Brazil's FIES student loan program opens 2026 enrollment, announces second‑semester results

The Ministry of Education (MEC) will publish the call for the second‑semester round of the Fundo de Financiamento Estudantil (FIES) on 30 July, offering 75,500 slots. Candidates must complete the complementary registration on the Unified Access Portal for Higher Education between 31 July and 4 August. Those not pre‑selected will be placed on a waiting list, with selections scheduled from 7 August to 24 September.

For 2026, the FIES program opens new enrollment periods with revised access rules and financing modalities. The scheme provides educational credit with reduced interest rates and extended repayment terms. Eligibility requires participation in the ENEM exam (minimum score 450, non‑zero essay score), Brazilian nationality, no prior higher‑education degree (except a second licentiate for public‑school teachers), and a per‑capita family income up to three minimum wages. Applications are submitted through the digital platform FIES Seleção on the Unified Access Portal, after which candidates must validate documentation and contract the loan with accredited financial agents.