Graduate school is not simply a continuation of undergraduate education. It is training in scientific research, critical thinking and the creation of new knowledge.
| Program | Category | Main Objective | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Lato Sensu | Professional training | 1–2 years |
| MBA | Lato Sensu | Management and business training | 1–2 years |
| Master's Degree | Stricto Sensu | Research training | ~2 years |
| PhD | Stricto Sensu | Original scientific research | ~4 years |
The Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (IME-USP) offers only stricto sensu programs: Master's and PhD degrees.
IME-USP allows students to apply directly to the PhD program without first completing a Master's degree. However, this option is reserved for students with exceptional preparation.
Most of the time in a PhD is spent conducting research.
A PhD is primarily training for research careers.
Graduate education is fundamentally research-oriented.
A PhD is significantly more demanding than a Master's.
Graduate students in Brazil may receive financial support through scholarships provided by funding agencies or through the graduate program. These scholarships allow students to dedicate themselves full-time to research activities.
There are two main ways graduate students receive funding in Brazil.
| Agency | How the Scholarship Is Granted |
|---|---|
| CAPES | Scholarships are typically distributed by the graduate program based on academic performance and research potential. |
| CNPq | Similar to CAPES, these scholarships are usually allocated through the graduate program. |
| FAPESP | Students must submit an individual research proposal together with their advisor. The proposal is evaluated directly by FAPESP. |
FAPESP scholarships are not distributed directly by the graduate program. Instead, the student must submit a research proposal to FAPESP in collaboration with the advisor. If the proposal is approved, the student receives the scholarship.
FAPESP scholarships usually provide higher stipends than other funding programs, but they also involve stricter evaluation and reporting requirements.
FAPESP scholarships are highly competitive and require the submission of a strong research proposal.
Do I need a Master's before a PhD?
Not necessarily. IME-USP allows direct PhD applications, but the advisor must evaluate whether the student is prepared for the program.
Is graduate school only about coursework?
No. The main activity is conducting research.
How long does a PhD take?
Typically about four years.