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Public School Student from the DF Earns Full Scholarship Estimated at R$ 2 Million to Study Neuroscience at Harvard Starting in 2026.
A public school student from the Federal District earned one of the most sought-after spots in the academic world and moved her family and internet users by recording the moment of her acceptance. Ana Beatriz Araujo Santa Cruz Goyanna, a young researcher from Brasília, was accepted to Harvard in the United States with a full scholarship estimated at about R$ 2 million to study neuroscience.
The news was announced by the portal Metrópoles on December 19 and quickly gained traction on social media, especially after the student herself published the video where she discovers the result alongside her parents.
The Moment of Acceptance That Moved the Family
In the video, Ana Beatriz is seen sitting in front of the computer, visibly nervous, moments before opening the university’s result.
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“I’m going to open my Harvard result now. I’m very nervous. I’ve already cried, but I hope it works out. I put it in God’s hands because I know I did my best,” said the young woman before accessing the system.
The tension fills the scene as she hesitates to click on the result and jokes, trying to ease the nerves: “I can’t open it!” Seconds later, her reaction is pure euphoria. Jumping, crying, and smiling at the same time, Ana Beatriz celebrates her acceptance alongside her parents.
“Thanks, everyone! I made it!”, said the emotional student after confirming that she had been accepted with a full scholarship.
Full Scholarship Valued at Around R$ 2 Million
According to information released by her family and the portal Metrópoles, the scholarship granted by the American university is full and has an estimated value of around R$ 2 million, considering costs such as tuition, housing, food, and academic expenses throughout the course.
Ana Beatriz is expected to start her studies in August 2026, when she will move to the United States to begin her undergraduate degree in neuroscience.
Public School Student with a Scientific Trajectory from an Early Age
Despite her young age, the student’s academic background is considered extensive. Ana Beatriz is a student of the public education system of the Federal District and has been conducting research at the University of Brasília (UnB) since 2021 as a scholarship holder of the CNPq Scientific Initiation Program.
She was also a gold medalist at the local stage of the Brazilian Neuroscience Olympiad, standing out nationally while still in high school.
Performance in SUS, Research, and Political Engagement
In addition to her scientific career, Ana Beatriz has built a history of strong social engagement. She founded the initiative Youth for SUS, a project that aims to tell the stories of frontline public health professionals in Brazil through podcasts.
The student also volunteers at the National Congress, where she participates in the drafting of bills. In total, she has contributed to the drafting of 17 projects, which have been submitted and are currently in progress at the Chamber of Deputies.
The Dream of Transforming Brazilian Public Health
Ana Beatriz’s goal goes beyond personal achievement. According to family reports, the young woman’s great dream is to become a Brazilian scientist, dedicating her career to improving access to health in Brazil, especially through neuroscience.
She also has a symbolic and historical ambition: to contribute so that the country can win its first Nobel Prize in Medicine in the future, through research conducted by Brazilian scientists.
Ana Beatriz’s acceptance at Harvard with a full scholarship reignites the debate on inequality of access to high-level education, but also highlights the potential of public school students when they find opportunities and encouragement for research.
This case adds to other recent examples showing that paths to academic excellence can arise outside the traditional circuits of private schools and elite prep courses.
São exemplos memoráveis como dessa pequena notável Ana Beatriz que desperta no seio da humanidade a esperança na educação e no ser humano. Parabéns. Deus lhe proteja e guie no caminho do sucesso.
PARABÉNS ANA BEATRIZ
Parabéns..por mais jovens assim ..que se dedicam e acreditam no seu potencial!!