INEP Releases Provisional ENEM Declaration for Immediate University Pre-Enrollment in Brazil

Understanding the Provisional Declaration Release

The Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (INEP), Brazil's national institute for educational studies and research, has launched a crucial provisional declaration for participants of the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) 2025. This document serves as an authenticated proof that eligible candidates have met the criteria for high school completion certification through the ENEM exam. Available starting January 30, 2026, via the official Página do Participante, it addresses immediate needs for pre-enrollment (pré-matrícula) in higher education institutions across Brazil.8579

This move comes amid growing demand for ENEM-based certification, with reports indicating over 100,000 participants seeking to certify their high school completion this year—a surge of more than 200% compared to previous editions. For aspiring university students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds who lacked prior high school diplomas, this declaration bridges a critical gap, preventing delays in securing spots in competitive programs like engineering, medicine, and law at top public universities.59

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Background on ENEM High School Certification

The ENEM, Brazil's National High School Examination, has evolved beyond mere university entrance testing into a multifaceted tool. Since its resumption in 2017 after a suspension, the certification option allows individuals over 18 without a high school diploma to earn one by meeting specific score thresholds. This pathway democratizes access to higher education, especially for adult learners, workers, and those in remote areas who missed traditional schooling.80

In 2025, with 4.8 million confirmed participants, ENEM results released on January 16 highlighted strong performance among certification seekers. However, logistical hurdles emerged: partnerships with Federal Institutes (IFs) for issuing certificates were not finalized in time, postponing full digital diplomas to March 2, 2026. INEP's provisional solution ensures continuity, reflecting adaptive policy in Brazil's higher education landscape.79

This innovation—fully digital issuance by five regional IFs—eliminates the need for in-person visits, streamlining processes for thousands eyeing enrollment in federal universities like Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) or Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC).

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Eligibility Criteria: Step-by-Step Breakdown

To qualify for both the provisional declaration and eventual full certification, candidates must satisfy strict benchmarks set in the ENEM 2025 edital:

• Be at least 18 years old on the exam date (November 9 and 16, 2025).
• Achieve a minimum of 450 points in each of the four knowledge areas: Languages, Codes and Biological Sciences; Human Sciences and Mathematics; Natural Sciences; and Languages.
• Score at least 500 points on the essay (redação).

These thresholds ensure certified individuals possess foundational competencies for university-level study. Verification occurs automatically upon result publication, with the declaration confirming compliance.85

Step-by-step process: 1) Select certification during ENEM inscription; 2) Participate and meet scores; 3) Access results January 16; 4) Download provisional declaration from January 30; 5) Use for pré-matrícula.

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Accessing Your Provisional Declaration

Gaining access is straightforward. Visit the Página do Participante on the INEP portal. Log in using your government-issued login (gov.br account linked to ENEM inscription). Navigate to the certification section where the declaration awaits download as a PDF, bearing INEP's official authentication.80

This document explicitly states fulfillment of certification requirements, making it valid for immediate submission to universities. INEP advises printing multiple copies and retaining digital backups, as some institutions require originals during matrícula periods starting February 2.

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Critical Timelines for Sisu, Prouni, and Fies 2026

The declaration's timing aligns perfectly with key higher education access programs:

With Sisu offering 274,800 vacancies across 7,388 courses at 130+ institutions, the declaration ensures certified students don't miss out.70 This is pivotal for public university aspirants, where competition is fierce—top courses see cutoffs exceeding 800 points.

Explore higher education job opportunities in Brazil while preparing your academic path.

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University Responses and Acceptance Policies

Not all institutions have uniformly endorsed the provisional document yet. While INEP urges acceptance, larger federals like Universidade de Brasília (UnB) and Universidade de São Paulo (USP) are deliberating. Conversely, past precedents like Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) accepted similar provisions, signaling likely compliance to avoid vacancy losses.6263

Private universities via Prouni/Fies are more flexible, prioritizing enrollment growth. Contact your target institution's Sisu coordination for confirmation—many, like UFMG, already list certification via ENEM as valid.

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Impacts on Brazilian Higher Education Landscape

This development bolsters enrollment diversity in Brazil's 5,000+ universities, where public institutions enroll ~25% of students despite selectivity. By enabling ~100k new high school completers, it addresses dropout legacies from socioeconomic barriers, potentially filling engineering seats at UFSC or medical programs at UFRJ.59

Stakeholders note: Increased access could raise freshman retention rates, strained by Brazil's 50%+ first-year dropout. Universities benefit from fuller cohorts, aiding funding via student counts. For global context, this mirrors inclusive policies enhancing equity in emerging markets.

Considering professor quality? Visit Rate My Professor for insights on Brazilian campuses.

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Student Challenges and Social Media Buzz

Early hiccups included certification portal glitches and IF partnership delays, sparking Reddit and Instagram complaints. Fears of lost Sisu spots prompted INEP's swift provisional fix. Student perspectives highlight relief but call for better communication.80

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• Risks: Non-acceptance by select unis.
• Solutions: Verify with admissions offices; prepare alternatives like Encceja.

Toward Full Digital Certification

Post-March 2, a dedicated INEP platform will issue permanent digital certificates via regional IFs—no apps, fully online. This modernization cuts bureaucracy, aligning with Brazil's digital government push, and sets precedent for future ENEM editions.

Read the full Agencia Brasil report for official details.

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Actionable Advice for University Hopefuls

Monitor your Página do Participante daily. Prepare documents: ID, CPF, residence proof. Explore higher ed career advice to choose majors aligning with Brazil's job market, like tech and health. For faculty aspirations post-grad, check university jobs.

Engage communities on Rate My Course for peer insights.

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Future Outlook and Policy Implications

As ENEM certification grows, expect refined processes, possibly AI-verified scores. This fosters inclusive higher ed, vital for Brazil's 2030 development goals. Policymakers eye expansions, benefiting millions. Stay informed via AcademicJobs.com for Brazil higher ed updates.

In conclusion, INEP's provisional declaration safeguards dreams of university life. Download yours, confirm with unis, and step toward your degree. Links: Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice, University Jobs.