Evaluation
How does evaluation work in graduate school?
Evaluation in graduate school is different from undergraduate. Everything you do counts:
| Stage | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Research plan (60 days) | Establishes the starting point |
| Annual reports | Check if you’re on the right track |
| Qualification | Confirms you master basic concepts |
| Final defense | Judges your contribution |
The advisory provides an external perspective on your journey. You will receive criticism and praise — learning to use them is part of the training.
How should the research plan be written?
2026 Regulation
PhD and Direct PhD: Traditional research project (up to 20 pages), since you already have a defined advisor.
Master’s (with advisor): Traditional research project (up to 20 pages).
Master’s (without advisor): You have up to 6 months to indicate an advisor. The 60-day document is the Formative Track Plan (up to 10 pages), which should contain:
- Expectations and areas of interest
- Courses you intend to take in the first year
- Internships and technical training of interest
- List of potential advisors
- Schedule for the first 6 months
The detailed research project will be developed after defining your advisor.
2020 Regulation
All students must submit the traditional research project (up to 20 pages).
How should the annual report be written?
Every year you must submit an activity report. It should show:
- What was done compared to what was planned
- What changed and why
- What will be done next
The report is evaluated by the advisor and the assessor. It’s not an exhaustive document — it’s a summary that gives an overview of progress.
FAPESP fellows: The Program accepts the same report within the grant term deadline.
Failure: If the report is rejected, you have 30 days to correct and resubmit. Two consecutive rejections result in dismissal.
Tip: Work in an organized way throughout the year. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
Who is my assessor?
The assessor is a PhD holder appointed by the CCP to monitor your research project.
How it works:
- You and your advisor indicate a list of 4 potential assessors
- The CCP chooses 1 or 2, according to your request
- The assessor evaluates your research plan and reports
- You must meet with the assessor at least once a year
If you have difficulties with the project’s progress, the assessor can help as an external perspective.
Do I need to complete required courses to qualify?
No. Required courses are needed for defense, not for qualification.
For qualification, you need the minimum credits in courses (required or elective):
2026 Regulation
| Program | Minimum credits for qualification |
|---|---|
| Master’s | 24 |
| PhD | 32 |
| Direct PhD | 40 |
2020 Regulation
| Program | Minimum credits for qualification |
|---|---|
| Master’s | 22 |
| PhD | 32 |
| Direct PhD | 38 |
What is the Qualification Exam?
The qualification is when you present your project to a committee that evaluates if you’re on the right track. You will be examined to verify that you master the basic concepts required for the degree.
For enrollment and completion deadlines, see the Deadlines page.
What happens if I fail the qualification?
2026 Regulation
| Stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| New enrollment | up to 90 days after the first exam |
| 2nd exam | up to 30 days after enrollment |
2020 Regulation
| Stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| New enrollment | up to 60 days after the first exam |
| 2nd exam | up to 90 days after enrollment |
How does the defense work?
At the defense, you present your thesis or dissertation to an examining committee.
Requirements to defend:
- Have completed all required credits
- Have proven English proficiency
- Have submitted the work on time
Possible results:
- Approved
- Approved with corrections
- Failed
After approval, you receive your degree.
Can I have a remote or hybrid defense?
Yes, but it requires prior approval from the CCP.
The Program’s defense room has adequate technical infrastructure (stable internet, quality camera and audio), but you should test everything before the defense day.
The Program prefers in-person defenses, but special situations are analyzed case by case. Plan ahead and talk to your advisor.
In what language can I write my thesis?
The standard rule is to write and defend in Portuguese or English.
If your thesis is a collection of articles, you can mix both languages.
2020 Regulation
Spanish is allowed with CCP approval.
2026 Regulation
Any other language can be authorized by the CCP, upon request from the advisor.
Can I do a Master’s and then a PhD in the same Program?
Yes. You can:
- Do a Master’s and then a PhD in the same Program
- Go directly to Direct PhD after finishing your undergraduate degree, skipping the Master’s
- Transfer from Master’s to Direct PhD during qualification, provided you meet specific criteria
Talk to your advisor about the best path for you.
When can I be dismissed from the Program?
The most common reasons for dismissal are:
- Two failures in the same course
- Three failures in different courses
- Two failures in the qualification
- Not enrolling for two consecutive semesters
- Not completing the qualification on time
2026 Regulation
Additional reasons:
- Not submitting the research plan within 60 days
- Failing the annual report twice in a row
Unsatisfactory performance can also lead to dismissal, but only after the advisor’s report and CCP deliberation.
Those who are dismissed receive a certificate for approved courses, but not the degree.