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Want a Free Graduate Degree? Federal University Opens EAD Slots in Free Courses in Health, Technology, and More, with Certificate Recognized by MEC.
Want to earn a graduate degree without spending anything and still have a certificate recognized throughout Brazil? This is the proposal of Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), which launched the Announcement No. 551/2025 in partnership with the Open University of Brazil (UAB). There are 800 slots available in free EAD courses focused on strategic areas such as health, technology, and education, starting in the second semester of 2025. All this with a lato sensu graduate certificate valid by MEC, with no tuition fees, enrollment fees, or application fees.
Free Training to Boost Your Career
The free courses offered by the university aim for continuing education and professional training, opening doors for those seeking updates in high-demand sectors. The vice-rector of Unifesp, Dr. Lia Rita Azeredo Bittencourt, emphasized the importance of the program: “The initiative expands access to free specialization in various regions of Brazil, reinforcing our commitment to public and inclusive education”.
The model is 100% EAD, with activities conducted in a virtual learning environment, but it also includes mandatory in-person meetings at accredited hubs. This combination ensures flexibility without sacrificing academic quality.
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Course Structure
The specializations have workload hours ranging from 360 to 520 hours, with a duration of up to 24 months. The curriculum includes online classes, discussion forums, workshops, practical activities, and academic supervision, in addition to the Final Degree Project (TCC).
This format not only guarantees the necessary theoretical foundation but also focuses on developing skills applicable to the job market. According to data from the Ministry of Education, the demand for specialized professionals in health and technology has increased by more than 40% in the last five years, making the opportunity even more relevant.
Where the Slots Are
The announcement provides for the opening of 800 slots in 19 in-person hubs distributed throughout Brazil. In the state of São Paulo, there are hubs in Santos, Bertioga, Cubatão, Jaú, São Carlos, Osasco, and in the capital (Vila Formosa, Interlagos, Jardim Paulistano, Parque Bristol, and Guaianazes).
But courses won’t only be available in São Paulo. There are also slots in Brasília (DF), Fortaleza (CE), Uberlândia (MG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Cuiabá (MT), Forquilhinhas (SC), and São Luís (MA). This distribution expands the university’s reach and reinforces the policy of democratizing access to free higher education in Brazil.
Selection Focused on Inclusion
Admission will be through documentary and curricular analysis submitted at the time of registration. Each course has a scoring table that considers academic background, professional experience, and publications.
A noteworthy point is the quota policy: 30% of slots are reserved for black, indigenous, quilombola candidates, people with disabilities (PwD), and trans candidates. The remaining 70% is open to general competition. If the quotas are not filled, the slots are automatically redirected to the remaining candidates, respecting the ranking.
Requirements to Apply
To compete for one of the slots, it is necessary to:
- Have completed a higher education course recognized by MEC.
- Provide proof of education with a diploma or completion declaration.
- Have access to the internet, computer, and email.
- Not be enrolled in another specialization course at Unifesp or UAB during the same period.
These requirements ensure that candidates have the minimum conditions to follow the study routine and successfully complete the specialization.
Available Courses
Among the free courses offered by Unifesp are:
- Specialization in Ocean Culture and Sustainability in Basic Education (360h – 24 months).
- Specialization in Health Informatics (520h – 18 months).
- Specialization in Mental Health, Immigration, and Interculturality (445h – 24 months).
Each program has been structured to address areas of significant social and scientific impact, aligned with Brazil’s current needs.
A Decisive Step for Your Career
This is one of the largest recent opportunities for free EAD specialization with a MEC certificate, offered by one of the most respected universities in the country. Those seeking quality courses in São Paulo or in hubs of other regions should pay attention to the final application deadline, which is already underway.
Selection Process Timeline
- Applications: until September 3, 2025.
- Enrollments for the 1st call: between 09/09 and 12/09/2025.
- Start of classes:
- Ocean Culture and Sustainability in Basic Education – 09/15/2025
- Mental Health, Immigration, and Interculturality – 09/17/2025
- Health Informatics – 09/29/2025
APPLICATION: All information and the official application form are available on the Unifesp website. Liked the news? Leave a comment below or share this post so more people know about the open slots at Unifesp for free specialization courses.
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