Pre-pandemic analysis of the university higher education system in Brazil: Quantitative and qualitative overview – 2019

Abstract

The study analyzes the trends and challenges of Brazil's higher education system up to 2019, highlighting the need to understand the pre-existing infrastructure and dynamics before the Covid-19 pandemic. The most relevant findings are: First, the dominance of private institutions stands out, which lead in terms of enrollment and academic offerings, although the distribution of professors is more balanced between public and private. This dominance reflects the dynamics of the education market and raises questions about access to and quality of education. Second, the historical evolution of higher education in Brazil shows a growth and valorization since the nineteenth century, emphasizing the role of education as a pillar of socioeconomic development. The educational expansion of the 20th century has been remarkable, marking an increase in diversification and in the capacity to meet the country's demands. The comparative analysis between public and private universities reveals significant differences in enrolment and academic offerings, highlighting regional and demographic variations in educational availability. In addition, it examines the transition to online education, a crucial aspect in the face of the growing interest in flexible and accessible educational modalities. Finally, the study highlights the challenges related to equity and quality in higher education. The need for education policies that promote equality and improve quality is presented as an imperative to ensure inclusive and competitive education. These results reinforce the importance of reflecting on educational policies and the structure of the higher education system, with the aim of promoting more democratic and equitable access to education in Brazil, balancing the influence of the private sector with the objectives of inclusion and educational excellence.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.002-021