If you have already tried every administrative remedy and are sure you need a lawyer, contact us through our WhatsApp.

Please note: consultations are conducted in Brazilian Portuguese. If you are not a Portuguese speaker, please bring a friend, family member, or colleague who speaks Portuguese to the call.

Unrecognized course or online course different from promised
Senac

Found out that the Senac course is not recognized or differed from what was advertised? See how to check on e-MEC and what your rights are.

Updated on

What to do, step by step

  1. Look up the course and the institution on e-MEC (emec.mec.gov.br) and check their regulatory status.

  2. Keep the advertising, the contract, the call notice and the payment receipts.

  3. Ask Senac for clarification in writing and keep the protocol number.

  4. File a complaint with MEC and Procon if what was offered differs from what was delivered.

  5. Misleading advertising or a failure in the service may give rise to a refund (arts. 6, 35 and 37 of the CDC (Brazilian Consumer Defense Code)).

Official channels: Senac

Official website
sp.senac.br
Phone
4090-1030

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether a course is recognized by the MEC (Brazilian Ministry of Education)?

On the e-MEC system (emec.mec.gov.br) you can check for free whether the institution is accredited and whether the course is authorized or recognized.

Is a diploma from an unrecognized course valid?

The validity of the diploma depends on the regularity of the course and of its registration. Check the status on e-MEC before enrolling and keep that record.

The online (EAD) course does not match what was advertised. Can I complain?

Yes. The offer binds the supplier (art. 30 of the CDC), and misleading advertising may give rise to a refund of the amount paid or to delivery of what was promised.

Can I ask for a refund of the tuition I paid?

In cases of serious failure or misleading advertising, it may be possible. The assessment depends on the contract, the evidence and the period already studied.

What are the official customer service channels of Senac?

Official channels of Senac: Official website: sp.senac.br; Phone: 4090-1030. Write down the protocol number of every contact and, if the problem persists, file a complaint with MEC.

Related guides

See all guides See guides for this sector: Colleges and universities