What ProUni is
The Programa Universidade para Todos (University for All Program), known as ProUni, is a federal initiative created in 2004 and established by Law No. 11,096 of January 13, 2005. Its purpose is to expand access to higher education by offering scholarships for undergraduate programs and specific sequential vocational courses at private institutions.
Scholarships may be full, covering 100% of tuition, or partial, covering 50%. The program therefore provides a route into private institutions for students who meet its academic and social eligibility criteria. Unlike admission to a public university, a ProUni scholarship is tied to a course at a participating private institution.
Who may apply and which criteria matter
Broadly, Brazilian citizens who do not already hold a higher education degree may apply if they meet the requirements for that selection round. The available information lists several qualifying education backgrounds: completing secondary school at a public school, or at a private school as a full-scholarship student. There are also specific provisions for people with disabilities and for public-school teachers applying for scholarships in teacher-training programs.
Family income is relevant to scholarship eligibility. The information provided gives a per-person household income ceiling of one and a half minimum wages for a full scholarship. It does not provide a complete account of the income criteria for partial scholarships, and other requirements may depend on the rules for the particular selection round. Applicants should not assume that a figure or condition from an earlier edition remains in force. Selection also considers performance on the Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (National High School Exam, or Enem), but applicants should check the applicable notice for the current criteria and required scores.
How the program is structured
In practical terms, ProUni is a scholarship program, not a loan: the scholarship reduces or covers tuition at a participating private institution. Its framework combines academic performance with socioeconomic eligibility and includes specific conditions for certain applicant groups.
The program was designed to widen access to undergraduate and specific sequential vocational courses outside the public higher education system. Participating private institutions provide scholarships through the program and, according to the available description, receive tax benefits in return. To determine whether a particular course, institution, or applicant qualifies, consult the official rules for the relevant selection round.