Guatá Scholarship 2025: A Complete Guide for Indigenous Doctoral Students

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The Guatá Scholarship 2025 is creating waves in the academic community, especially among indigenous doctoral students in Brazil.

This unique opportunity, launched by the French Embassy in Brazil in collaboration with several leading Brazilian universities, is much more than just financial support; it is a life-changing pathway to global academic exchange, cultural enrichment, and community empowerment.

In this article, you’ll find a simple yet comprehensive explanation of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, deadlines, and practical tips for applicants.

What Is the Guatá Scholarship 2025?

The Guatá Scholarship is a fully funded mobility program designed specifically for indigenous PhD (doctoral) students in Brazil. Its main goal is to help these scholars carry out part of their research at universities and research centers in France.

The scholarship is not only about studying abroad; it is about cultural exchange and academic collaboration. It allows indigenous doctoral candidates to share knowledge, strengthen their research, and build international networks while honoring their cultural identity.

Why Is the Guatá Scholarship Important?

For many indigenous students in Brazil, opportunities to study abroad are often out of reach due to financial, social, and institutional barriers. The Guatá Scholarship bridges this gap by:

Covering full academic and living costs during the mobility program.
Promoting diversity and inclusion in global academia.
Strengthening ties between Brazil and France through collaborative research.
Empowering indigenous scholars to bring back knowledge that benefits their communities.

This initiative recognizes that education can be a powerful tool for social transformation. By investing in indigenous scholars, the scholarship ensures that research outcomes are not only academic but also deeply connected to community development.

Who Can Apply for the Guatá Scholarship 2025?

The scholarship is open to indigenous doctoral students enrolled at specific partner universities in Brazil. As of 2025, these universities include:

Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp)
Universidade de Brasília (UnB)
Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA)
Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD)
Universidade Federal de Roraima (UFRR)
Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE)
Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira (Unilab)
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

Applicants must prove their indigenous identity, be officially enrolled in a PhD program at one of the above institutions, and present a clear research mobility project that shows how time in France will enhance their doctoral studies.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Guatá Scholarship is fully funded, meaning that selected students will not have to worry about major expenses. Benefits include:

Round-trip airfare between Brazil and France.
Monthly stipend of €1,704 to cover living expenses.
Tuition waiver at French public universities.
Health insurance coverage during the stay.
Assistance in finding accommodation.
Visa support provided by the French authorities.

This financial package ensures that students can focus entirely on their research and cultural immersion without financial stress.

How Long Does the Program Last?

The scholarship funds a mobility period of 6 to 11 months in France. Students will usually begin their exchange in September 2025, coinciding with the French academic calendar.

This time frame is carefully designed: it is long enough for meaningful research progress and cultural adaptation but short enough to allow scholars to return to Brazil and continue contributing to their home institutions.

Application Process for the Guatá Scholarship 2025

Applying may seem intimidating, but the process is structured and transparent. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants will need to submit a single PDF file containing:

Proof of indigenous identity.
Academic transcripts and certificates.
A research mobility proposal (explaining what they plan to study in France).
Proof of enrollment in a doctoral program.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements.
A motivation letter describing personal and professional goals.

Step 2: Submit Online Application

The application must be submitted through the official pre-selection registration form.

Step 3: Meet Deadlines

Important dates include:

March 9, 2025 (23:59 Brasília time) → Deadline for pre-selection registration.
May 5, 2025 (23:59 Brasília time) → Deadline to submit proof of acceptance from a French institution.
May 7, 2025 → Final results announced.
September 2025 → Mobility in France begins.

Step 4: Await Selection Results

Selections are made based on academic merit, research quality, relevance to indigenous knowledge, and the candidate’s potential to contribute to both their community and international academia.

Tips for a Strong Application

If you are applying, here are some practical suggestions:

Start Early: Gathering documents and preparing a strong proposal takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Highlight Community Impact: Show how your research can benefit your community as well as academia.
Make Your Proposal Clear: Be specific about what you plan to do in France and why it matters.
Seek Guidance: Ask professors, mentors, or scholarship offices at your university for feedback.
Check Language Requirements: While many French programs accept English, some may require French proficiency. Be prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to speak French to apply?

Not necessarily. Many research groups and graduate schools in France accept English. However, basic French skills will make daily life easier.

2. Can I apply if I am not enrolled in one of the partner universities?

Unfortunately, no. Only indigenous doctoral students from the listed institutions are eligible.

3. Is there an age limit?

There is no strict age limit, but applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD program.

4. Can I bring my family to France?

The scholarship covers only the student. Family expenses would have to be covered personally.

5. Will the scholarship affect my studies in Brazil?

No. The mobility program is designed to complement, not interrupt, your doctoral studies.

Why France?

France is a global hub for education and research, consistently ranked among the world’s top destinations for international students. Indigenous doctoral scholars will have access to:

Cutting-edge research facilities.
World-renowned professors and mentors.
Rich cultural experiences.
International academic networks.

Studying in France also provides the chance to explore a different cultural perspective while building skills that are valuable in both Brazilian and international contexts.