On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Ministry of Education (MEC) officially announced the dates for the 2025 Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem), which serves as a crucial gateway to higher education in Brazil. The announcement came via a social media video featuring Minister Camilo Santana, who emphasized the importance of the exam for students aiming to enter universities.
Students interested in participating in the Enem 2025 will need to register between May 26 and June 6, 2025. The tests themselves are scheduled to take place on two consecutive Sundays: November 9 and November 16, 2025. This format has been consistent in previous years, allowing students to prepare adequately for the exam.
The first day of testing, November 9, will consist of multiple-choice questions covering languages, codes, and their technologies, as well as human sciences. Students will also be required to write an essay. The following Sunday, November 16, will focus on natural sciences and mathematics, with a total of 180 multiple-choice questions across both days.
As for the registration process, details such as the fee amount and payment methods will be disclosed in the official edital, which is expected to be published soon. It's important to note that the deadline for requesting an exemption from the registration fee ended on May 2, 2025. This exemption was available to specific groups, including students in their final year of high school at public institutions, those who have completed their education in public schools or as full scholarship recipients in private schools, and participants in the Cadastro Único for Social Programs with a family income below three minimum wages.
"Don't miss this opportunity, whether you're in your third year of high school or have already completed it and want to go to university," Minister Santana encouraged, highlighting the exam's significance for young Brazilians. The Enem has evolved over its two-decade history into the primary means of accessing higher education in Brazil, facilitating entry into programs such as the Unified Selection System (Sisu) and the University for All Program (Prouni).
Institutions of higher education in Brazil, both public and private, utilize the Enem scores as either a primary or supplementary criterion in their selection processes. The results can also be crucial for students seeking government financial aid, such as the Student Financing Fund (Fies).
Moreover, the Enem scores are recognized by certain higher education institutions in Portugal that have agreements with the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (Inep), allowing Brazilian students easier access to educational opportunities abroad.
In summary, the upcoming Enem 2025 is set to play a vital role in shaping the educational paths of countless students across Brazil. As the registration period approaches, both students and educators alike are gearing up for what is often seen as a pivotal moment in a young person's academic journey.
