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With R$ 2,000 per month, the program from Rio Grande do Sul aims to train professionals in strategic areas, opening doors to the technological and industrial market.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul has launched a new program to encourage the training of engineers and information technology professionals that promises to shake up the educational and economic landscape of the state.
Named RS Talentos, the project will offer up to 400 scholarships of R$ 2,000 per month for students enrolled in strategic courses, such as Computer Science, Engineering, and related fields.
The objective is to meet the growing demand for qualified labor and foster industrial and technological development in Rio Grande do Sul.
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The state government’s initiative involves an investment of R$ 21 million, coming from the Rio Grande Plan Fund (Funrigs), and aims to train new professionals in public and community higher education institutions.
The program was officially announced by decree nº 58.006, published in January 2025, and classes are expected to start in the second semester of this year.
Strategic Training to Fill the Gap of Professionals
The deficit of engineers in Brazil exceeds 75,000 professionals, according to data from the National Confederation of Industry (CNI).
The problem is exacerbated by the predominance of distance learning courses in the area, as revealed by the Higher Education Census of the Ministry of Education, which shows that there are more engineering students in distance learning courses than in face-to-face courses — which raises concerns about the quality of education.
RS Talentos emerges as a direct response to this concerning scenario.
According to Simone Stülp, state secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology, the program represents a strategic step toward strengthening the state’s productive base.
— Today, there is a global discussion about the need for solid training in technology and engineering.
Rio Grande do Sul is at the forefront by launching an initiative that combines quality education, financial incentives, and direct connections with the productive sector — highlights Simone.
Covered Courses and Duration of Scholarships
For 18 months, students awarded the maintenance scholarship of R$ 2,000 per month will be able to pursue degrees in the following areas:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering or Software Engineering
- Automation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical or Electronic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
In addition to financial support for students, community universities will also receive an academic fee of R$ 2,000 per student, which represents an additional stimulus for institutions committed to academic excellence.
Selection Process in Two Stages
Inspired by the model of the state program Professor do Amanhã, aimed at teacher training, RS Talentos will be implemented in two phases.
The first involves a public notice for the selection of proposals submitted by public universities and community higher education institutions (Ices).
The second phase will be the responsibility of the institutions themselves, which will conduct their own selection processes, following specific guidelines.
To apply, candidates must have participated in the National High School Exam (Enem) and obtained a minimum score of 500 points.
However, the selection will be carried out individually by each university, which may add complementary criteria.
The expectation is that two distinct notices will be released still this semester: one for public universities and another for community institutions.
The division aims to ensure equity and adaptability to different institutional realities.
Closer Ties with the Industrial Sector of Rio Grande do Sul
One of the pillars of the program is the direct connection with the productive sector, especially the industrial companies in Rio Grande do Sul.
According to the secretary of Sict, partnerships are already being negotiated with Fiergs (Federation of Industries of the State), aiming to facilitate the entry of students into the job market.
— We are building a bridge between universities and companies, similar to the Semicondutores RS program.
We want RS Talentos students to start their journey with a strong support network and real career opportunities — claims Simone Stülp.
These partnerships will allow companies to closely monitor the training of students, who may even influence curricular content to better meet market demands.
Initiative Aims to Retain Talent and Foster Local Innovation
RS Talentos also seeks to attract students from other regions of Brazil, strengthening the leading role of Rio Grande do Sul in innovation and technology.
With this, the government hopes not only to fill strategic vacancies in the market but also to retain talent and encourage these professionals to stay in the State after graduation.
The program’s goal extends beyond academic training: the focus is on generating qualified jobs, increasing the competitiveness of the industrial sector, and stimulating local innovation.
The initiative reinforces a public policy aimed at the sustainable development of the economy of Rio Grande do Sul, anchored in the tripod of education, technology, and industry.
The expectation is that, at the end of the 18 months of scholarship, scholar recipients will be integrated or on their way to integration into the job market, with greater chances of employability and professional stability.
Education and Innovation as Engines of Transformation
In times of accelerated technological transition and increasing digitization, investing in high-level training becomes essential for regional and national growth.
Programs like RS Talentos demonstrate how public policies can act assertively to resolve structural bottlenecks and open doors to the future.
Furthermore, the proposal can serve as a model for other Brazilian states, which also face challenges in training engineering and technology professionals.
The integration between academia, government, and the private sector represents a trend that is likely to intensify in the coming years. Click for more information!
Would you apply for a program like this if you had the chance? What other courses should be included in the scholarship list? Share your opinion!
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