Lato Sensu Graduate Program (FGV LAW)

Selection processes for FGV LAW courses take place every semester. Registration for the first semester classes happens between September/October of the year before and February, with classes starting in March. For admission in August, for the second-semester classes, the selection process is held between March/April and July. We remind you that not all courses are biannual.

Access the FGV law graduate program courses offered.

Access the short-term courses offered.

Those interested in Lato Sensu Graduate Programs must register, without any financial burden, exclusively online, by filling out the registration form and sending their CV.

The short-term courses’ selection process is done through an analysis of the candidate's CV, and results are informed electronically (by e-mail) within seven (07) business days after registration.

For the FGV LAW GRADUATE PROGRAM courses, the selection is made through an interview. The candidate will be called for a face-to-face interview, previously scheduled by the Program, by email, on the day and time set by the Coordination of the Lato Sensu Graduate Programs at FGV Sao Paulo Law School. The results will also be announced by email within fifteen (15) business days.

We emphasize that approval in the selection process does not guarantee a place, which is subject to confirmation upon registration (as long as there are vacancies).

The candidate will be interviewed by a professional linked to FGV Sao Paulo Law School. The conversation will be about the candidate’s professional and academic trajectory, as well as the reasons for choosing the course.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, we inform that the buildings on Rocha Street are closed and that interviews will take place through video calls, by Zoom.

No. The place is only guaranteed after registration and payment of the first monthly slip.

No. The selection is made through curriculum analysis and face-to-face interviews, the latter intended only for candidates interested in Lato Sensu Graduate Programs.

No. The place is only guaranteed after registration and payment of the first monthly slip.

Yes, the approval is valid for the immediately consecutive semester, always for the same course, if it remains in the catalog. It is important to emphasize that this will only be possible if there is no change in the program or target audience of the course.

Yes. All selection processes and their phases at FGV LAW are subject to failure.

As stated in the selection process notice, published on FGV Sao Paulo Law Schoolwebsite, the selection criteria are:

1. Academic qualifications;
2. Professional experience and;
3. Adequacy of (i) and (ii) to the proposals of the course programs.

Therefore, pay attention to the target audience description for each graduate program and short-term course on our website. Still, following the notice, the result is not subject to appeal.

The approved candidate, after sending the documentation and signing the contract, will receive a bank slip due on the business day following the registration date. In the case of payment in installments, the second installment will be due only at the beginning of the school semester, that is, March or August.

Payment for the course is made only through bank slips. It is not possible to do it by credit card, debit card, or checks.

Yes, FGV LAW offers a non-refundable Scholarship Program (Diversity Program) for Lato Sensu Graduate Programs, considering social markers of difference, specifically racial, ethnic, and gender identity markers, combined with socioeconomic markers.

Candidates are expected to have the following profile:

- Gross family income of up to 1.5 minimum wages per family member (per capita income);

- Equity and liquidity assessed together with the reported income;

- School trajectory mainly in public schools or with scholarships in private educational institutions.

For more information, access the FGV Sao Paulo Law School Scholarships page or consult the Diversity Program notice.

There is no discount forecast for more than one registration, whether for individuals or companies.

If you have any questions about the selection process, please contact fgvlaw@fgv.br. Service is from Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

If you have any questions about the Diversity Program, please contact us by email: bolsas.fgvlaw@fgv.br. Service is from Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Following FGV Sao Paulo Law Schoolproposal, FGV LAW creates and executes Lato Sensu Graduate Programs and short-term courses that focus on innovative and transforming teaching, offering an extensive theoretical repertoire with a global vision, for the development of analytical and argumentation skills of its students. 

Current contents and skills essential to the practice of law are addressed through a participatory methodology, where the student is the central actor of the learning process.

Throughout the classes, professors use several participatory teaching methods, such as problem solving, case studies, simulations and role-playing, and the Socratic method, among others. Thus, students are asked individually (or in groups) to participate actively, debating relevant issues and appropriating the contents and skills addressed.

We highlight the following assumptions of the teaching Project proposed by FGV LAW:

- Students’ main role in building knowledge, giving new meaning to practice through teaching methods that combine theoretical knowledge with skill development; and

- Interdisciplinarity and dialogue with different areas of knowledge, such as business administration, economics, accounting, and finance, for the analysis and interpretation of legal issues.

Given the pedagogical proposal of FGV LAW, and its purpose of promoting innovative and transformative teaching, we  understand that the search for interdisciplinarity and the development of skills on other non-legal knowledge are fundamental factors for the qualification of a lawyer capable of proposing creative and integrated solutions to the problems faced currently.

Student’s assessment is made up of, at least, two grades:

I. Continuous assessment, which gives points to activities carried out during classes (academic works, exercises, oral participation, etc.), and weights 40% in the final average;

II. An individual written test or a paper, with a 60% weight in the composition of the final average. Disciplines of 16 or 32 class hours require a test or a paper at their end.

Note: The choice of the form of assessment (test or academic paper) will be decided by the Academic Coordination, after consulting the Board of FGV LAW, and will consider the objectives of the course and the discipline.

The minimum average required for approval in each subject is 7 (scale from 0-10), considering the sum of the grades obtained in the evaluation process. The student's final approval also depends on a minimum presence of 75% of the classes.

Yes, the assessment criteria apply equally to the non-legal subjects that make up the course syllabus. The inclusion of such disciplines is made through a previous study regarding the thematic cut and adequacy to the target audience, considering the following factors:

1. the degree of theoretical and practical deepening can be fully appropriated by an audience with legal training;
2. the workload is compatible with the specific thematic focus; and
3. the practical relevance of this knowledge for professionals in the course area.

For the student to be effectively  a major actor in building knowledge, it is necessary to learn contents and prepare himself/herself for the best use of the activities carried out in the classroom. Therefore, prior preparation is essential to achieve the proposed objectives, both in short courses and in disciplines of the graduate program. In addition, the continuous assessment, which is 40% of the final average, can be based on proposing studies and activities carried out outside the classroom, so that student’s engagement during the course is not restricted to their scheduled classes.

The course evaluation form, filled out periodically by students, emphasizes the elements of the course capable of meeting the objectives it intends to achieve. Therefore, the focus is on the course or a discipline, in all its aspects. In this sense, the teacher and the student are also objects of analysis, as we understand that a course is good as long as the actors involved (professor and student) are engaged in the teaching-learning process. The comments, at the end of the form, are essential for us to understand, more precisely, the aspects that led you to give that grade.

FGV Sao Paulo Law School values assessment as an instrument for continuous dialogue between students, professors, and the institution. It is a space for recording compliments, criticisms, and suggestions for improving the courses and services offered by FGV LAW. The option for a continuous course evaluation process serves this purpose, because it allows recording perceptions throughout a course, and not just at the end – when there is no longer any possibility of change. Praises, when appropriate, are also important, as they guide decisions about keeping or sharing teaching practices or administrative procedures.

Yes! Comments are important for us to understand precisely what are the positive points and/or problems that the student observed in the course. Without this, it will be more difficult to limit the problem and act effectively. Quantitative analysis categories are important, but it is the comment that provides the detailing we need from you. Do always comment!

Do not worry. First, it is worth remembering that the professor does not receive the individual form filled out by each student, but a report with the tabulation of the group's assessment results – that is, he will not be able to identify individual responses. In addition, evaluation results serve as an incentive for the professor to reflect on his/her didactics, thematic focus, and bibliography, among others. The criticism made to a professor, when registered in an assessment, encourages monitoring and dialogue with him/her to improve the course and his/her performance. Professors wait and are prepared for it. We suggest, in any case, that criticism be always constructive, valuing positive aspects, being specific in those  to be improved, and, when possible, proposing alternatives.

The course evaluation forms are tabulated and sent to the professors responsible for the disciplines. In addition,  FGV LAW Coordination meets weekly to analyze each report. The evaluation data are analyzed in light of other information on the courses, such as reports from monitors, conversations with students and professors, history of professors’ evaluations, monitoring by the teaching department, among others. Periodically, the FGV LAW Coordination meets with individual professors or with the group of professors of each course, to discuss the results.

No. FGV LAW does not grant awards for highly rated professors. Everyone likes to receive compliments. We consider that this is an award for any teacher.

Criticism of a professor registered in the assessment encourages reflection by him/her and FGV LAW to improve the course. Therefore, it is important to establish a dialogue with the student through assessment, monitoring, or direct contact with FGV LAW Coordination during the course, so that changes can be implemented as soon as possible.

To enroll in FGV LAW courses, the candidate must be a graduate from a higher education institution accredited by appropriate government agencies, in addition to be approved in the selection process, and have no financial disputes with Fundação Getulio Vargas.

To receive the Lato Sensu Graduate Programs certificate, the student must pass all disciplines by grade and frequency. All conditions must be met within a maximum of eight consecutive semesters, considering that the academic relationship with FGV LAW will be kept during this period.

The minimum attendance rate for passing a subject is 75% of its total workload.

To be approved in a subject, the student must achieve, at least, an average of 7.0 (seven), on a scale from zero to ten.

The student's final average is the result of two grades:

I. One grade expresses the student's performance during the course, that is, his continuous assessment (equivalent to 40% of the final average) and;

II. The second grade results from the individual test(s) or final paper(s) (equivalent to 60% of the final average). In the case of courses and disciplines with a workload of 16 or 32 class hours, a final individual exam or a final individual paper is expected.

To request that, the student must go to Online student > Service menu > Test view, within ten calendar days from the date of grade publication. The test is scanned, and sent to the student's registered email.

After viewing the test, if desired, the student may request a review of the grades obtained in the individual tests. To request a review of test scores, the student must open an application at Online Student > Service menu > Test Review, within ten calendar days from the date of receiving the test view. The application must be accompanied by an indication of the questions he/she wishes to be reviewed, and a justification of the academic reasons for the review. We suggest that students make a justification for each of the questions.

Grade revision is always done by the course or discipline professor.

Yes. Students who do not take the first call test may take the second call test on a pre-established date in the School Calendar delivered at the beginning of classes. It is not necessary to request the right to take the test formally, just show up on the day and time of the second call test, previously scheduled. This activity is considered exceptional, so it has an additional cost (according to the table in effect on the date of the order). Students who are unable to attend the first call due to a religious holiday do not have to pay the test fee.

No. The second call test is individual and held at a place, date, and time determined by the program, always on Fridays, and the corresponding information will be forwarded in advance, by email, by the Student Relationship department.

Yes. The same weight applies to the second call grade.

No. There is no prediction for third-call tests, exams, or supplementary assessments, for replacing the grades of partial or final tests, first or second call.

The student who fails due to grade or frequency, in any subject, must take it again. The deadline for registration is up to 05 (five) calendar days before the beginning of the course. It must be taken during the period in which the student still keeps a relationship with FGV LAW, and within the maximum completion period (8 semesters) of the course. In addition, you will need to bear the financial burden for the subject again. Furthermore, in order to register, students must be up to date with their financial obligations with Fundação Getulio Vargas.

No. Credits are only accepted for disciplines taken at Fundação Getulio Vargas or its partner institutions.

If the student has taken disciplines at Fundação Getulio Vargas or its partner institutions, compatible with those in his/her specialization course, he/she may request the Student Relationship sector to transfer the credits. To do so, it is also necessary that the workload and content of the discipline taken are equivalent to those of the discipline to which he/she intends to transfer the credits.

The credit transfer request is made through Online student > Service menu > Equivalence Analysis. In the application, the student must attach the academic record of the discipline taken and its syllabus, to support the application.

Yes. If approved in the selection process, you will have to complete the enrollment application that will allow you to request equivalence analysis. In case the credits are transferred, this will be done during the enrollment process.

The student may request absence allowance only in very specific cases, namely:

1. birth or adoption of a first-degree descendant (there will be allowance for absences in the next five consecutive days from the birth or date of adoption);
2. death of a first-degree relative, spouse or partner, and grandparents (there will be the allowance for absences in the next three consecutive days from the death);
3. participation in a jury, when proving the impossibility of attending the class;
4. civil marriage (there will be an allowance for absences in the next three consecutive days, starting from the date of civil marriage);
5. infectious-contagious disease or other morbid conditions proved with an original medical certificate, indicating the ICD (International Classification of Diseases), and registration of the period of absence from activities up to a maximum of five consecutive days.

The request must be sent by email to the Student Relationship department, within a maximum period of 10 (ten) consecutive days, counting from the date of the occurrence.

The student will be entitled to compensation for absence from classes only in specific cases, such as infectious disease; relative physical disability, incompatible with attending classes, in cases of patients with congenital or acquired diseases, infections, trauma or other morbid conditions, or in case of pregnancy, from the eighth month, or adoption.

It is necessary, in any of the cases mentioned, that the student delivers the appropriate proof, that is, the original medical certificate (with an indication of ICD - International Classification of Diseases - and period of absence from activities for more than five consecutive days). The student must apply at Online student > Service menu > Absence Compensation, within ten calendar days (counted from the absence). In the application, he/she must attach a copy of the original medical certificate with  the ICD.

In compensation for absence, the student must carry out individual written academic work indicated by the discipline professor. The work is evaluated normally, with the attribution of a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” concept.

No. Absences arising from professional reasons are not compensated or allowed under any circumstances.

The transfer between classes consists of moving a student regularly enrolled in a Lato Sensu Graduate class to another class of the same course. It is important to highlight that the transfer between classes will depend on the availability of vacancies in the destination class, and the student will bear any financial and academic burden regarding the destination class.

There is no course transfer in the Specialization Program at FGV Direito SP: São Paulo Law School. It is also worth noting that there are no transfers from other institutions or other FGV units (courses offered in cities in the São Paulo countryside) to GVLAW GRADUATE PROGRAM (headquarters in São Paulo).

No. Short-Term courses do not accept transfers.

Course locking consists of the suspension of the student's activities in the Lato Sensu Graduate course. In this case, the student must request it, at Online student > Service menu > Course locking, up to 05 (five) calendar days before the beginning of the semester classes. The student can cancel the course on two occasions, as long as the sum of their durations does not exceed two academic semesters.

ATTENTION: Cancelling the course d in the 1st semester of admission is not allowed.

No. FGV LAW only admits cancelling the course.

Yes. A locking does not imply the suspension of the student's financial obligations, but it assures him/her the right to complete the course, without additional financial burden and under the conditions foreseen in the regulation. Once granted for the first time, and in case of student’s omission, the renewal of the course lock will occur automatically for another school semester. In addition, if the course has been locked on two occasions, you must be aware of the right moment to request reopening, since, for completing the course, you must keep  an academic bond throughout the period. We emphasize, however, that to reopen the registration, the student must be up to date with his/her financial obligations with Fundação Getulio Vargas.

No. Short-term courses do not admit locking.

The student may have his/her enrollment canceled in the following situations:

(i) through an application, in the appropriate form;

(ii) if the deadline of eight semesters for completing the course expires (for graduate students), considering that he/she will keep an academic bond throughout the period; and

(iii) in case of serious disciplinary misconduct, checked by the Ethics Committee by applying the Code of Ethics of FGV Sao Paulo Law School.

Yes. In cases of abandonment or cancellation of enrollment, the student will be subject to the fines specified in the contract.