Record Sisu 2026 enrollment opens monday, offering 274,800 public university spots nationwide

Enrollment for the Unified Selection System (Sisu) 2026, the primary gateway to public universities across Brazil, commences this Monday, January 19. Candidates will have five days to register for higher education vacancies.

This edition marks the largest in the program’s history, according to the Ministry of Education (MEC). It boasts an unprecedented offering of 274,800 vacancies distributed among 136 public higher education institutions.

The application window closes promptly on Friday, January 23. Prospective students must complete the free registration exclusively through the Single Portal for Access to Higher Education.

Accessing Brazil’s public universities

The Sisu system is instrumental for aspiring students seeking admission to Brazil’s renowned public higher education institutions, many of which are consistently ranked among the best internationally. It facilitates the selection of candidates based on their performance in the National High School Exam (Enem).

Selection is automated, utilizing the candidate’s best weighted average score from valid Enem editions. The MEC mandates participation in at least one of the three most recent Enem exams—2023, 2024, or 2025—to be eligible for Sisu 2026.

Record opportunities nationwide

A total of 274,800 opportunities are available, spanning 7,388 courses offered by federal, state, and municipal universities, as well as federal institutes. This widespread availability ensures diverse options for students across the country.

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) leads individual institution offerings with 9,120 places. Following closely are the Federal Fluminense University (UFF) with 8,931, the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) with 8,005, and the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) with 7,477 vacancies.

Geographically, Minas Gerais emerges as the state with the highest volume of opportunities, providing 33,729 vacancies, which accounts for 12.27% of the national total. Rio de Janeiro ranks second with 31,419 spots, while Bahia secures the third position with 24,768 available places. Among specific career paths, Pedagogy offers the most extensive number of vacancies with 10,145, surpassing fields such as Administration and Mathematics.

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Understanding application procedures

Candidates are permitted to select up to two course options during the application period. These choices can be modified as often as desired until the registration deadline, allowing students to strategically adjust their applications based on evolving cut-off scores.

The daily updates on cut-off scores are a critical feature of the Sisu process. These scores represent the minimum points required for approval in a specific course and institution, and they can fluctuate throughout the five-day application period. Monitoring these changes is crucial for optimizing application chances.

Adherence to quotas and affirmative action

The Sisu selection process adheres strictly to Brazil’s Quota Law and the affirmative action policies defined by each participating institution. These measures aim to ensure broader access to higher education for various social groups.

Upon successful selection, candidates are required to present documentation verifying their eligibility for these specific profiles during the matriculation phase. Failure to provide adequate proof can result in the loss of the awarded vacancy, underscoring the importance of understanding and fulfilling all requirements. Institutions may offer courses with classes commencing in either the first or second semester of 2026, adding another layer of consideration for applicants.

Navigating the Sisu 2026 timeline

The MEC has already made the complete list of available vacancies by state accessible for consultation. Individual Enem scores were published on January 16, setting the stage for the application period.

The Sisu 2026 application period runs from January 19 to January 23. The results of the regular call for applications are scheduled for release on January 29, 2026, followed by matriculations beginning February 2, 2026. For those not immediately selected, the manifestation of interest for the waiting list is open from January 29 to February 2, 2026, with waiting list results announced on February 11, 2026.

Essential tips for candidates

Students who have completed high school, participated in an eligible Enem edition without scoring zero on the essay, and are not “treineiros” (test-takers for experience only) are eligible to apply. Consulting the specific criteria of each university beforehand is highly recommended.

To maximize chances of admission through Sisu, candidates should consider these five key strategies:
* List desired courses and universities in order of preference.
* Compare current Enem scores against previous years’ cut-off scores.
* Monitor placement daily as scores and positions can change.
* Avoid waiting until the final day to submit the application.
* If not initially approved, closely follow the waiting list, as many opportunities arise during this stage.