Key Facts
- ✓ Registration for the Student Financing Fund (Fies) for the first semester of 2026 is scheduled from February 3rd to February 6th.
- ✓ The official notice regarding the registration period was published in the Diário Oficial da União on January 22nd.
- ✓ Candidates must apply through the Single Access Portal, with submissions closing strictly at 11:59 PM on the final day.
- ✓ The Fies Social modality, introduced in 2024, reserves half of the program's vacancies for students with a family income of up to half a minimum wage per person.
- ✓ Applicants are required to have participated in the ENEM since 2010 and achieve a minimum average score of 450 points.
Registration Window Opens
The Federal Government has officially set the dates for the first semester of 2026 regarding the Student Financing Fund (Fies). According to the notice published in the Diário Oficial da União, registration will be open for four days, starting on February 3rd.
Prospective students looking to finance their studies at private higher education institutions have until 11:59 PM on February 6th to submit their applications. The entire process is conducted online through the Single Access Portal, ensuring a centralized and accessible system for all candidates across the country.
How the Program Works
The Fies program allows students to use their ENEM (National High School Exam) scores to apply for financing for tuition fees at private educational institutions. It is important to distinguish this program from others, such as Prouni; Fies does not provide scholarships but rather a student loan.
Upon completing their undergraduate degree, the recipient is required to repay the debt. The repayment plan is structured based on the graduate's income, ensuring that the installments are proportional to what they earn.
Key requirements for the loan include:
- Participation in any ENEM edition from 2010 onwards
- A minimum average score of 450 across the four test areas
- A score greater than zero in the essay component
- Family income per capita of up to three minimum wages
Fies Social: A New Modality
Announced in 2024, the Fies Social modality offers special financing conditions for students from low-income backgrounds wishing to study at private colleges. This initiative aims to broaden access to higher education for the most vulnerable populations.
In this specific modality, eligible students may receive financing for up to 100% of their tuition fees. To ensure these opportunities reach the intended demographic, 50% of the program's vacancies are reserved exclusively for the Fies Social category.
Candidates interested in this modality must meet stricter income criteria:
- Family income per person of up to half a minimum wage
- Registration in the CadÚnico (Unified Registry for Social Programs)
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the standard Fies program, candidates must satisfy a specific set of academic and financial prerequisites established by the Ministry of Education. The program targets students who have demonstrated academic potential through the ENEM but lack the financial means to pay for private university tuition upfront.
The gross monthly family income is a critical factor, calculated on a per capita basis. This ensures that the financing reaches students from the lower and middle-income brackets, facilitating social mobility through education.
Applicants should verify their ENEM history and scores prior to the registration window to ensure they meet the 450-point average threshold and have no zero scores in the writing section.
Key Takeaways
The opening of Fies registrations marks a significant opportunity for thousands of students aspiring to enter higher education in 2026. With the integration of ENEM scores and a repayment system tied to future income, the program offers a flexible pathway to academic advancement.
Prospective applicants are urged to prepare their documentation and access the Single Access Portal early to avoid last-minute technical issues. The distinction between standard Fies and the Fies Social modality allows for tailored support based on socioeconomic status.
