Frequently Asked Questions
A. Is the program tuition-free?
At UFES, master’s and doctorate programs are tuition-free since they are financed by the Brazilian federal government. Some postgraduate programs charge an admission fee.
B. Do the master’s and doctoral courses require that students study full-time??
Students must have enough time to attend courses, develop laboratory experiments, attend seminars and meetings with their supervisor, and prepare their dissertation or thesis. Full-time status is required for grants and scholarships.
C. At what time are lectures?
Classes are scheduled in four-hour slots, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday. Class schedules depend on a number of factors such as faculty availability, number of enrolled students, classroom availability, and other factors considered during the semiannual scheduling of courses.
D. Are there grants available for researchers?
Yes. All postgraduate programs receive a quota of assistantships from agencies funding postgraduate education and research. The number of grants depends on the resources of the funding agencies and is determined annually. The Coordination for Improvement of Higher Education Staff (CAPES) and the Foundation for Research Funding in Espírito Santo(FAPES) are the leading agencies offering grants to students. Therefore, each program establishes internal distribution criteria that students must meet to be eligible for an assistantship or grant.
E. Do you offer summer and/or weekend courses?
The Postgraduate Program in Social Policy does not offer summer or weekend courses.
F. Should I talk to a prospective supervisor in advance?
Not necessarily. Postgraduate programs can independently establish their own criteria for admission. Therefore, further information will be provided at the beginning of the admission cycle.
G. What types of postgraduate courses are offered at UFES?
Postgraduate degrees in Brazil are classified as lato sensu or stricto sensu. While the former aims to improve vocational training, the latter includes master’s and doctoral degrees, which go beyond vocational training by preparing researchers and professors to work in higher education.
H. How can I get further information about postgraduate programs?
In Brazil, the Coordination for Improvement of Higher Education Staff (CAPES) is the agency responsible for managing academic graduate programs. You may find more information about this agency on its website, www.capes.gov.br. To learn more about a specific program at UFES, visit prppg.ufes.br.
