The ENEM Diploma Crisis: Unpacking Student Confusion and Inep's Quick Pivot

In the high-stakes world of Brazilian higher education admissions, few events have stirred as much anxiety as the recent ENEM diploma crisis. Thousands of aspiring university students, many adult learners returning to education, faced uncertainty over obtaining proof of high school completion just as Sisu 2026 matriculations loomed. The Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM), Brazil's flagship standardized test for university entry, reintroduced high school certification in 2025 after nearly a decade away. This revival promised greater access to universities for over-18s without traditional diplomas, but poor communication from the Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (Inep, Brazil's National Institute for Educational Studies and Research) sparked widespread panic.

Students took to social media, sharing stories of broken links to federal institute portals and unanswered queries. Diogo Augusto, a 21-year-old from São Paulo approved for psychology at the Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP), feared losing his spot. Similarly, Petrus Alves, selected for mechanical engineering at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), highlighted the void in guidance. These anecdotes reflect a broader frustration: without the document, Sisu-approved candidates couldn't matriculate, potentially derailing dreams of higher education.

Inep Reverses Course: Friday Declaration Brings Relief

Responding to the uproar, Inep President Manuel Palacios announced a reversal on January 27, 2026. Initially, he mentioned an app for digital certificates by early March—a slip he later attributed to word confusion. Instead, a provisional declaration of high school completion would launch Friday, January 30, via the ENEM Participant Page. Full certificates follow on the 'Certificação Digital' platform from March 2.

This interim fix authenticates eligibility for ~100,000 students who opted for certification during ENEM 2025 inscription, plus ~20,000 others meeting criteria automatically. Inep will notify public universities Thursday, January 29, with approved lists, enabling calls from February 2. No Sisu reopening needed; the declaration suffices for initial enrollment.

How ENEM High School Certification Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

ENEM high school certification, or 'certificação de conclusão do ensino médio pelo ENEM,' targets adults 18+ lacking diplomas. Revived in 2025 per Ministry of Education (MEC) directive, it requires minimum scores: 450 points across five knowledge areas (languages, math, natural sciences, human sciences, essay) and 500 on the essay. Step one: Manifest interest during ENEM inscription. Post-results, request via Inep portal using gov.br login.

• Verify age and scores on Participant Page.
• Submit request; queue for certifying institution (e.g., federal institutes).
• Receive digital declaration/certificate with validation code.
• Present to university for matriculation.

This digital process eliminates physical visits, aligning with Brazil's e-gov push. Historically absent since 2017, its return addresses dropout rates—over 11% in high school per 2024 IBGE data—boosting higher ed access.

Eligibility and ENEM 2025 Stats: Who Qualifies?

ENEM 2025 drew 4.8 million inscriptions, with 3.5 million attending day one. Of these, 98,558 explicitly sought certification; broader eligibility adds thousands. Requirements per Edital nº 52/2025: 18+ on test date, no prior certification, minimum scores. Treineiros (non-graduates) qualify if scores met.

Table of score thresholds:

Cultural context: In Brazil's unequal education landscape, where public high schools serve 80% but lag private ones, ENEM levels the field for Sisu entry to federal universities like USP, Unicamp.

Photo by Liana S on Unsplash

Sisu 2026: Record Vacancies Amid Certification Hurdles

Sisu 2026 shatters records with 274,800 vacancies across 7,388 courses at 136 public institutions—federal universities, institutes, state unis. Inscriptions closed January 23; results imminent. New rule: best score from last three ENEMs, inflating cutoffs but aiding repeaters.

Certification crisis hits hardest here: No diploma blocks matriculation, despite Sisu not requiring it for inscription. Inep's declaration ensures ~100k can claim spots in engineering, medicine, law at UFRJ, UFSC. For universities, it means fuller classes, diverse cohorts.Explore university jobs shaping Brazil's higher ed.

Student Perspectives: Real Stories from the Frontlines

"I studied nights for years; now a glitch risks it all," shares Alves. Forums buzz with similar tales—parents urging EAD alternatives at R$60/month to 'validate' completion. Yet, most await Inep's fix, trusting it averts losses.

Stakeholders: MEC assures acceptance; unis like USP confirm provisional docs ok. Undiep unions praise digital shift but decry rollout.

Broader Impacts on Brazilian Higher Education Landscape

This saga underscores access barriers in Brazil's higher ed: 136 public Sisu institutions educate 1.5M, but demand outstrips supply. Certification via ENEM could add 100k diverse entrants—workers, parents—diversifying campuses. Risks: Administrative overload, verification delays.

• Increased enrollment in non-traditional programs (e.g., evening courses).
• Pressure on federal budgets for expanded seats.
• Equity boost for Northeast/South regions with high dropout.

Link to career paths: New grads eye faculty positions or career advice.

Expert Views: Challenges and Solutions Ahead

Educators note: "Revival aids inclusion, but Inep must streamline," says MEC analyst. Critics flag score thresholds as low, risking unprepared students. Solutions: AI validation, regional hubs. Future: Prouni/Fies integration.Agência Brasil Report

Photo by Chris Boland on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for Students and Universities

1. Monitor ENEM page Friday for declaration.
2. Contact Sisu uni for policy.
3. Prepare backups: ENCJEJA alternative.
4. Leverage resources like Rate My Professor.

Brazilian unis: Update portals, train staff.

Outlook: Strengthening Access to Brazilian Universities

March platform launch promises permanence, potentially certifying 200k+ annually. Amid Sisu growth, it fortifies higher ed pipeline. For jobs, check higher-ed-jobs, Brazil opportunities, career advice. Stay informed—your path to academia awaits.