For Students

Lemann Graduate Fellowship

Created by a gift from Jorge Paulo Lemann, the Lemann Graduate Fellowship supports graduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducting research on Brazil. It provides support for one semester, an academic year, or a semester with summer research in Brazil. Fellows receive tuition waivers from LAS units and other participating colleges and schools on campus. More information on applying for the Lemann Graduate Fellowship, including application guidelines and eligibility requirements, is available here.

Werner Baer Doctoral Position

Established in memory of Werner Baer, a renowned economist focused on Brazilian development, this fellowship supports social science doctoral work on Brazil. It provides funding for incoming Brazilian doctoral students and doctoral students of any nationality conducting social scientific dissertation research on Brazil. More details on nominations and applications for the Werner Baer Fellowship, including guidelines and eligibility requirements, are available here.

Empower Brazil Fellowship (Temporarily Discontinued)

In partnership with the Lemann Foundation, this fellowship aimed to support Afro-Brazilians, Indigenous Brazilians, and Brazilians with disabilities in select Master's degree programs. Updates on the program will be provided as they become available.

Study Abroad Scholarships

This scholarship supports undergraduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who are applying to or have been accepted to an approved study abroad or internship program in Brazil. Scholarships of up to $1,500 are awarded based on the program's cost, length, and available funds. Proof of program acceptance is required before award disbursement. Learn more about eligibility and application requirements here.

For Faculty

Lemann Center Research Grants for U of I Faculty

The Lemann Center Research Grants offer up to $20,000 for U of I faculty members conducting research on Brazil. These grants are available to full-time faculty with sufficient command of Portuguese to carry out their research, covering expenses such as airfare, in-country transportation, and other research-related costs. Learn more about eligibility, restrictions, and the application process here.

Lemann Center Collaborative Research Grants

This grant supports collaborative research between UIUC faculty and counterparts at Brazilian universities. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, the grant allows faculty members to cover travel, living expenses, and other costs for the Brazilian portion of their project. Proposals are evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee, and successful applicants are required to submit a report. More information on applying for the Lemann Center Collaborative Research Grants is available here.

Lemann/FAPESP Collaborative Research Grants

The Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies partners with FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) to fund the initial phase of international research collaborations. This grant offers up to $10,000 to support UIUC faculty and their Brazilian counterparts in São Paulo, focusing on researcher mobility and providing seed funding. Brazilian partners must have an active FAPESP-funded project to qualify. Learn more about the Lemann/FAPESP Collaborative Research Grants here.

Lemann Distinguished Visiting Scholar

This program invites nominations for the Lemann Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Brazilian Studies. The selected Brazilian scholar will be in residence at Illinois for one academic year, teaching courses related to Brazilian Studies. The position offers a salary of $40,000 per semester, fringe benefits, and round-trip airfare from Brazil. Further details on the nomination process are available here.

Werner Baer Post-Doctoral Position

Created in memory of Professor Werner Baer, this post-doctoral position supports early career scholars from Brazil. Eligible scholars must hold Brazilian citizenship, a Ph.D. awarded no earlier than five years prior to the start date of August 15, 2025, and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English to carry out research activities in the U.S. The position offers a non-renewable stipend of $50,000 for one academic year, starting on August 15, 2025, and includes coverage of some university fees. More information on eligibility and application requirements is available here.