The Graduate Program in Computer Science (PPGCC) of the Federal University of Minas Gerais is one of the top graduate programs in Brazil, being ranked in the highest level by the Brazilian Ministry of Education. PPGCC has bestowed thus far more than 1,000 MSc degrees, and 150 PhD degrees. PPGCC's Alumni work in the best universities and companies in the world. The solid and broad academic education that the UFMG's graduate programs give to students let them work in cutting-edge research institutions and in the premier computer science industries.
The graduate program offers students excellent working conditions, including research scholarships, high-tech laboratories, support for participation in conferences and the opportunity to work with a highly qualified faculty body. UFMG has a beautiful campus, plenty of green areas and sophisticated architecture. The campus is located in one of the most touristic regions of Belo Horizonte. Its neighborhood enjoys easy access, has several housing options, and offers students several facilities for entertainment, such as shopping malls and sport centers. For more information, see the university's website.
The city of Belo Horizonte is located on the Brazilian highlands, a region surrounded by green hills and amazing waterfalls. The city has one of the highest human development indices in Brazil. In addition of being a very pleasing place, Belo Horizonte hosts some of the best museums in the country. Belo Horizonte is a strong candidate to become Brazil's Silicon Valley. For instance, the city hosts research centers such as Google's LatAm center, Cadence Design Systems' engineering center, and Embraer's research lab. Besides, the city is home of San Pedro's Valley, one of the largest breeding pools for Brazilian startups.
The PPGCC offers scholarships sponsored by public agencies and private companies to both PhD and MSc students. Applicants willing to receive a Brazilian scholarship must indicate whether a scholarship is mandatory (the applicant cannot enroll without a scholarship), not needed (the student does not wish to receive a scholarship for he/she already has other forms of funding) or desirable (the applicant may receive a scholarship, however he/she will be able to enroll even if he/she does not get the scholarship). Such indication happens in the application form for MSc candidates, or in the work plan for PhD applicants. Foreign students have access to other sources of fundings as well. Students are advised to apply in advance, since evaluation may take some time. In addition to the state-sponsored scholarships, the Compilers Lab has also a few scholarships sponsored by private companies. If you want to apply to one of them, send an e-mail to Fernando.