The Pé-de-Meia Licenciaturas program, aimed at enhancing teacher training across Brazil, is set to open its registration for eligible students approved for undergraduate programs. From February 17 through March 30, 2025, candidates who have successfully gained admission to courses of study through the Ministry of Education’s (MEC) selection processes are invited to apply for this scholarship initiative.
The eligibility for the program extends to those who have been accepted through various channels including the Unified Selection System (Sisu), the University for All Program (ProUni), and the Student Financing Fund (Fies). Students who achieved scores above 650 on the 2024 National High School Exam (Enem) can also participate. According to the notice from MEC, candidates must register their details on the Plataforma Freire of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes).
It is important to note, as stated by the MEC, "The manifestation of interest does not guarantee the granting of the scholarship. Confirmation will occur after the final result is published," highlighting the competitive nature of the program where students must meet set objectives to qualify.
The announcement goes beyond just application dates and regional boundaries; it carries significant financial backing. Successful candidates will receive monthly scholarships amounting to R$ 1,050 throughout their courses. Of this, R$ 700 will be immediately accessible for withdrawal every month, incentivizing students to invest in their education. The remaining R$ 350 will be deposited as savings, to be accessed only after the new graduate secures employment within the public education system, providing these educators with financial support as they transition to their careers.
The payment of these scholarships will commence as of May 1, 2025, and the results of the applications are expected to be revealed by April 14. The initiatives included under the Pé-de-Meia Licenciaturas program are part of broader efforts within the Mais Professores para o Brasil (More Teachers for Brazil) framework, established by Decree No. 12.358/2025. This progressive program reflects the government’s commitment to fortifying the quality of education and valuing the role of teachers within Brazil’s educational framework.
The overarching goal elucidated by the MEC is to bolster the education sector by incentivizing new teachers to enter the workforce, recognizing their pivotal role in student learning and success. Comments from the ministry encapsulate this aim: "The program intends to benefit approximately 2.3 million teachers across the country,” illustrating the extensive reach and impact anticipated from these initiatives.
By creating structures for continued professional development and recognizing the importance of sustaining educational quality, the Pé-de-Meia Licenciaturas program aims not just at immediate educational results, but at fostering long-term improvements across Brazil’s teaching practices. Apart from the Pé-de-Meia Licenciaturas, the Mais Professores initiative will incorporate other support mechanisms, including the Teachers' Scholarship, the National Teacher Assessment, and various professional development pathways, thereby engaging dynamically with the needs of educators and their prospective roles.
For students who received their notice of acceptance to these programs, the Tight deadlines mean it’s pivotal to act quickly and meet the requirements set forth. Engaging with the registration process on Plataforma Freire will be the first step toward embracing this new and promising opportunity for their future careers. The future of many aspiring educators hinges upon their participation and successful navigation of this program, paving the way not just for individual professional growth but for the enhancement of Brazil's educational framework as well.