Real Chance to Study for Free in São Paulo: MEC Opens 14,786 Spots in Sisu 2026. Check Dates and Quick Tips to Not Miss Out.
If you are looking for a university degree without paying tuition, January will be that game-changing month. The MEC has already confirmed that Sisu 2026 comes with an avalanche of opportunities — and São Paulo is heavy in the competition. There are 14,786 spots in public institutions spread across the state. It’s a real chance to study well, spend less, and advance your professional life.
Meta Description: Sisu 2026 will have 14,786 spots in São Paulo and 274.8 thousand in Brazil. Check deadlines, how to use the Sisu Portal, highlights of IFSP, and the most offered courses.
São Paulo is Strong in Sisu 2026: There Are 14,786 Spots in the State
On the national scene, the Sisu 2026 will offer 274.8 thousand spots in 7,388 courses from 136 public institutions. And, according to official data, São Paulo accounts for 5.38% of this total, with 14,786 spots.
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Federal Institute opens applications for 100% free undergraduate and postgraduate courses with more than 150 spots in Administration, Public Management, and specializations; selection includes external transfer, graduates, and courses recognized by the MEC with applications open until June.
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Vale joins Senai and will pay R$ 2,225 for you to take a course in mining, logistics, and maintenance with a CLT contract, corporate benefits, practical training in the company’s operations, and free technical training for 18 months.
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MEC creates a free platform with English and Spanish books and courses for all Brazilians: to access, just have a gov.br account and unlock 800 classes with AI, online conversation, and access to 8,000 digital books.
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Detran opens registration for free car and motorcycle mechanics courses with 120 spots; see how to participate
This is not just a number. In practice, it means more access to public higher education, more doors opened, and more people able to study close to home — including in the interior, where the offer also grows and helps spread opportunities across the state.
What Makes This Edition Truly “Giant”
The government itself defines Sisu 2026 as the largest edition in terms of the number of participating institutions. And this changes the game for those who want to enter a public college.
IFSP Becomes a Key Player: 6,470 Spots and Presence in Various Municipalities
If there is one institution that carries the weight of São Paulo in Sisu, it is the IFSP. The Federal Institute of São Paulo ranks among those offering the most spots in the country, with 6,470 opportunities in Sisu 2026.
In practice, this makes life easier for those who cannot (or do not want to) move to the capital. With campuses spread across several cities, IFSP helps bring public higher education closer to those in the interior and more remote regions.
Which Free Undergraduate Courses Are Most Common? Spoiler: Mathematics, Law, and Engineering Are at the Top
The courses with the highest volume of spots in Sisu 2026 clearly reflect what the country (and the market) are most demanding today. The national list of the highest offerings includes:
- Pedagogy
- Administration
- Mathematics
- Biological Sciences
- Law
- and Engineering (with emphasis on Civil Engineering)
This aligns closely with what already provides jobs and with essential areas for the state: education, industry, technology, management, and infrastructure.
Why Public Higher Education in São Paulo Matters on Your Resume
Entering a public institution in São Paulo is not just about having free courses. It’s also about the environment, infrastructure, and connection to opportunities. In general, students find:

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