In short

• Requirements: an undergraduate degree (or a master’s degree, for the doctorate) recognized by MEC and a program advisor who agrees to supervise you, formalized in a letter of acceptance. See the faculty members and their research lines on the Research page (Advisors section) and contact by e-mail those who work on the topic you are interested in.
• Selection: through a public call, with a written exam (exact-sciences and biology questions, with a minimum score in each area) and assessment of the CV, the research project and the advisor’s letter of acceptance.
• Calls: three selection processes per year, usually published in February (admission in May), May (admission in September) and September (admission in February of the following year). Open calls are in the Selection Processes tab of the website; results and closed calls, in the News tab.
• Mandatory courses: everyone takes Biostatistics (EBM 102) and Seminars in Biomedical Engineering (EBM 127). Graduates in the exact sciences also take Anatomy and Physiology (EBM 103); graduates in the biological or health sciences, Mathematics for Biomedical Engineering (EBM 104); graduates in other areas, both. The doctorate also requires Scientific Research Methodology (EBM 130).
• Scholarships: there is a limited number of CAPES and UFABC scholarships, awarded by ranking and not guaranteed. To be considered, simply declare your interest in the application form. You are also encouraged to seek other sources, such as FAPESP. Details on the For students page (Scholarships section).
• English proficiency: required from everyone, but it can be obtained during the program — it only has to be proven before the qualifying exam (details on the For students page).

Note: once accepted in a course, a special student cannot drop it and may fail in case of absence. Special students are not entitled to a student ID, scholarship, transport pass, subsidized meals at the University Restaurant or parking (Portaria PROPG nº 5339/2025, art. 3).

1. How does the program work?

The PPGEBM offers academic master’s and doctoral degrees, recognized by CAPES with grade 4. The time limit for completion is up to 24 months for the master’s and up to 48 months for the doctorate, counted from initial enrollment. To obtain the degree of Master or Doctor in Biomedical Engineering, the student completes course credits (56 for the master’s, 72 for the doctorate) and writes and defends a dissertation or thesis under the supervision of a program faculty member. The internal rules and regulations are in the Documents tab of the website.

2. What are the admission requirements?

An undergraduate degree recognized by MEC and the agreement of a future advisor. When applying, the candidate submits a research project, the advisor’s letter of acceptance, personal documents and the undergraduate diploma.

3. When are the admission periods?

There are three selection processes per year: usually, the first starts in February (classes from May), the second in May (classes from September) and the third in September (classes from February of the following year). The program follows the PROPG academic calendar.

4. How do I apply?

Through the selection process. The research project must be prepared together with an advisor; therefore, before applying, see the list of advisors (Research page, section Advisors, research lines and projects) and write to those working in the research line you are interested in. With the agreement of both, the project and the letter of acceptance are attached to the application form.

5. What is the selection process like?

There is a written exam with exact-sciences and biology questions, with a minimum score in each area, and an assessment of the Lattes CV, the supporting documents and the research project. See the syllabus of the written exam. Always check the current call, which sets the rules of each process.

6. How does the program run?

The program is in person and courses are offered per term, according to the PROPG calendar. Most take place on weekday afternoons; some in the evening. The offer for each term, with rooms and times, is published by PROPG on the Rooms and schedules page.

Besides the courses, students develop their dissertation or thesis, following the project schedule and using UFABC’s research infrastructure. Laboratory hours are agreed with the advisor or with those responsible for the laboratories; work on holidays and weekends requires authorization. The program laboratories are listed on the Research page (Research laboratories section); UFABC’s multi-user laboratories, on the website of the Office of the Provost for Research (PROPES).

7. How can I take courses as a special student?

See the Special students section above. Those who later join as regular students may request recognition of the credits earned as special students.

8. I missed the deadline to apply as a special student. Can I still take courses?

Occasionally, as an auditor, if the course instructor and the Program Committee agree. Auditors have no academic transcript and therefore cannot later request credit recognition.

9. Are there scholarships?

Yes, but in limited number (CAPES and UFABC) and not guaranteed to all admitted students. Award criteria, amounts and other funding agencies (CNPq, FAPESP) are on the For students page, section Scholarships and scholarship holders.

10. How much does the program cost?

Nothing: there are no tuition or application fees.

11. What is the students’ background? Do I need a degree in Biomedical Engineering?

No. The program is multidisciplinary and welcomes professionals from the exact sciences (Engineering, Physics, Computing, Bachelor of Science and Technology etc.) and from the biological and health sciences (Biology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Biomedicine etc.). Depending on your background, there are specific mandatory courses (see the summary at the top of this page).

12. I am a UFABC student and have completed the BC&T. Can I take the master’s at the same time as a post-BC&T undergraduate program?

Yes, but plan the time you will devote to each activity.

13. In which language are the courses taught?

Mostly in Portuguese; some may be offered in English.

14. Does UFABC offer student housing?

No, but there are many shared student houses near the campuses.

15. How can I learn more about the program before applying?

Follow the program’s website and Instagram (@ppgebm), talk to a potential advisor (Research page) or write to ppgebm@ufabc.edu.br. New students are invited to a welcome meeting at the beginning of the term (see the For students page).