The objective of this paper is to discuss if Prouni (University for all Program) is a way if democratization of higher education in Brazil or a program merely devoted to stimulate the expansion of private Institutions of Higher Education (ISEs). We will analyze the trajectory of this social program, from its first proposal to the endorsement of the law (January 2005), as well its posterior developments. In this process, Lula's government conceded to almost all of the demands of private ISEs lobby. Despite of the State induct private ISEs to offer scholarships for low-income students in change of freed incomes, Prouni focus on students's access to higher education, and not their permanency in the system.
Prouni; higher education; democratization; access; private ISEs