The regulatory framework for maternity leave, as established by both the internal regulations of UFRRJ and the external guidelines of CAPES and federal legislation, ensures that students have the right to temporarily suspend their academic activities due to pregnancy and childbirth.

Federal Legislation: Law No. 6.202, of April 17, 1975, grants pregnant students the right to a home-study regime starting from the eighth month of pregnancy and lasting for three months. The beginning and end of this period must be determined by a medical certificate, which must be submitted to the Academic Committee. In exceptional cases, if medically justified, the period of leave may be extended both before and after childbirth. In any case, students retain the right to take their final exams.

CAPES Regulations:: CAPES Ordinance No. 248, of December 19, 2011, establishes that the maximum regulatory duration of scholarships—whether domestic or international—lasting 24 months or more for master’s and doctoral programs may be extended for up to four months if the scholarship holder temporarily suspends their activities due to childbirth. The temporary leave must be formally communicated to CAPES with confirmation from the university’s Graduate Studies Office (Pró-Reitoria), the program coordinator, or the academic advisor, specifying the start and end dates, along with the required medical documentation regarding pregnancy and childbirth. During the leave period, scholarship payments will not be suspended, provided that the four-month limit is respected. The extension of the scholarship duration will correspond to the period of academic leave.

UFRRJ Internal Regulations: Deliberation No. 631/2023, which governs the General Regulations of UFRRJ’s stricto sensu Graduate Programs, also includes provisions for maternity leave. In such cases, students will have their maximum course completion period extended for up to 120 days, in accordance with Law No. 13.536, of December 15, 2017.

It is essential that pregnant students or those on maternity leave formally notify the PPGEDUC coordination, submitting the necessary documentation to ensure their rights are upheld. In summary, federal legislation, CAPES regulations, and UFRRJ’s internal policies guarantee that pregnant students are entitled to maternity leave, with the possibility of extending their course completion deadlines and scholarships, ensuring the continuity of their academic progress.

Below is the maternity leave request form. Click the link to access it:

Request Form – Maternity Leave