PhD Program

The Graduate Program in Chemistry (PPGQUI) at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) offers a Doctoral Program (PhD) designed to train highly qualified researchers in various fields of chemistry. The program emphasizes scientific innovation, advanced research, and academic excellence, preparing graduates for careers in academy, industry, and research institutions.

Objectives

The Program aims to:

• Develop independent researchers capable of producing original and impactful scientific work.
• Strengthen advanced theoretical and experimental knowledge in specialized chemistry fields.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with national and international research groups.
• Contribute to scientific and technological advancements in chemistry, addressing societal and industrial challenges.
• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia, industry, and public/private research sectors. ​

Curriculum Composition

The program requires a minimum of 48 credits, structured as follows:

1. Mandatory Courses (8 credits)

• Advanced Scientific Methodology (4 credits)
  • Focus: Research ethics, project design, academic writing, and publication strategies.
• Seminar in Chemistry (4 credits)
  • Regular presentations and critical discussions of ongoing research.

2. Elective Courses (16 credits)

Students choose from advanced topics aligned with their thesis work, such as:

• Advanced Analytical Techniques (e.g., Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry)
• Organic Synthesis & Catalysis
• Computational Chemistry & Molecular Dynamics
• Materials Chemistry & Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry & Chemical Biology
• Environmental Chemistry & Sustainable Processes

3. Research & Thesis Requirements

• Qualification Exam (after ~18–30 months):
  • Written report and oral defense of the thesis proposal.
• Thesis Defense (24 credits):
  • Submission of an original thesis, evaluated by an external committee.
• Publication Mandate:
  • At least one peer-reviewed paper in a Qualis-CAPES B2-or-higher journal (as first author).

How it is conducted

1. Full-Time Research Program (Default Structure)

• Modality: Strictly in-person, requiring daily engagement in labs, courses, and seminars.
• Workload: Minimum 40 hours/week dedicated to research, coursework, and teaching (if applicable).
• Duration: 48 months (4 years), extendable to 54 months with justification.

2. Scholarship Options

Most students receive funding from Brazilian science agencies:

A. Full Scholarships (With Stipend)

• Funding Sources:
  • CAPES/PROEX (primary source for PPGQUI, due to its CAPES 6 rating).
  • CNPq (for outstanding projects).
  • FAPEMIG (for research aligned with Minas Gerais state priorities).
• Stipend Amount: ~R3, 100–R3, 100–R4, 100/month (2024 values, tax-free).
• Requirements:
  • Exclusive dedication: No formal employment allowed.
  • Academic progress: Annual evaluations; delays may suspend funding.
  • Teaching: Some scholarships require TA/RA duties (e.g., supervising undergrad labs).

B. Partial/Project-Based Funding

• Research Grants: Advisors may offer stipends via funded projects (e.g., FAPESP collaborations).
• UFU Institutional Scholarships: Limited slots for students without agency funding.

3. Non-Scholarship (Self-Funded) Enrollment

• Allowed? Yes, but rare (≤10% of students).
• Conditions:
  • Same academic requirements (courses, exams, thesis).
  • May combine with part-time work (requires advisor approval).
  • No stipend or tuition waiver (though UFU charges no tuition fees).

4. International Students

• Eligibility: Scholarships via CAPES-Print (for mobility) or bilateral agreements.
• Language: Portuguese proficiency required (thesis may be written in English).

PPGQUI supports doctoral students in conducting part of their research abroad through the Sandwich Doctorate Program, with fellowship opportunities available from agencies like CAPES  and CNPq (https://www.gov.br/cnpq/pt-br). Additionally, students can benefit from UFU’s Institutional Internationalization Program (CAPES-PrInt), which promotes coordinated internationalization efforts across graduate programs. The UFU Research and Postgraduate Office (PROPP) manages the selection process for CAPES-PrInt scholarships, with updates and announcements available on the PROPP website.

How to apply: Applicants must have a completed Master's degree and an undergraduate degree recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC) in Chemistry. In some cases, degrees in related fields like Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Physics, and Engineering may be accepted, subject to Board approval. The Research Office and Post-Graduation (PROPP) at UFU oversees the selection process for CAPES-PrInt candidates. For updates on the selection and announcements regarding sandwich doctoral scholarships abroad, candidates can visit the official PROPP website. Visit PROPP for more details

Duration of the course (minimum and maimum duration):

• Minimum Duration: 24 months
• Maximum Duration: 48 months

CAPES evaluation level: 2021 – Concept 6