By Claudia Cataldi, International Correspondent
An exceptional academic opportunity in Rio de Janeiro awaits international candidates passionate about oceans, defense, and global strategy
The Brazilian Naval War College (Escola de Guerra Naval/EGN) is now accepting applications from foreign candidates for its prestigious Master’s and Doctorate Programs in Maritime Studies, with classes beginning in March 2026.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, EGN opens its doors to civilians and military professionals from partner nations, offering a rare chance to engage in high-level academic training in an environment where theory meets real-world maritime policy, governance, and innovation.
These professional graduate programs (stricto sensu) are offered free of charge, taught in Portuguese, and are recognized with top-tier ratings by CAPES, Brazil’s federal agency for higher education quality.
“Studying in Brazil means living the maritime world in one of the globe’s most strategic coastal countries. Our programs are as intellectually rigorous as they are immersive. And yes, Rio is as breathtaking as you’ve heard,” says Professor André Panno Beirão, Program Coordinator.
With three distinct lines of research:
Maritime Policy and Strategy; Law of the Sea Decision-Making and Futures Methods Innovation, Science and Technology in the Maritime Domain, the program embraces a multidisciplinary approach, combining political science, international law, geopolitics, technology, and defense studies.
Candidates must be affiliated with foreign armed forces or comparable institutions, as established in cooperation agreements with the Brazilian Navy. All applicants must demonstrate fluency in reading and understanding Portuguese, with written work optionally accepted in English or Spanish.
Why Apply?
Global relevance: Brazil’s strategic maritime role makes EGN a unique hub for naval and oceanic studies.
Cost-free excellence: The program charges no tuition fees and offers access to Brazil’s top naval thinkers.
Academic prestige: Both programs hold CAPES rating 5, the highest for professional degrees.
Bilingual advantage: International students can write in English or Spanish, easing transition.
Networking and research: Engage with officers, diplomats, and scholars from across Latin America, Europe, and Africa.
How to Apply
Applications are open from July 14 to October 17, 2025.
Candidates must fill out the online form: https://forms.gle/KYm4d81uJZju3KcZ6
And email all required documents in a single PDF to: selecaoppgem@gmail.com
A live online Q&A session will be held on October 9, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Brasília time) via Webex
Click here to join
Come for the knowledge, stay for the view
Studying at EGN means living in Urca, a peaceful neighborhood nestled between the Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay. Beyond the academic challenge, it’s a cultural experience filled with sunshine, sea breeze, and strategic insights.
This is your moment to dive deep into Maritime Power, Security, and Governance in the heart of the South Atlantic.
Applications are now open. Rio is waiting. So is the sea.
Brazil’s Naval War College Invites Foreign Students to Apply for Its World-Class Maritime Studies Graduate Programs