Affirmative action in Brazilian university admissions

In early July 2026, Universidade Zumbi dos Palmares opened its undergraduate admission cycle for 2026, emphasizing its two‑decade mission to increase Black representation in Brazil’s higher‑education system.

Later that month, the University of Marília (Unimar) and the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) announced graduate‑program opportunities that set aside places for candidates from under‑represented groups, extending affirmative‑action measures to master’s studies in Law, Innovative Organization Administration, Animal Health, and Zootechnics.

On 24 July 2026, a broader rollout was reported. The Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (Uern) opened 16 seats for a Professional Master in Philosophy, reserving spots for people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous or university staff. The Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (IFMS) announced 16 free slots for a Professional Master in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, also including affirmative‑action quotas. The Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB) listed 1,592 postgraduate vacancies in Neurosciences, with five reserved for affirmative‑action candidates. Unimar added more than 50 master’s and doctoral places in its existing programmes, again setting aside portions for minorities, including Black, Indigenous, disabled and migrant candidates. UFMT reiterated openings for a master’s degree in Zootechnics. These announcements collectively illustrate an expanding commitment across Brazilian universities to embed affirmative‑action provisions in both undergraduate and graduate admissions for the 2026‑27 intake.