PhD Program: The Doctoral Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU) is designed to cultivate independent researchers with advanced theoretical and methodological expertise in ecological sciences. The program emphasizes the development of original research that contributes significantly to the field.

Objectives: The research objectives are:

• Train highly qualified professionals in ecology who can produce original scientific knowledge and contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
• Develop critical and reflective thinking in relation to ecological theories, conservation practices, and biodiversity management.
• Enable students to plan, execute, and lead scientific research projects, identifying theoretical and methodological challenges in ecology.
• Promote interdisciplinary knowledge, integrating ecological, evolutionary, and environmental approaches.
• Encourage the dissemination of scientific findings, contributing to public policy and environmental education.
• Prepare graduates for academic careers, including university teaching, research leadership, and advisory roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations.​

Curriculum Composition: The PhD program is structured to offer advanced, interdisciplinary training focused on original and independent research in ecology and biodiversity conservation.

Courses

• The curriculum is mostly composed of elective courses, allowing students to customize their academic path according to their research interests.
• The only mandatory component is the Doctoral Thesis, which involves conducting and defending original scientific research.​

Elective courses vary in credit value and workload. Examples include:

• Seminars in Ecology I – 1 credit (15 hours)
• Advanced Topics in Ecology – 4 credits (60 hours), with several focus areas, such as:
  • Ecology of Inland Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Ecology and Behavior of Spiders
  • Meta-analysis in Ecology
  • Experimental Design and Scientific Writing
  • Phylogenetic Comparative Methods
  • Aquatic Pollution
  • Ecology, Biogeography, and Conservation of the Cerrado
• Completion of a minimum number of credits is required before proceeding to the Qualifying Exam.

Qualifying Exam

• Must be completed by the seventh semester of the program.
• Requirements for enrollment include:
  • Completion of required credits
  • Approval in Teaching Internships II and III (for scholarship holders)
  • Proficiency in Portuguese language
  • No pending academic requirements
• The examining committee consists of three main members (including the advisor) and one alternate member.​

Scientific Production Requirement: Ph.D. candidates are typically required to:

• Publish scientific articles in qualified journals (preferably indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, etc.).
• Present research results at national and international conferences.
• Meet minimum standards of scientific productivity defined by PPGECB.​

(How to apply): Applicants must hold a recognized undergraduate or graduate degree in fields such as Biology, Ecology, Geography, Agronomy, Chemistry, Forestry, Environmental Engineering, or related areas. Degrees from other fields may be considered upon evaluation by the program's committee.

Residency Requirement: Foreign applicants should reside in Brazil and possess a visa that permits their stay for the entire duration of the program.

Selection Process: The admission process is annual, typically conducted in the second semester. It includes:

• Evaluation of academic background and curriculum vitae.
• Examinations assessing ecological knowledge and English reading proficiency.

For detailed information on the admission process, refer to the admission page.

Language Proficiency

• Portuguese Proficiency: Non-Portuguese-speaking candidates are typically required to demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese. This can be achieved by:
• Passing the PROFLIN exam administered by UFU's Institute of Languages and Linguistics (ILEEL-UFU). ileel.ufu.br
• Obtaining the CELPE-BRAS certificate, the official Portuguese proficiency exam recognized by the Brazilian government.

How it is conducted: Foreign students may also apply through international programs that offer scholarships for doctoral studies in Brazil.

PEC-PG (Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Pós-Graduação): A partnership between CAPES, CNPq, and the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program offers full doctoral scholarships to students from developing countries with which Brazil has educational or scientific cooperation agreements.

TWAS-CNPq: Jointly offered by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), this program provides full-time postgraduate scholarships for young scientists from developing countries (excluding Brazil) to pursue doctoral research in Brazil.