Brazil's Distrito Federal enacts Social Graduation Law to expand student access

Governor Celina Leão of Brazil's Distrito Federal signed Law No. 7.929/2026, creating the Formatura Estudantil Social. The legislation prohibits the compulsory purchase of graduation‑package services such as photographs, albums or filming, ending the practice of bundled sales tied to participation in commencement ceremonies.

Students registered in the federal CadÚnico social program receive priority for free or subsidised access to all levels of graduation events, from primary school to postgraduate studies. The law also mandates that institutions issue a free declaration of course completion within 48 hours of request and requires annual reporting of the number of gratuitous photographs provided.

Organization of the ceremonies is to be led primarily by non‑profit student entities with at least five years of experience, under oversight by consumer‑protection and education authorities. The measure aims to democratise a key milestone in education and remove financial barriers for low‑income students.