Brazil proposes PRO-Imes program to support municipal higher education

Bill 1416/26, currently under review by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, proposes the creation of the Support Program for Municipal Higher Education Institutions (PRO-Imes). The initiative aims to provide scholarships for undergraduate, research, extension, and innovation students, with a primary focus on ensuring student retention and graduation for those in socioeconomically vulnerable situations.

Authored by Deputy Pedro Uczai, the bill seeks to address a legal gap where municipal institutions of public law are currently excluded from certain federal programs available to private municipal institutions. If approved, the program would allow these institutions to participate in public funding calls, receive budgetary resources from municipal, state, and federal governments, and form partnerships with public agencies.

Funding for the scholarships would be managed through agreements with the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and the Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (Finep). Oversight would be conducted by the Ministry of Education with support from a national commission including representatives from Animes, the National Union of Students, and municipal education councils. Currently, there are 55 such institutions serving over 80,000 students.