UFPR vestibular enrollment hits decade high, matching pre‑pandemic levels

The 2027 entrance exam of Brazil's Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) recorded 43,290 applicants, a 9.4% rise over the previous year and the largest percentage increase of the decade. The figure brings the university back to its 2019 pre‑COVID level, when 43,520 candidates applied.

Nearly half of the registrants (48%) reported having completed their secondary education in public schools. University officials attribute the surge to the shift to a single‑day exam format, which reduces travel costs and scheduling conflicts for candidates, as well as expanded outreach efforts such as moving the university fair to Parque Barigui and providing information to schools. UFPR also highlighted support services for low‑income students, including low‑cost meals, scholarships, childcare assistance, and psychological counseling.