The Brazilian higher education sector is once again gearing up for new applications with the opening of the PS UNIR 2025, announced on December 20, 2024. The Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR) is set to offer 2,662 positions across 64 free undergraduate courses available at its eight campuses located throughout the state of Rondônia. This initiative aims to provide access to higher education for diverse groups of students, underlining the importance of inclusivity within Brazil's educational framework.
These admissions are divided between two distinct editais: one aimed at affirmative actions and inclusion where candidates such as indigenous individuals, quilombolas, rural workers, transgender people, and those with disabilities (PcDs) compete exclusively for 272 slots, and another for the remaining positions which include the racial and social quotas and broad competition opportunities.
All applications to the PS UNIR 2025 are free of charge and will be conducted entirely online, ensuring accessibility to all prospective students. For those seeking to enter through the affirmative action pathways, the deadline for applications is January 15, 2025, whereas candidates vying for the broad competition slots have until January 17, 2025, to submit their applications.
Candidates must utilize their scores from the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem), which is accepted from the last decade, offering flexibility for students who might have sat for the exam at different times. This year marks the first time candidates still waiting for the Enem results of 2024 will be able to register for the program, reflecting the dynamic nature of Brazil’s education registration processes.
And what about the Encceja? The Encceja, or the National Certificate of High School Completion Exam, plays another pivotal role for students aiming to secure their spots at universities. Successful completion of this exam not only confers the official certificate of high school completion but also opens avenues for higher education admission.
The requirements for passing the Encceja consist of achieving at least 100 points across each subject area, as well as obtaining no less than 5 points on the essay component. These scores are necessary for candidates who wish to apply for undergraduate courses, highlighting the importance of each exam section. The subjects evaluated include Science, Mathematics, Language and Communication, and Human Sciences.
Students who do not meet the minimum required scores across all subjects may receive partial professorial declarations validating their performance, allowing them to retain their achievements for future examination attempts. Such pathways are especially beneficial for those who aim to build their competencies gradually.
Once the results from the Encceja are published, they can be checked individually on the official Encceja Participant Page. This process places the onus on candidates themselves to monitor their achievement, not unlike other entry assessments within Brazilian higher education.
Once again, the intersection of education and opportunity presents itself through the availability of scholarships for students who have completed the Encceja. Opportunities like the Quero Bolsa initiative facilitate the entry to colleges, offering discounts of up to 80% on various undergraduate programs tied to partnerships established with numerous educational institutions.
Both the PS UNIR and Encceja reflect Brazil’s commitment to providing inclusive educational opportunities, fostering an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their dreams of higher education. The nation continues to strive for equity within its university admission processes, underscoring the importance of accessibility and fairness.
The UNIR is calling attention to its specific programs for social equality, ensuring equity through established quotas and affirmative actions within its admissions framework. Notably, students from public schools, particularly those qualifying as low-income or from racial minorities, are prioritized within the allocation of available spots.
Moving forward, with the call for action from institutions like the Ministério Público Federal (Federal Public Ministry), the commitment to uphold social equity by enforcing these policies remains strong. UNIR's schedule indicates the first round of admissions will take place shortly after the confirmation of candidates' results and the completion of mandatory verification processes for affirmative action candidates, set for February 2025.
The significant mobilization around these educational programs highlights Brazil's determined efforts to democratize access to education among its varied demographic groups. The scheduled courses, set to commence at the onset of the 2025 academic calendar, stand as testaments to the empowerment and opportunities offered through such initiatives to pave the path for Brazil's future generations.
