Starting Monday, April 14, 2025, students across Brazil will have the opportunity to request an exemption from the registration fee for the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem) 2025. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Education (MEC) and the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (Inep), aims to support students who may face financial barriers to participating in this crucial exam.
According to Edital nº 18/2025, the deadline for submitting requests for fee exemptions will be April 25, 2025. Students who missed both days of the Enem 2024 examination and wish to participate in the upcoming test must also justify their absence within the same timeframe. This is an important step for those who are seeking to secure a spot in higher education without the financial burden of the R$ 85 registration fee.
The exemption is available to various groups of students, including those currently enrolled in the 3rd year of high school in public schools in 2025, individuals who completed their entire high school education in public schools or as full scholarship students in private institutions, and those who qualify under specific socioeconomic criteria. These criteria include having a family income per person of up to 1.5 minimum wages or being registered in the Cadastro Único for Social Programs (CadÚnico).
For students wishing to apply for the exemption, the process must be completed through the Participant Page using a unique login from the gov.br portal. This digital approach is designed to streamline the application process while ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted accurately.
To successfully obtain the fee exemption, participants must provide documentation that verifies their economic status. Required documents include identification for the student and family members, proof of school enrollment or completion, and evidence of income such as pay slips or bank statements. Additionally, those benefiting from the CadÚnico program must include a copy of their card containing their valid NIS number and the participant's mother's CPF.
Here are the key dates for the exemption application process:
- Request for fee exemption/Justification of absence: April 14 to April 25
- Results of exemption requests/Justifications: May 12
- Period for appeals: May 12 to May 16
- Results of appeals: May 22
The Enem plays a vital role in evaluating students' performance at the end of their basic education, serving as a gateway to higher education in Brazil. The exam results are critical for admission to both public and private universities through government programs like Prouni, Fies, and Sisu, and they are also recognized by various higher education institutions in Portugal.
In 2024, the Enem saw an increase in participation, with 4.3 million students registering, compared to 3.9 million in the previous year. This trend highlights the exam's significance as a stepping stone for many aspiring college students.
As the registration period approaches, students are encouraged to prepare their documentation and stay informed about the requirements to ensure a smooth application process. The MEC has yet to announce the specific dates for the actual Enem registration, but the announcement regarding fee exemptions marks a crucial step for many students aiming to further their education.
