Affirmative Action

Commitment to Inclusion

The Graduate Program in Chemistry at IQ-USP adopts affirmative action policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, in accordance with the Brazilian Federal Constitution (art. 3), the Quota Law (Law 12,711/2012), the Statute of Persons with Disabilities (Law 13,146/2015), and USP’s Social Inclusion Program (Inclusp).

Priority Groups

The following groups are considered priority groups for affirmative action purposes:

GroupAcronymDefinitionLegal Basis
Black, Mixed-Race, and IndigenousPPISelf-declaration according to IBGE classificationLaw 12,711/2012; Law 14,933/2024
Persons with DisabilitiesPcDLong-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairmentLaw 13,146/2015
Low IncomeBRFamily income per capita ≤ 1.5 minimum wageLaw 12,711/2012; PAPFE-USP criteria

Score Bonus in Calls for Applications

Candidates from priority groups receive a percentage bonus on their final score in the program’s calls for applications, following the model adopted by USP’s Inclusp Program.

GroupBonus
PPI+10%
PcD+10%
BR+10%

Cumulative cap: Bonuses are cumulative up to a maximum of 15%.

Application Example

CandidateOriginal ScoreGroupsBonusFinal Score
A70None0%70.0
B70PPI+10%77.0
C70PPI + BR+15% (cap)80.5
D70PPI + BR + PcD+15% (cap)80.5

Calls with Score Bonus

The bonus is applied in the following calls:

CallApplication
Fellowship distribution at admissionBonus in ranking for institutional fellowships
International Travel GrantBonus in classification
National Travel GrantBonus in classification
Postdoctoral FellowshipBonus in classification score

Technical Reserve and Social Impact

In the Technical Reserve call, research projects with a social development component may receive a 50% bonus on the grant amount. This includes projects that:

  • Address problems of vulnerable communities
  • Develop low-cost technologies for public health
  • Contribute to science education in public schools
  • Partner with social organizations or traditional communities

See the current call for details and eligibility criteria.

Documentation

GroupRequired Documentation
PPISelf-declaration on standard form. Hetero-identification by IQ-USP’s Inclusion and Belonging Committee (CIP) may be required, per MEC Normative Ordinance No. 18/2012
PcDMedical report or disability characterization report, issued within the last 5 years, under Law 13,146/2015
BRActive registration in CadÚnico OR family income per capita declaration with supporting documents

The self-declaration form is available in the program’s calls for applications.

Retention Actions

In addition to score bonuses, the program promotes actions to support student retention.

English Proficiency Flexibility

English proficiency is not required for admission. Students may demonstrate proficiency until enrollment in the qualifying exam, removing an access barrier for candidates with less prior exposure to language education.

Promotion of USP Support Programs

The Graduate Program in Chemistry actively promotes support programs offered by USP:

ProgramWhat it offersWho can applyLink
PAPFE-USPFinancial aid up to R$ 1,150/month, student housing, subsidized meals, and other benefitsStudents with family income per capita ≤ 1.5 minimum wagePRIP-USP
FFLCH Language CenterEnglish courses for graduate students with possible fee waiver through socioeconomic formUSP students with active enrollmentLanguage Center

Important: PAPFE and the Language Center are USP programs, not programs of the Graduate Program in Chemistry. Our affirmative action is to ensure all students know about these resources and how to apply.

The program office guides incoming students on:

  • PAPFE enrollment deadlines (usually March and August)
  • How to fill out the Language Center’s socioeconomic form
  • Other resources available at USP

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Resolution CoPGr 8776/2025 establishes the suspension of program deadlines during maternity and paternity leave:

Student SituationLeave DurationStart Date
Already completed credits for depositUp to 180 daysDate of birth or adoption
Still completing courseworkUp to 360 daysStart of academic semester expected for birth

How to apply:

  1. Submit request to CCP
  2. Attach birth certificate, adoption ruling, or document with expected birth date
  3. Request cannot be made after the qualifying period

Medical Leave

Students may request enrollment suspension for health reasons for up to 365 days, with deadline suspension, per art. 17, III of USP’s Graduate Regulations (Res. 7493/2018).

Welcome Group for Incoming Students

The Graduate Program in Chemistry organizes monthly welcome meetings for incoming students, focused on facilitating adaptation to the program.

What it is:

  • Monthly meetings open to all incoming students
  • Led by senior student volunteers
  • Informal space to ask questions, share experiences, and meet colleagues

What happens at the meetings:

  • Practical tips about the program (enrollment, reports, deadlines, qualifying exam)
  • Information about USP resources (PAPFE, University Hospital, Language Center, ECOS)
  • Experience sharing between incoming and senior students
  • Introduction to IQ groups and collectives

How to participate:

  • The office announces dates at the beginning of each semester
  • Free participation, no registration required
  • Open to all incoming students (not just priority groups)

How we help:

  • CCP handles logistics (room, announcements, dates)
  • Senior student volunteers lead the meetings
  • We provide informational materials about the program and USP

For upcoming dates or to volunteer as a senior student, contact: ccp@iq.usp.br

DocumentDescription
CF/1988, art. 3Fundamental objectives of the Republic
Law 12,711/2012Quota Law for federal universities
Law 13,146/2015Statute of Persons with Disabilities
Law 14,933/2024Expands quotas to 30% in federal hiring
Res. CoPGr 8776/2025Maternity and paternity leave
Res. 7493/2018USP Graduate Regulations
Inclusp-USPUSP Social Inclusion Program
PAPFE-USPStudent Retention Support Program

Questions

For questions about affirmative action, contact the program office: