Estrangeiros / Foreigners

Welcome to the Graduate Program in Internal Medicine – UNICAMP

The Graduate Program in Internal Medicine at the School of Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), is designed to develop researchers, educators, and professionals capable of advancing scientific knowledge and improving health care. It offers Master’s (M.Sc.) and Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees under the Brazilian “Stricto Sensu” graduate system.


Program Overview

  • Degrees Offered: Master’s and Doctorate in Internal Medicine
  • Language of Instruction: Portuguese (main language), but many faculty members are able to supervise students in English or Spanish. Scientific work can be written and defended in English.
  • Main Areas of Concentration:
    • Clinical Medicine
    • Health Education (Ph.D. only)
  • Typical Duration:
    • Master’s: 12 to 30 months
    • Doctorate: 24 to 48 months
    • Direct Doctorate (without M.Sc.): 48 months

Academic Requirements

Master’s (M.Sc.)

  • Minimum of 23 course credits
  • Defense of a dissertation
  • Qualification exam is not required
  • Mandatory courses include:
    • Biostatistics and Scientific Methodology
    • Didactics in Medical Education
    • Interdisciplinary Foundations of Clinical Medicine

Doctorate (Ph.D.)

  • Minimum of 18 course credits
  • Qualification exam required before defense
  • Defense of a thesis
  • Mandatory courses vary by area:
    • Clinical Medicine: Research Methodology
    • Health Education: Research in Health Teaching
    • Additional coursework may be required for direct doctorate students

How to Apply

Admissions are competitive and typically open twice a year. The process includes:

  1. Online registration
  2. Submission of academic documents
  3. Research project proposal
  4. Curriculum vitae evaluation
  5. Interview
  6. Acceptance letter from a potential advisor affiliated with the program

International applicants must have their diplomas validated in Brazil (or be in the process of validation) before enrollment.


Language Policy

Although most classes and meetings are conducted in Portuguese, international students may be able to:

  • Submit their dissertation or thesis in English
  • Communicate with their advisor and research team in English or Spanish

Knowledge of Portuguese is recommended for daily life and bureaucracy, but not mandatory for program completion.


Visa and Documentation

International students must obtain a student visa (VITEM-IV) before arriving in Brazil. Once in the country, students must register with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) within 90 days of arrival.

Required documents usually include:

  • Acceptance letter from the program
  • Proof of financial means or scholarship
  • Valid passport
  • Criminal record certificate (translated)

Tuition and Scholarships

UNICAMP is a public university, and there are no tuition fees for either national or international students.

Students may apply for government-funded scholarships, such as:

  • CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel)
  • CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development)

Availability depends on academic performance and advisor credentials.


Support for International Students

UNICAMP offers:

  • Guidance on visa processes and academic life
  • Language support (Portuguese for foreigners)
  • Access to housing listings and campus resources
  • International Office (DPDI) to help with formalities:
    🔗 https://www.internationaloffice.unicamp.br