include: ID/passport; Curriculum Vitae (CV); Degree certificates; Two short essays: one on academic goals, the other a research proposal; Proof of health insurance (Brazil takes your wellbeing seriously)

Key dates to tattoo on your mind

These should include application date opening on 5, 2025 to July 13, 2025; Document review as from July 21 – Aug 1, 2025; University evaluations Aug 11 – Sept 6, 2025; Final shortlisting falling on Oct 13 – Oct 17, 2025; Final University decisions on Oct 20 – Oct 24, 2025 and Results announced on Oct 31, 2025.

Tanzania’s firsthand information from Aujenus in Brazil

According to Aujenus Albert Ahmed, who is currently pursuing his studies in the field of science, describes his experience as “rewarding and transformative”. “Brazilian people are incredibly welcoming and always willing to help, especially as I worked to learn Portuguese”, he adds. Brazilian food has also been a highlight of his stay, many foods boing “surprisingly similar to Tanzanian cuisine, making me feel at home”.

He has no doubts recommending the experience: “This program not only provides access to world-class education but also allows students to broaden their global perspective, build international networks, and develop valuable skills such as independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication. The support system ranging from dedicated professors to friendly local communities makes it easier to overcome initial challenges and thrive both academically and personally. Living in Brazil opens doors to exciting new experiences and opportunities”.

Dear Tanzanians, let us not be left behind

Counsellor Ribeiro didn’t sugar-coat it: “A neighboring country is moving fast. We urge Tanzanian students not to miss this opportunity.”

We couldn’t agree more. This isn’t just a scholarship, this is a passport to world-class education, global friendships, and professional growth.

ALSO READ: Govt opens doors, now walk through them

Whether you’re from Mbeya or Morogoro, Kibaha or Kigoma, this programme is your golden ticket. And with 850+ slots, there’s plenty of room for Tanzanian talent to shine. So, let’s put down the excuses and pick up the passport forms.

Brazil is ready and the scholarships are waiting. The only question left is: Are you going to watch others board the plane, or are you getting a seat too? The ball in your court.

For more info and application guidelines, visit https://www.gcub.org.br/ and drop by the Brazilian Embassy in Dar es Salaam with all your burning questions.