Brazil Senate Approves Law to Convert CEFET-MG into Federal Technological University

The Brazilian Senate voted on 8 July to approve project PL 5.102/2023, which converts the Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais (CEFET‑MG) into the Universidade Tecnológica Federal de Minas Gerais (UTFMG). The same legislation also re‑designates the Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET‑RJ) as the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UTFRJ). The bill, authored by Deputy Patrus Ananias and reported by Senator Camilo Santana, now awaits presidential sanction by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

CEFET‑MG’s director Carla Chamon hailed the approval as the culmination of a two‑decade effort, noting that university status will grant the institution greater administrative, financial and academic autonomy, expanded research capacity, and improved funding for staff and projects. The transformation does not change the free nature of its courses but broadens its ability to offer undergraduate, graduate and extension programs focused on technological innovation.

If signed, the change will position the two former technical centers alongside Brazil’s existing federal universities, enhancing their role in regional development and technical education.