The second phase of Unicamp’s 2026 entrance examination begins on Sunday (30), with essay exams being held on two consecutive days for the 13,045 candidates approved in the first phase.
The tests that follow in the Unicamp selection process are entirely essay-based and are designed to separate those who truly master the content from those who are just memorizing. The tests mix equal parts for all candidates with a specific mass that changes depending on the area of the course chosen in the first option.
The main new feature this year is the reduction from 20 to 18 questions on the second day. In an interview with Bound In April, Comfest director Jose Alves explained that the change was made because many students were unable to complete the test to the end. The idea is to reduce participants’ stress and allow them to prepare more complete and well-organized answers.
For Sandro Valentini Jr., educational coordinator of Poledro Corso in Campinas, reducing the number of questions is a strategic relief, because it gives the candidate breathing space to think calmly and write more consistent answers, without sacrificing the depth that the committee requires.
He stresses that maintaining the habit of reading the news and following high-quality podcasts is still one of the best preparations, as Unicamp likes to ask those who are truly connected to Brazil and the world today.
The selection process offers 2,530 places on 69 undergraduate courses. This year, the professions with the highest number of vacancies are management (180), course 51 (physics and mathematics, 155), mechanical engineering (140) and medicine (110).
First day (common to all candidates):
- Writing, with suggestions for different text types; The candidate must choose one to develop.
- Six questions about the Portuguese language and Portuguese language literature.
- Four interdisciplinary questions, two in English and two in natural sciences.
- Each essay question is worth four points, divided into two paragraphs of two points each.
Day 2:
General questions for everyone:
- Mathematics: six for rigorous/technical candidates and four for others.
- Two interdisciplinary questions for the humanities.
Part determined by first option cycle area:
- Biological/Health Sciences: Seven questions in biology and five questions in chemistry.
- Exact/Technological: Five from physics and five from chemistry.
- Humanities/Arts: five in history, five in geography, one in philosophy, and one in sociology.
Valentini Jr. says the second phase requires a change in strategy compared to the first phase. According to him, preparation should mainly include writing practice, both in essay and written answers, with detailed marking based on the standards of COMFEST, which publishes expected response models.
The first stage of the entrance examination, which was conducted on November 17, saw 57.7 thousand applicants and 6.4% abstention from voting, the lowest level in 15 years. Among the topics covered are the film I’m Still Here, starring Fernanda Torres, memes with the character Nazaré Tedesco, from the TV series Senhora do Destino, and the song Alvorada, by Cartola, one of the obligatory works in the selection process.
What are the testing times?
Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 9 a.m. (Brasilia time) on both days of the event, each lasting five hours.
What is allowed to take?
Only the original ID document presented upon registration will be accepted. You should bring a black ballpoint pen made of transparent material, a black pencil, an eraser, and your own water bottle. Clear rulers, water, juices, chocolates, snacks, and compasses are also allowed.
Cell phones, smart watches, headphones, liquid concealer, mechanical pencil, highlighter, hats, beanies, bandanas and any electronic device are strictly prohibited.
What are the testing locations?
The selection process offers 2,530 places on 69 undergraduate courses. The tests will be conducted in 17 cities in São Paulo: Bauru, Campinas, Guarulhos, Jundiaí, Limeira, Moji Guaso, Osasco, Piracicaba, Presidente Prudente, Ribeirão Preto, Santo Andre, Santos, São Carlos, São José do Río Preto, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Sorocaba. Outside the state of São Paulo, six capitals receive Unicamp admission tests: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife and El Salvador.
Some cities that had testing sites in the first phase will not be available for the second phase.
Exceptional cities that will change
| The city selected for the first stage | The city in which the second phase will be held |
|---|---|
| American | Limera |
| Aracatuba | President Prudente |
| Parori | Osasco |
| Botucatu | Bauru |
| Bragança Paulista | Campinas |
| France | Ribeirao Preto |
| Indayatuba | Campinas |
| Lauren | Sao Jose dos Campos |
| Marilia | Bauru |
| Moji das Cruzes | Guarulhos |
| Sao Bernardo do Campo | Santo Andre |
| Sao Joao da Boa Vista | Muji Gowasu |
| Somari | Campinas |
| Valinhos | Campinas |
What is vestibular orthostasis?
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Second stage: November 30 and December 1
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Specific skills tests (except music) December 3 and December 5
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Result – first call: January 23, 2026