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The Federal Institute of RN opened 920 slots in free technical courses for those who have already completed high school. Registration from 05/15 to 06/15/2026.
Those who have already completed high school and want to qualify professionally without paying anything for it have a concrete opportunity: the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN) published the Notice No. 23/2026, with 920 slots distributed across 12 campuses in the state for the 2026.2 academic semester. Registrations will be from May 15 to June 15, 2026 and are made exclusively through the Candidate Portal, online. The selection will be by electronic lottery among the applicants.
How do the Federal Institute’s free technical courses work?
The courses offered in this selection process by the Federal Institute are in the subsequent modality — aimed exclusively at those who have already completed high school and want to obtain a technical qualification.
With an average duration of two years, the courses integrate theoretical and practical classes, preparing students to work in areas such as industry, energy, technology, health, commerce, and tourism.
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Being completely free and offered by a federal institution linked to the Ministry of Education, these technical courses represent an entry point into the job market at no cost to the student.
Who can enroll in the free technical courses?
To participate in the selection process, the candidate must meet two basic requirements:
- Have completed high school
- Pay a registration fee of R$ 25.00
Candidates registered in CadÚnico — the Single Registry for Federal Government Social Programs — are entitled to a fee waiver, but must request it by May 25, 2026. After this deadline, the request will not be accepted.
Slots by campus and course: see the complete table
All classes have 40 seats each. Check below how they are distributed across the 12 participating campuses:
| Campus | Course | Shift |
| Caicó | Electrotechnics | Night |
| Ceará-Mirim | Biomedical Equipment | Night |
| Currais Novos | Commerce | Night |
| João Câmara | Electrotechnics | Night |
| Jucurutu | Administration | Afternoon |
| Lajes | Commerce | Afternoon |
| Mossoró | Mechanics | Night |
| Oil and Gas | Night | |
| Renewable Energy Systems | Night | |
| Natal-Central | Electrotechnics | Night |
| Mechanics | Morning | |
| Oil and Gas | Afternoon | |
| Buildings | Afternoon | |
| Buildings | Night | |
| Geology | Morning | |
| Mining | Night | |
| Work Safety | Afternoon | |
| Work Safety | Night | |
| Natal-Historic Center | Events | Night |
| Tour Guide | Night | |
| Natal-North Zone | Maintenance and Support in Informatics | Night |
| Nova Cruz | Administration | Afternoon |
| Parnamirim | Computer Networks | Night |
Selection by lottery: understand how the Federal Institute’s selection process works
Unlike selection processes based on grades or exams, the filling of vacancies in this notice will be done by electronic lottery among all candidates who register within the deadline and have their registration regularized.
Therefore, there is no need for prior study for the process — just register correctly.
About the Federal Institute (IFRN)
The IFRN is part of the Federal Network of Professional and Technological Education and is linked to the Ministry of Education.
As a federal autarchy, the institution has administrative and pedagogical autonomy to structure its courses based on regional and national labor market demands.
In addition to free technical courses at the high school level, the Institute offers technological graduations, teaching degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and post-graduations — both in-person and distance learning.
It also maintains programs aimed at Youth and Adult Education (EJA) and research and extension activities focused on generating work and income for the communities served.
Applications for the 2026.2 selection process can be made directly on the Candidate Portal, available at processoseletivo.ifrn.edu.br.
The importance of taking a technical course at the Federal Institute for the professional future
Taking a technical course at the Federal Institute is one of the best choices for those who wish to quickly enter the job market with a quality education.
The Federal Institutes are recognized throughout Brazil for their excellence in teaching, modern infrastructure, and highly qualified teachers.
Moreover, they offer free technical courses in various fields, allowing thousands of students to access high-level professional education.
One of the main benefits of studying at a Federal Institute is the practical preparation for the job market. The technical courses combine theory and practice, developing skills that are valued by companies.
In this way, the student leaves more prepared to seize job opportunities and grow professionally.
Another important point is the possibility of obtaining internships and participating in research and extension projects, further increasing the student’s experience.
Besides the quality of education, the technical courses at the Federal Institutes help students save time and money.
While a degree can take several years, a technical course allows for quicker training, facilitating market entry and ensuring an earlier income.
Many students find employment even during the course due to the high demand for qualified technical professionals.
Another important point is the possibility of continuing studies. After completing a technical course, the student can enter a degree program already with experience in the field, becoming an even more competitive professional.
Therefore, investing in a technical course at the Federal Institute is an excellent decision for those seeking professional qualification, better job opportunities, and a more promising future.
