Applications Open for 2026 Overseas Scholarships, Including Master’s and Doctoral Programs

Paraguayan citizens seeking to pursue advanced studies abroad can apply from Monday, September 7, under the latest call from the Don Carlos Antonio López National Scholarship Program for Graduate Studies Abroad, known as BECAL.

The call covers master’s degrees, doctorates, postdoctoral programs, specialist courses and international undergraduate mobility. Applicants must be Paraguayan by birth or naturalization, hold current identity documents, and submit a university degree and academic certificate recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science.

For the self-managed track, applicants must also have an admission letter from one of the world’s leading universities. The call sets no age limit, allowing professionals of any age to participate. Selection will follow public, transparent and competitive criteria.

University rankings are a key part of the process. Doctoral, postdoctoral and undergraduate mobility applicants must be admitted to universities ranked among the top 300. Master’s requirements vary: applicants in the public sector must meet the top-300 threshold, while private-sector and science, technology and innovation applicants face thresholds ranging from the top 100 to the top 20, depending on the field. Specialist programs require universities in the top 300 for both public- and private-sector applicants.

BECAL recognizes rankings including the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Applicants are advised to review the specific rules and conditions for each scholarship type. The requirements, ranking links and regulations are available through BECAL’s applicant section.