Don Carlos Antonio López National Postgraduate Scholarship Program (BECAL)
by Government of Paraguay (Ministerio de Hacienda / Ministerio de Educación y Ciencias) · Top-ranked international universities worldwide (typically within the top 50-100 of QS, ARWU, or Times Higher Education rankings)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Master's, PhD, Postdoctoral research, and Undergraduate Student Mobility🌍 Paraguay📌 Government-funded scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad
Up to $50,000 for Master's and up to $90,000 for PhD programs
Duration
Up to 24 months for Master's and up to 48 months for PhD
Deadline
Varies by call (typically biannual deadlines in May and November)
Level
Master's, PhD, Postdoctoral research, and Undergraduate Student Mobility
Acceptance
Varies by number of applicants; competitive based on university ranking points
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
Don Carlos Antonio Lpez National Postgraduate Scholarship Program (BECAL), administered by Government of Paraguay (Ministerio de Hacienda / Ministerio de Educacin y Ciencias), is one of the funding options available to paraguayan professionals, researchers, and educators in Paraguay. The award covers Full funding covering 100% of tuition, airfare, international health insurance, monthly living expenses, and settlement costs for the duration of the study program. and is open to master's, phd, postdoctoral research, and undergraduate student mobility students studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics (stem), education, and strategic innovation. The scholarship runs for up to 24 months for master's and up to 48 months for phd. Eligibility is generally based on paraguayan citizens with high academic merit and admission to elite global institutions. The application deadline is Varies by call (typically biannual deadlines in May and November), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies by number of applicants; competitive based on university ranking points. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for Don Carlos Antonio López National Postgraduate Scholarship Program (BECAL)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 15% to 25% depending on the specific call and category
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to $50,000 for Master's and up to $90,000 for PhD programs
⏳
Duration
Up to 24 months for Master's and up to 48 months for PhD
📅
Deadline
Varies by call (typically biannual deadlines in May and November)
🔬
Fields
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Education, and Strategic Innovation
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies per call (typically hundreds of scholarships awarded annually across all categories)
🌏
Study Country
Paraguay
🏛️
Provider
Government of Paraguay (Ministerio de Hacienda / Ministerio de Educación y Ciencias)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by number of applicants; competitive based on university ranking points
BECAL is the flagship scholarship program of the Paraguayan government, managed by the Ministry of Finance. It is designed to strengthen Paraguay's human capital by funding postgraduate studies at the world's most prestigious universities. The program requires recipients to return to Paraguay and contribute their acquired knowledge for a minimum period of double the duration of the scholarship.
👥 Who Should Apply
Paraguayan citizens with high academic merit and admission to elite global institutions.
🏛️ Host University
Top-ranked international universities worldwide (typically within the top 50-100 of QS, ARWU, or Times Higher Education rankings)
🤝 Sponsor
Ministerio de Hacienda (Ministry of Finance) of Paraguay
🔬 Fields of Study
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Education, and Strategic Innovation
✨ Key Benefits
Full funding covering 100% of tuition, airfare, international health insurance, monthly living expenses, and settlement costs for the duration of the study program.
🎯 Target Students
Paraguayan professionals, researchers, and educators
Approximately 1,200 applicants across all calls in the previous academic cycle
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 350 awardees across all categories in the previous year
Winners
Varies by number of applicants; competitive based on university ranking points
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 15% to 25% depending on the specific call and category
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes, 100% of academic fees covered
Living Stipend
Yes, monthly allowance varies by destination country (typically $1,000 to $2,500 USD)
Total Award
Up to $50,000 for Master's and up to $90,000 for PhD programs
✈️ Travel: Yes, includes economy class round-trip airfare and an installation allowance🏠 Accommodation: Included within the monthly living stipend allowance💊 Health Insurance: Yes, comprehensive international health insurance provided🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes, 100% of academic fees covered
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes, monthly allowance varies by destination country (typically $1,000 to $2,500 USD)
🏡 Accommodation
Included within the monthly living stipend allowance
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes, includes economy class round-trip airfare and an installation allowance
💊 Health Insurance
Yes, comprehensive international health insurance provided
🎁 Other Benefits
Settlement allowance, book allowance, return allowance, and thesis production costs
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; scholarship is for a fixed duration determined by the study program
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a Paraguayan citizen or naturalized citizen, possess a university degree (for postgrad), and hold an unconditional admission letter from a top-ranked international university.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, Postdoctoral research, and Undergraduate Student Mobility
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies by call, typically requires a strong academic record (minimum 3.0/5.0 or equivalent)
🗣️ English Requirement
Must meet the language proficiency requirements of the host university (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or CEFR)
🍢 Age Limit
No general age limit, though specific calls for student mobility may have restrictions
💼 Work Experience
Preferred for Master's programs; often required for specific professional education calls
🏆 Leadership
Evaluated through professional profile and social commitment statements
💰 Financial Need
No (Merit-based)
🎯 Target Students
Paraguayan professionals, researchers, and educators
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, includes a Statement of Purpose and a Return/Reintegration Plan for Paraguay
Rec Letters
Yes, usually two academic or professional letters of recommendation
Interview
No (Selection is primarily based on a points-based ranking system of documents)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes, usually two academic or professional letters of recommendation Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Must meet the language proficiency requirements of the host university (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or CEFR)
Interview: No (Selection is primarily based on a points-based ranking system of documents)
Min GPA: Varies by call, typically requires a strong academic record (minimum 3.0/5.0 or equivalent)
📋 Application Process
Focus on obtaining an unconditional admission letter from a university in the top 50 of international rankings to maximize points. Ensure your return plan clearly explains how your studies will benefit Paraguay's development.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the specific 'Guía de Bases y Condiciones' for each call, as university ranking requirements can change depending on the scholarship category.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies (usually 2-3 months prior to the application deadline)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by call (typically biannual deadlines in May and November)
🎤 Interview
No (Selection is primarily based on a points-based ranking system of documents)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies based on the academic calendar of the host university
Varies (usually 2-3 months prior to the application deadline)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by call (typically biannual deadlines in May and November)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No (Selection is primarily based on a points-based ranking system of documents)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies based on the academic calendar of the host university
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Host university ranking (highest weight), academic GPA, professional/research trajectory, and socio-economic relevance of the study area.
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Master's, PhD, Postdoctoral research, and Undergraduate Student Mobility
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🇫🇷 Fondation de France Research Grants and Student Aid
Paraguayan citizens with high academic merit and admission to elite global institutions.
This scholarship covers: Full funding covering 100% of tuition, airfare, international health insurance, monthly living expenses, and settlement costs for the duration of the study program.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by call (typically biannual deadlines in May and November). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 15% to 25% depending on the specific call and category. Acceptance rate: Varies by number of applicants; competitive based on university ranking points. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Must meet the language proficiency requirements of the host university (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or CEFR), Yes, usually two academic or professional letters of recommendation recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.