Brazil’s Higher Education System: Strengths, Challenges, and the Path to Internationalization

Brazil’s system of higher education had seen substantial development since the 19th century, when it primarily focused on law and medicine to educate the elite. Major expansion occurred in the 1930s with the establishment of institutions like the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). These public universities have become central to the system, offering free education and leading a significant share of the country’s research, especially in agriculture, health, and environmental studies. Brazil now leads Latin America in research output, with public institutions collaborating with government and industry to drive innovation and knowledge-sharing. However, the system still faces critical issues: the access to public universities remains highly competitive, favoring students from wealthier backgrounds. The private sector is responsible for 75% of student enrollment, generally offering low-quality education and little emphasis on research. Postgraduate education has expanded with over 3,500 programs, and international collaborations, especially in science, are growing. Yet, funding challenges have hindered development. Public universities have experienced budget cuts in recent years, affecting research and infrastructure. Addressing financial constraints and disparities between institutions is key for Brazil’s higher education to progress. Continued expansion of opportunities for underrepresented students and strengthening international research partnerships will be essential for Brazil to enhance its academic standing globally.