Portuguese 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
2 comments 
Enroll in Free Undergraduate Courses at PUC-PR. 40 Scholarships for Social Inclusion. Exams in January. Check the Details and Join!
The Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR) opened applications for a program of full scholarships aimed at promoting social inclusion and expanding access to higher education with free courses. This year, the institution is offering more than 40 100% free scholarships divided into three specific calls, aimed at black and brown individuals, refugees, and residents of Vila Torres, in Curitiba.
This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening vulnerable communities and creating opportunities for groups facing historical barriers to accessing quality education.
Scholarships for Black and Brown Individuals
The most comprehensive call of the program offers 30 exclusive scholarships for residents of Curitiba and the metropolitan region who self-declare as black (either black or brown). To participate in the free courses, the candidate must meet criteria such as:
-
Surprising opportunity in the railway sector: MRS offers a free course for assistant train driver and shunter in Juiz de Fora with a R$ 1,600 scholarship, specialized training, and the chance to join one of the largest railway operators in Brazil.
-
It’s official: IFMS opens spots in free courses on artificial intelligence, drones, and app creation, expanding technological education in 2026 and preparing students for areas with high professional demand and accelerated digital transformation.
-
Senai launches an unprecedented program with Petrobras and opens 2,000 spots in free courses with recognized certification, a monthly allowance of R$ 600, and training for industrial professions that continue hiring across the country.
-
Petrobras and SENAI open 480 spots in free technical courses with a scholarship of up to R$ 858, meal allowance, and training in Mechanics, Welding, Metallurgy, and Industrial Automation to meet the growing demand of the industry and the oil and gas sector.
- Family income per capita of up to 1.5 minimum wage;
- Age of up to 35 years old by 2024;
- Completed high school;
- Absence of a college degree.
The selection process includes three stages: a face-to-face objective test, document analysis, and a self-identification procedure. Free applications must be submitted by December 2, 2024, and the exam will be conducted on January 11, 2025, at 1 PM, at the Curitiba Campus.
Scholarships for Refugees for Free Courses
The Refugee or Humanitarian Visa Reception Program at PUC-PR offers 11 spots, distributed among the campuses in Curitiba, Londrina, and Toledo. The opportunities cover free courses such as Design, Nursing, Law, Administration, Psychology, and others.
The selection process for refugees consists of an eliminatory essay exam and document analysis. Candidates must prove refugee status recognized by Conare or humanitarian visa, in addition to presenting proof of high school completion.
Applications can be submitted until January 8, 2025, with details of the scheduled exam sent by email the day before the exam takes place.
Scholarships for Residents of Vila Torres
PUC-PR has also reserved five scholarships for free courses for residents of the Vila Torres community in Curitiba. Candidates must reside in the area defined in the call, be up to 29 years old, have a family income per capita of up to 1.5 minimum wage, complete high school, and not hold a college degree.
In addition to full exemption from tuition fees, beneficiaries receive a monthly financial assistance of R$ 400.00, intended to cover costs related to staying in the undergraduate course. The selection exam will take place on January 11, 2025, and applications can be made until December 2, 2024.
How to Apply
Details for the undergraduate program can be accessed on the official PUC-PR website, where available calls are listed. Each call contains detailed information about requirements and selection processes. This is a unique opportunity to gain an excellent education and transform your professional journey. Don’t miss it!
Sou favorável às políticas de cotas para pessoas pretas, pardas e refugiadas, pois reconheço sua importância na promoção da equidade. No entanto, considero injusto impor limites de idade para o acesso à educação superior. Tenho 41 anos, não sou graduado e gostaria muito de poder ter a oportunidade de voltar à sala de aula.
Para refugiados sou totalmente contrário, pois acabam tirando vagas dos brasileiros. Precisamos olhar primeiro para o povo brasileiro se sobrar vaga aí sim podem incluir refugiados