International Students at STBio
Graduate Program in Systematics, Animal Taxonomy and Biodiversity
Museum of Zoology, University of São Paulo (MZUSP)
STBio offers advanced graduate training in taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution, biodiversity, and biogeography within one of Brazil’s leading natural history museums. The program combines collection-based research, modern analytical approaches, and an international academic environment.
Why STBio
Founded in 2011 at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, STBio trains specialists in biodiversity and evolutionary research. The program is rooted in zoological collections, curatorial expertise, and research on living and fossil animal lineages, with strong emphasis on taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution, coevolution, biogeography, phylogeography, and comparative biology.
Collection-based research
International academic environment
Strong training in taxonomy and evolution
Access to shared laboratories and museum infrastructure
STBio has a long-standing international profile and has attracted students and researchers from multiple countries. The program’s intercâmbio page reports foreign students among both current students and alumni, reinforcing its international reach.
Research Areas
STBio brings together faculty and students working across a broad zoological spectrum and multiple analytical traditions, from classical systematics to molecular and computational approaches.
Main academic scope
- Taxonomy
- Phylogeny
- Evolution
- Biogeography
- Comparative biology
- Biodiversity studies
Taxonomic breadth represented in the program
- Entomology
- Invertebrates
- Vertebrates
- Paleontology
The STBio website organizes advisors and research opportunities across Entomology, Invertebrates, Vertebrates and Paleontology, including areas such as morphological and molecular evolution, systematics, taxonomy and biodiversity.
How to Apply
STBio usually opens two selection rounds per year. Before applying, candidates must obtain an acceptance letter from an accredited supervisor in the program. The selection process normally includes four stages: a specific knowledge exam, an English proficiency test, an interview/discussion of the research project, and CV analysis. Candidates whose native language is English, or who hold recognized external English proficiency certificates, may be exempt from the English test according to the call.
Contact a potential supervisor
Prepare your application documents
Check the current call for applications
Submit the application
Follow the selection stages
Complete visa and enrollment procedures if admitted
Important: admission requirements are defined by the current official call and may vary slightly by cycle. Always consult the most recent edital.
The STBio website organizes advisors and research opportunities across Entomology, Invertebrates, Vertebrates and Paleontology, including areas such as morphological and molecular evolution, systematics, taxonomy and biodiversity.
Documents You Will Likely Need
STBio brings together faculty and students working across a broad zoological spectrum and multiple analytical traditions, from classical systematics to molecular and computational approaches.
- Passport
- Academic transcripts and diploma
- Curriculum vitae
- Research proposal or study plan
- Acceptance letter from STBio supervisor
- Recommendation letters
- Language proficiency documents when required
- Student visa
- CPF
- RNM or RNM protocol
USP units indicate that international students are enrolled only upon presentation of immigration and tax-registration documentation, notably a student visa, CPF, and RNM or RNM protocol.
Visa, Immigration, and Enrollment
International students must regularize their immigration status in Brazil in order to enroll and remain active in the program. USP guidance indicates that graduate enrollment for international students requires a student visa, CPF, and RNM (or RNM protocol). Students staying for more than one year must keep their migration documentation updated, and the degree will not be issued if the defense takes place while the visa is expired or under a tourist status.
Student Visa
CPF
RNM / Federal Police registration
Annual renewal when applicable
Academic Life at STBio
STBio provides structured information for students, including deadlines and regulations, scholarships, research support, courses, teaching internship information, activity reports, support resources, and a manual for incoming students.
During your degree, you should expect
- Coursework
- Advisor meetings
- Research development
- Annual or periodic academic requirements
- Thesis or dissertation milestones
Facilities and Research Infrastructure
STBio students have access to museum-based research infrastructure and shared laboratories. The program states that it has six fully functioning multiuser laboratories available to graduate students, including a Molecular Systematics Laboratory and other specialized facilities associated with the MZUSP research environment.
Zoological collections
Shared laboratories
Library
Molecular systematics
Multimedia room
Museum research environment
Funding Opportunities
Students may seek support through Brazilian funding agencies and, when eligible, international cooperation mechanisms. USP’s international office highlights routes such as regular graduate admission, exchange research opportunities, PEC-PG, and double or multiple degree arrangements. PEC-PG specifically serves students from partner countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean and requires direct contact with the graduate office of the target school.
CAPES
CNPq
FAPESP
PEC-PG
Bilateral agreements
Funding is competitive and should never be assumed as automatic upon admission.
An International Research Environment
STBio explicitly emphasizes internationalization and reports the presence of foreign students and visiting researchers in its academic environment.
Living in São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and one of Latin America’s major academic centers. International students should plan housing, transportation, health insurance, and routine living costs before arrival.
Housing
Transportation
Health insurance
Campus and museum access
Contact
Graduate Office – STBio
Academic procedures, deadlines, enrollment, documents
Program Coordination
Academic matters, supervisors, institutional questions
USP International Office (AUCANI)
Mobility and international guidance
Museum of Zoology – University of São Paulo
Avenida Nazaré, 481 – Ipiranga – São Paulo – SP – Brazil
CEP 04263-000