Brazil
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Brazil
Overview of the education system (EAG 2025)
  • In 2024, 24% of 18–24 year-olds in Brazil were NEET, down from 30% in 2019 but above the OECD average of 14%. A gender gap persists, with 29% of women and 19% of men NEET, unlike most OECD countries where rates are similar.
  • Income inequalities are high in Brazil. Adults with tertiary education earn 148% more than those with upper secondary education, well above the OECD average of 54%. Workers without upper secondary earn only 75% of those with it.
  • In Brazil, 25% of first-year students drop out of bachelor’s programmes, and only 49% graduate within three years after the theoretical end date, compared to an OECD average of 70%. Tertiary attainment among 25–34 year-olds is 24% versus 49% OECD-wide.
  • Government spending per student is USD 3 762, about one-third of the OECD average. As a share of GDP, spending is 4.3%, above the OECD average of 3.6%. Levels are higher than Mexico and Peru but lower than Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica.
  • Tertiary education decisions are decentralised, with admissions and exam considerations set by institutions. Brazil is one of seven countries where exam results may determine financial support, raising equity concerns.
    • | Education at a Glance 2025 | Country note | Annexes from Education at a Glance 2025 | OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics 2018 | OECD Education Policy Outlook: Brazil | Ministério da Educação (Ministry of Education, in Portuguese ) | Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais (National Institute for Educational Research, in Portuguese) |

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    The following list displays indicators for which your selected country shows the highest and lowest values among countries. The list can be sorted by level of education or by age group. All rankings are calculated including available data from OECD and partner countries. Find out more about the methodology here.

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    Participation in education

    Among students aged 3 to 5, enrolment in early childhood educational development (ISCED 01) was among the highest in Brazil compared to other countries. (22.8 %, rank 1/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The proportion of upper secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14.3 %, rank 41/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students in independent private tertiary educational institutions is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (77.3 %, rank 3/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Enrolment in pre-primary education (ISCED 02) among 3- to 5-year-olds in Brazil was among the lowest internationally. (52.7 %, rank 43/46 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of students enrolled in programmes providing full completion and access to tertiary education among all students enrolled in upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The average age of lower secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes in Brazil is one of the highest compared to other countries with available data. (40 %, rank 3/21 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Brazil has one of the smallest shares of lower secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes. (0.3 %, rank 20/22 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Students enrolled in programmes providing full completion and access to tertiary education among all students enrolled in post-secondary non-tertiary vocational programmes are proportionally more in Brazil than in the other countries. (100 %, rank 1/22 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate among students aged 15-19 in upper secondary vocational programmes in Brazil is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.5 %, rank 37/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Graduation

    The percentage of first-time graduates in vocational programmes at upper secondary level is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.1 %, rank 34/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Graduation by gender

    The share of female graduates from upper secondary general programmes is one of the largest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (53.6 %, rank 5/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of female graduates from upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the largest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (57.8 %, rank 2/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of arts and humanities is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3.5 %, rank 40/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5.3 %, rank 43/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (1.7 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of tertiary graduates in STEM fields placed Brazil among the smallest internationally. (16.2 %, rank 44/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the percentage of post-secondary non-tertiary vocational graduates in the field of business, aministration and law is relatively high. (26.4 %, rank 5/25 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary vocational graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3 %, rank 2/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of short-cycle tertiary vocational graduates in the field of arts and humanities is relatively high compared to other OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (5 %, rank 2/37 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of short-cycle tertiary vocational graduates in the field of STEM is relatively low compared to other OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (0 %, rank 34/37 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of short-cycle tertiary vocational graduates in the field of services is relatively high compared to other OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (3 %, rank 4/37 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of bachelor's, master's and doctoral or equivalent graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3 %, rank 5/44 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of bachelor's, master's and doctoral or equivalent graduates in the field of health and welfare is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2 %, rank 2/45 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education and gender

    The proportion of female tertiary graduates in the humanities and arts is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries. (3.4 %, rank 40/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of female tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (6.2 %, rank 43/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of female tertiary graduates in the field of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (8.3 %, rank 42/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male tertiary graduates in the field of education is relatively high in Brazil. (9.9 %, rank 5/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of male tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is relatively small. (4 %, rank 43/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of male tertiary graduates in the field of business, administration and law is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (34 %, rank 5/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male tertiary graduates in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is relatively low in Brazil. (27.7 %, rank 42/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of male tertiary graduates in the field of health and welfare is relatively high in Brazil. (13 %, rank 2/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of female graduates in tertiary education in the fields of arts and humanities is one of the smallest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (57.5 %, rank 40/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Completion rates

    Female completion rates to bachelor's programmes, measured three years beyond the theoretical duration, were among the lowest across countries with available data. (52.5 %, rank 29/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates to bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical duration placed Brazil among the lowest values internationally. (43.5 %, rank 28/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to bachelor's programmes, measured three years beyond the theoretical end of the programme, ranked Brazil among the lowest across countries. (48.8 %, rank 29/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the completion rate of female new entrants to bachelor's programmes in Education, measured three years after the theoretical end of the programme, was among the lowest internationally. (53.2 %, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in Education bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical end of the programme placed Brazil among the countries with the lowest values. (40.2 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to bachelor's programmes in Education, three years beyond the theoretical duration, ranked among the lowest across countries with available data. (49.4 %, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Female completion rates in Social sciences, journalism and information bachelor's programmes, three years after the theoretical end, placed Brazil among the lowest internationally. (61.9 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates to Social sciences, journalism and information bachelor's programmes three years beyond the theoretical end were among the lowest across countries with available data. (49.9 %, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to Social sciences, journalism and information bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical end, ranked Brazil among the lowest across countries. (56.5 %, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, female completion rates in Business, administration and law bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical duration were among the lowest values internationally. (50.7 %, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in Business, administration and law bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical end placed Brazil among the lowest across countries. (43.5 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to Business, administration and law bachelor's programmes three years beyond the theoretical duration ranked among the lowest internationally. (47.5 %, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Female completion rates to bachelor's programmes in Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, measured three years after the theoretical end, placed Brazil among the lowest internationally. (59.3 %, rank 25/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, male completion rates in Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical duration were among the lowest across countries. (47.7 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Completion rates of all new entrants to Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics bachelor's programmes three years beyond the theoretical end ranked Brazil among the lowest internationally. (53.3 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Completion rates of female new entrants to ICT bachelor's programmes, three years after the theoretical duration, placed Brazil among the lowest values across countries. (53.2 %, rank 25/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in ICT bachelor's programmes three years beyond the theoretical end of the programme ranked among the lowest across countries with available data. (43.9 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, completion rates of all new entrants to ICT bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical duration were among the lowest across countries. (46.2 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of female students in STEM bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical end, placed Brazil among the lowest internationally. (49 %, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in STEM bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical end ranked among the lowest across countries with available data. (43.2 %, rank 25/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    For all new entrants to STEM bachelor's programmes, completion rates three years beyond the theoretical duration placed Brazil among the lowest internationally. (44 %, rank 25/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Completion rates of female students in Engineering, manufacturing and construction bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical end, were among the lowest internationally. (50.2 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in Engineering, manufacturing and construction bachelor's programmes three years beyond the theoretical end placed Brazil among the lowest values. (44.1 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to Engineering, manufacturing and construction bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical end, was among the lowest across countries. (46.1 %, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, female completion rates in Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical duration were among the lowest internationally. (49.2 %, rank 24/27 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical end, placed Brazil among the lowest across countries. (43.6 %, rank 23/27 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Completion rates of all new entrants to Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical duration, ranked among the lowest internationally. (45.7 %, rank 23/27 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Female completion rates in Health and welfare bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical end were among the lowest across countries with available data. (52.6 %, rank 27/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Male completion rates in Health and welfare bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical duration, placed Brazil among the lowest internationally. (43.9 %, rank 26/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to Health and welfare bachelor's programmes three years beyond the theoretical end ranked Brazil among the lowest across countries. (50.2 %, rank 27/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, female completion rates in Services bachelor's programmes three years after the theoretical duration were among the lowest internationally. (51.6 %, rank 24/26 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The completion rate of all new entrants to Services bachelor's programmes, measured three years after the theoretical end, was among the lowest internationally. (49.7 %, rank 22/26 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Dropout rates

    The drop out rate of female new entrants to bachelor's programmes by the end of the theoretical duration was among the highest across countries with available data. (34.1 %, rank 2/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    For male new entrants, the drop out rate by the end of the theoretical duration of the programme placed Brazil among the highest across countries. (39.2 %, rank 4/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The overall drop out rate of new entrants to bachelor's programmes by the end of the theoretical duration ranked Brazil among the highest internationally. (36.2 %, rank 3/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Female drop out rates by the end of the theoretical duration plus one year were among the highest across participating countries. (34.2 %, rank 3/30 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Female drop out rates by the end of the theoretical duration plus three years placed Brazil among the highest across countries. (33.9 %, rank 4/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The overall drop out rate of new entrants by the end of the theoretical duration plus three years was among the highest across countries with available data. (36.8 %, rank 5/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Gap year

    The share of female students who entered a bachelor's programme and took at least one gap year was among the highest across countries with available data. (76.3 %, rank 3/23 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of male students who entered a bachelor's programme and took at least one gap year placed Brazil among the highest internationally. (76.4 %, rank 3/23 , 2020) Download Indicator

    For all students who entered a bachelor's programme, the share who took at least one gap year ranked Brazil among the highest across countries with available data. (76.3 %, rank 3/23 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Student mobility

    Brazil has one of the smallest proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.2 %, rank 44/45 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.1 %, rank 42/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, international or foreign students from Latin America and the Caribbean are most represented among all international or foreign students, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (49.8 %, rank 5/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, international or foreign students from Africa are highest represented among all international or foreign students, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (23.4 %, rank 5/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.2 %, rank 43/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.8 %, rank 42/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes among men is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (0.3 %, rank 40/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes among women is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (0.2 %, rank 40/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes among men is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (2.9 %, rank 38/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes among women is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (1.4 %, rank 40/40 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes among men is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (1.2 %, rank 39/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes among women is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (0.6 %, rank 39/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among men is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (0.3 %, rank 40/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among women is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (0.2 %, rank 41/42 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Student mobility by field of education

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.2 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of arts and humanities is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.7 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.3 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of business, administration and law is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.2 %, rank 37/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.7 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of information and communication technologies is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.3 %, rank 37/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.4 %, rank 38/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of health and welfare is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.2 %, rank 39/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of services is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.3 %, rank 36/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of students enrolled in the field of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary among all international or foreign tertiary students is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (4.8 %, rank 4/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student

    Annual expenditure per tertiary student is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3765 USD Equivalent, rank 41/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per tertiary student is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3328 USD Equivalent, rank 35/35 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per student on research and development in tertiary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (437 USD Equivalent, rank 34/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student on research and development for primary to tertiary education in Brazil is comparatively low. (89 USD Equivalent, rank 34/36 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, public expenditure from initial source of funds on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education per student is relatively low. (4677 USD Equivalent, rank 38/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    The public expenditure on public educational institutions per full-time equivalent student from primary to tertiary education is relatively lowest in Brazil. (5432 USD Equivalent, rank 37/41 , 2022) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the total annual expenditure per full-time equivalent student on tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3266 USD Equivalent, rank 41/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Expenditure in education and national wealth

    In Brazil, expenditure on tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is comparatively low. (0.9 %, rank 39/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Government and private expenditure in education

    The share of public expenditure on educational institutions, for tertiary education is comparatively large in Brazil. (100 %, rank 1/42 , 2022) Download Indicator

    Who the teachers are

    In Brazil, the share of women among teaching staff in vocational upper secondary education is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (48.8 %, rank 28/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of tertiary teachers aged between 30 and 49 is relatively high, compared to other countries with data available. (60 %, rank 3/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of short-cycle tertiary teachers younger than 30 is relatively low, compared to other countries with data available. (0 %, rank 21/24 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the percentage of teachers aged between 30 and 49 in pre-primary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (64.7 %, rank 5/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of upper secondary vocational education teachers aged 50 or more is relatively low, compared to the other countries with available data. (23.9 %, rank 29/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the percentage of teachers aged between 30 and 49 in upper secondary vocational education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (66.1 %, rank 3/31 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of teachers aged 50 or more in post secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low in Brazil, compared to the other countries with available data. (23.6 %, rank 20/20 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of post secondary non-tertiary education teachers under 30 is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data (12.4 %, rank 1/20 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of teachers aged between 30 and 49 in post secondary non-tertiary education is relatively high in Brazil, compared to other countries with available data. (64.1 %, rank 1/20 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Teachers' salaries progression

    Starting salaries for lower secondary teachers with minimum training are especially low. (24526 USD Equivalent, rank 41/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Starting salaries for upper secondary teachers with minimum training are especially low. (24526 USD Equivalent, rank 41/44 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Starting salaries for pre-primary teachers with minimum training are especially low. (24526 USD Equivalent, rank 33/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Ratio of student to teaching staff

    The number of students per teacher in tertiary institutions is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (28.8 Ratio, rank 3/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The number of pupils per teacher in pre-primary schools is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.7 Ratio, rank 5/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The number of students per teacher in primary schools is one of the highest among OECD countries and partner countries with available data. (22.2 Ratio, rank 3/43 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the lower secondary level is especially high. (20.9 Ratio, rank 2/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the upper secondary level is especially high. (21.5 Ratio, rank 1/41 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff in short-cycle tertiary programmes is comparatively low in Brazil. (3.6 Ratio, rank 20/20 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in general upper secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (23.2 Ratio, rank 2/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in public lower secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21.3 Ratio, rank 2/38 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the lower secondary level in private institutions is especially high in Brazil. (18.9 Ratio, rank 2/37 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in all public secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (21.6 Ratio, rank 2/39 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in all private secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18.9 Ratio, rank 2/36 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in private institutions tertiary education is one of the highest among countries with available data. (62.4 Ratio, rank 1/34 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in public institutions short-cycle tertiary education is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (2 Ratio, rank 20/20 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in private institutions short-cycle tertiary education is one of the highest among countries with available data. (30.6 Ratio, rank 3/18 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the number of students per teacher in private bachelor's, master's, doctoral or equivalent programmes is one of the highest among countries with available data. (62.4 Ratio, rank 1/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the ratio of children to teaching staff in early childhood educational development is one of the highest compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.4 Ratio, rank 5/21 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil the ratio of children to contact staff in early childhood educational development is one of the highest compared to the other OECD and partner countries with available data. (8.3 Ratio, rank 2/14 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of teachers' aides among contact staff in early childhood educational development is one of the lowest of OECD and partner countries with available data. (33.5 Ratio, rank 9/12 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Organisation of the education system

    In independent private institutions at lower secondary level, classes are one of the largest in Brazil among OECD and partner countries with available data. (23 Students, rank 4/20 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings and educational attainment

    The proportional difference in earnings between 25-64 year-old adults with tertiary education and those with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is quite high. (248 Index, rank 3/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-64 year-olds with below secondary education compared to those of adults with an upper secondary education are relatively low in Brazil. (71.6 %, rank 31/32 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the share of worker earning more than twice the median among those with a tertiary education degree is comparatively . (45 Index, rank 3/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers without an upper secondary education earning at or below half the overall median in Brazil is one of the highest among countries with available data. (57 Index, rank 1/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education earning more than twice the overall median in Brazil is one of the highest among countries with available data. (11 Index, rank 2/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education earning at or below half the overall median in Brazil is one of the highest among countries with available data. (35 Index, rank 1/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-34 year-olds working full-time and full-year with tertiary education compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Brazil. (276 Index, rank 3/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    The share of 25-64 year-old workers with tertiary education earning at or below half the overall median in Brazil is one of the highest among countries with available data. (17 Index, rank 1/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 45-54 year-olds working full-time and full-year with tertiary education compared to those of adults without an upper secondary education are relatively high in Brazil. (367 Index, rank 3/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the relative earnings for 45-54 year-old workers with below upper secondary attainment are low compared to workers with upper secondary attainment (71 Index, rank 26/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than the median but at or below 1.5 times the median among those with below upper secondary education is comparatively low . (10 Index, rank 29/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than half the median but at or below the median among those with below upper secondary education is comparatively low. (25 Index, rank 30/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than the median but at or below 1.5 times the median among those with with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is comparatively low. (17 Index, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than half the median but at or below the median among those with with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is comparatively low. (29 Index, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than 1.5 times the median but at or below twice the median among those with tertiary education is comparatively low. (12 Index, rank 29/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than the median but at or below 1.5 times the median among those with tertiary education is comparatively low. (14 Index, rank 29/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the distribution of worker earning more than half the median but at or below the median among those with tertiary education is comparatively low. (11 Index, rank 29/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings, gender and educational attainment

    The earnings of men without an upper secondary education are relatively low compared to those of men with an upper secondary education. (70 Index, rank 27/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (among 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary education or post-secondary non-tertiary education and income from employment) are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (71 %, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education and income from employment) are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (68.2 %, rank 28/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (64.3 %, rank 29/30 , 2023) Download Indicator

    In Brazil, the proportion of young women's earnings as a percentage of men's earnings (25-34 year-olds with tertiary education working full-time full-year), is relatively low compared to OECD and other members with available data (73.4 %, rank 27/28 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (45-54 year-olds without an upper secondary education working full-time full-year) are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (71 %, rank 23/27 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (45-54 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education working full-time full-year) are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (65.2 %, rank 29/29 , 2023) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women as a percentage of men's earnings (45-54 year-olds with tertiary education working full-time full-year) are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (67.6 %, rank 25/28 , 2023) Download Indicator


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    General findings
    
                        
    
                            
    
                                
    • Tertiary attainment among young adults has reached 48% on average across the OECD, the highest level ever, but progress has slowed since 2021. Attainment remains unequal, with women generally outpacing men, and older generations showing lower rates.
    • Employment outcomes for tertiary-educated adults remain strong overall: 87% of them are employed compared to 60% of those without upper seconday. Tertiary education offers good protection against unemployment, but women and disadvantaged groups still face labour market gaps, and inactivity persists among some adults. Moreover, adults with tertiary education earn on average 54% more than those with only upper secondary education.
    • Gender pay gaps remain significant. Despite higher attainment, women with tertiary education consistently earn less than men, even when working full-time, and this gap persists across age groups (73% on average for women aged 25 to 64).
    • Fields of study strongly influence labour market outcomes. Graduates in engineering and in health and welfare fare particularly well, while women’s participation in STEM remains below parity (14% of graduates at tertiary level) despite being 58% of all tertiary graduates.
    • Internationalisation continues to expand in tertiary education. The share of international students has grown steadily, and OECD countries host a large proportion of the world’s mobile students, reinforcing their global role in higher education.
    • Sustaining tertiary education requires adequate investment. Spending per student is already at 21 021 USD and rising, and tertiary expenditure represents a notable share of GDP (1.4% on average in OECD), making efficiency and equity crucial for long-term sustainability.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Attainment | Education policies: Access and Participation  | Education policies: Finance and Funding | Education policies: Labour market outcomes | 
    
                            
    
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    • Although many countries have near universal upper secondary attainment among 25–34 year-olds, on average across the OECD 13% of younger adults still lack an upper secondary qualification.
    • NEET shares are now below pre-pandemic levels in about half of OECD and partner countries with trend data; in 8 of these 16 countries the decline exceeds 1 percentage point, while 17 countries exceed pre-pandemic benchmarks and 6 saw increases of more than 2 percentage points.
    • Employment rates rise steadily with higher tertiary attainment: short-cycle 83%, bachelor’s 86%, master’s 90%, and doctoral or equivalent 93% among 25–64 year-olds.
    • Earnings premiums also increase with qualification level: on average across the OECD, short-cycle graduates earn 17% more than those with upper secondary; the advantage is 39% for bachelor’s and 83% for master’s/doctoral graduates.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Attainment | Education policies: Labour market outcomes | 
    
                            
    
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    • Most children aged 3 to 5 are enrolled in early childhood education, with an average participation rate of 85% across the OECD. By contrast, only 29% of children under the age of 3 are enrolled.
    • Participation in early childhood education has grown over the past decade, with enrolment for children under age 3 increasing by 9 percentage points to 29%, and enrolment for ages 3 and above rising by 5 points to 85%.
    • The majority of students in vocational upper secondary education follow programmes that grant full access to tertiary education, with 76% of students enrolled in such programmes on average across the OECD.
    • Completion rates for bachelor’s programmes increase after the theoretical duration of programmes: on average, 44% of students graduate on time, compared to 69% three years after.
    • Students from Asia form the largest regional group of internationally mobile students in tertiary education, representing 58% of all foreign or international students across the OECD in 2023.
    • Only 43% of students complete a bachelor’s degree within the expected duration, though this rises to 59% with one additional year and 70% with three additional years on average across the OECD.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Access and Participation  | 
    
                            
    
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    • Governments spend on average USD 12 438 per student in primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education, and USD 15 102 per student in tertiary education including R&D.
    • Expenditure per student has risen in absolute terms since 2015, but its share in public budgets has declined, with government spending on education at almost 15% of total government expenditure on average in 2022.
    • Annual spending per student at primary and secondary levels varies widely across OECD countries, from under USD 3 000 in some systems to over USD 25 000 in the most highly funded ones.
    • Tertiary education continues to expand, placing pressure on public budgets. Private sources represent a larger share of total funding at the tertiary level than at any other level of education.
    • Spending per student differs markedly between public and private institutions, with expenditure in public tertiary institutions exceeding USD 33 000 in some countries, compared to less than USD 10 000 in others.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Finance and Funding | 
    
                            
    
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    • Students in OECD countries receive an average of 7 604 hours of compulsory instruction during primary and lower secondary education, with total hours ranging widely across education systems.
    • Compulsory instruction time averages 804 hours per year for primary students and 909 hours for lower secondary students, a difference of about 105 hours annually.
    • The ratio of children to teachers in pre-primary education has fallen across most OECD countries, decreasing from an average of 15 children per teacher in 2013 to 13 in 2023.
    • Teachers’ statutory salaries increase with the level of education taught. On average, teachers with 15 years of experience earn USD 55 725 at pre-primary level and USD 63 925 at upper secondary level.
    • Teachers’ actual salaries are 83–91% of the earnings of similarly educated tertiary-educated workers, while school heads usually earn more than tertiary-educated workers on average across OECD countries.
    • The ratio of students to academic staff is lower in public than in private institutions, averaging about 14 students per staff member in public tertiary institutions compared to 18 in private ones.
    • Nearly half of OECD and partner countries operate non-selective admission systems for first degrees, providing broad access to tertiary education, while entrance exams and centralised systems are also common.
    • The salaries of academic staff in tertiary education vary by seniority. On average, junior staff earn about 62 000 USD, while senior staff earn about 108 000 USD.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Teachers | Education policies: Teachers | OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)  | 
    
                            
    
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            Diagram of funding flows - Brazil
            
    
            
    
        
    


        
		
    
            
    
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            Country Reviews for Brazil
            
    
            
    
			
    
        
    
		
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
        
    
            Note: These values should be interpreted with care since they are influenced by countries' specific contexts and trade-offs. In education, there is often no simple
            most- or least-efficient model. For instance, the share of private expenditure in education must be read against other measures designed to mitigate inequities, 
			such as loans and grants; longer learning time is an opportunity to convey more and better content to students, but may hinder investments in other important
            areas. If you want further information on the nature of different variables, please take the time to read the analysis and contextual information, available at the website
            for each publication.
    
            All rankings for individual variables are compiled on the basis of OECD and G20 countries for which data are available. The OECD average includes only OECD countries which are listed here: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/members-partners.html
            

    
			Reference years displayed in the Education GPS correspond to the most common year of reference among countries for which data is available on each variable. Data for the latest available year is preferred and some 
			countries may have provided data refering to a more recent or late year. To know more about possible exceptions on data please click on the "Download Indicator" link on each variable. When a year of reference corresponds to a school year encompassing two years, the reference reads as follows: 2026 for school year 2025/2026.
			

    
	    *TALIS averages are based on all countries participating in the TALIS survey, including partner countries and economies. 
		This explains the difference between the OECD average and the TALIS averages.
		Data from the TALIS survey and Education at a Glance (EAG) may differ. See Annex E of the TALIS technical report and 
		Annex 3 
		of EAG 2024 for more details about the data collections.
            

    
            For additional notes, please refer to annexes in the list of links below the introductory country profile text.