Brazilian Universities Launch Free Business Management Courses for Diverse Audiences in 2026
UFFS and Udesc launch free business management courses in 2026, targeting professionals and mature learners to enhance entrepreneurship and social impact.
- • UFFS offers a free specialization in Management, Innovation, and Business in Cooperativism with 40 spots and reserved places for underrepresented groups.
- • UFFS course includes hybrid classes, 450 hours of training, covering Digital Marketing, ESG, and strategic subjects.
- • Udesc's Esag Sênior free course targets individuals aged 45+, focusing on entrepreneurship and social initiatives over nine months.
- • Enrollment deadlines vary: February 15 for UFFS, February 28 (or March 2) for Udesc, with different selection processes.
Key details
Two Brazilian universities have announced free business management courses aimed at different demographics, emphasizing professional development and social impact. The Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS) opened registrations for a free specialization in Management, Innovation, and Business in Cooperativism at its Chapecó campus. This hybrid course includes 40 spots, with reserved places for indigenous people, black and brown individuals, and persons with disabilities. It targets professionals with degrees in relevant fields such as Administration and Economics, offering 450 hours of study covering topics like Digital Marketing and ESG. Applications close on February 15, with classes starting March 20.
Meanwhile, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Udesc) offers Esag Sênior, a free 9-month business management course specifically for individuals aged 45 and older. It focuses on entrepreneurship, social initiatives, and professional training, with classes held thrice weekly at the Florianópolis campus. Registration is open until February 28 or potentially March 2, involving a selection process with a written test and interviews.
Professor Eugênio Berka Filho of Udesc highlighted the program's mission to capitalize on life experience to foster new business ideas and projects. Students in this program engage in practical activities like fundraising fairs and community events.
These initiatives aim to boost regional development, social inclusion, and entrepreneurial skills across different Brazilian communities, offering accessible, quality education free of charge.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Course registration deadlines
Sources report different registration deadlines for courses
pebsp.com
"Applications can be submitted online through the SIGAA system until February 15, 2026."
nsctotal.com.br
"Registration closes on February 28, with a potential extension to March 2."
Why this matters: One source states that applications for the UFFS course close on February 15, 2026, while the Udesc course registration closes on February 28, with a potential extension to March 2. This discrepancy is significant as it affects when potential students can apply for each program.