University Entrance Exams in Brazil Begin Amid High Stakes and Strong Support Systems
The 2026 university entrance exams started across Brazil with strong student participation and significant support from families and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of inclusion and preparation.
- • Vestibular Unificado UFSC/IFSC/IFC 2026 began December 6 with 78.5% attendance among 23,284 candidates.
- • Exams held in multiple cities with approximately 6,800 vacancies across 200+ courses.
- • Pism 2026 exams involved 5,600 students in Governador Valadares, emphasizing peer and family support.
- • UFSC officials stressed inclusion, student retention, and affirmative actions in the selection process.
Key details
The 2026 university entrance exams across Brazil have commenced under intense conditions, featuring widespread participation and robust support for candidates. The Vestibular Unificado UFSC/IFSC/IFC 2026 began on December 6, 2025, in multiple cities across Santa Catarina with about 78.5% attendance of the 23,284 registered candidates. Exams started at 2 PM in UFSC’s Trindade campus and other designated sites amid a notably hot climate, prompting candidates to gather early to escape the heat. The first day focused on Portuguese, Mathematics, and Biology, while the second day scheduled for History, Geography, and Redação. Approximately 6,800 vacancies are available across over 200 undergraduate programs, with Medicine, Psychology, and Law being the most competitive.
Meanwhile, in Governador Valadares, about 5,600 students participated in the first day of the 2026 Pism exams spread across 18 schools. These exams tested students of different high school levels across subjects like Portuguese Language, Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry, Literature, and Biology. Emotional support was a significant factor; first-time test takers like 16-year-old Kamilly Teodoro da Silva found reassurance from family and peers. Many candidates actively organized accommodation arrangements, such as renting farmhouses, to enhance their exam experience. Parents expressed pride and support, underscoring the sacrifices made for their children's education.
University officials emphasized the importance of inclusion and student retention, with UFSC's reitor highlighting the institution’s commitment to cultivating quality professionals and expanding access through affirmative actions and quotas. The exam logistics involved numerous professionals working to ensure smooth administration throughout the process.
These exams mark a crucial milestone for thousands of Brazilian students, underscoring the significance of educational opportunities and collective support in navigating high-pressure academic assessments.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.