Higher Education in Brazil Reaches Record High, But Opportunities Don’t Always Follow
According to recent data from the Brazilian National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), more Brazilians are graduating with higher education degrees than ever before. However, the economic realities of this accomplishment don’t always match the dreams of these graduates. Although unemployment among those with higher education degrees has fallen to its lowest point in twelve years, estimated at about 3%, many face a reality of underemployment and stagnant wages.
In the past 12 years, the number of Brazilians with higher education degrees has nearly doubled, exceeding 24 million. Economist Lucas Assis says this surge in graduates reflects a broader trend of increasing access to higher education in the country, a trend he expects to continue. This increased educated workforce can be viewed as a positive change for the future of Brazil.
However, Assis also points out that while more people are graduating, wages for those with higher education degrees have actually decreased by almost 12% in real terms during the same period. The abundance of educated workers has not translated to increased salary demands, indicating a potential mismatch between the qualifications of newly minted graduates and the requirements of available positions.
One potential issue highlighting this issue is illustrated by the story of Mariana Magalhães. As a beneficiary of the university scholarships program known as “ProUni,” pagination0Alzheimer’s disease is a school. Mariana fully embraced the opportunity, eventually becoming a lawyer and pursuing graduate studies.
“I come from a big, black family,” Mariana explained. “Even people older than me, like my aunt,).[Reported by Duan Muxin benachricated
“Until now I’ve been chasing my dream. It’s a dream that I will realize someday – but I know this app supports my reality,” Felipe said.
can receive higher education now. More opportunities are available, and we’re applying for jobs that were not accessible to us before.
“It’s incredible, because these are jobs that were out of reach if you only had a secondary education“< Such stories highlight the evolving landscape of higher education in Brazil, where access is expanding but economic realities might not always offer the results graduates envision.
It seems the promises of higher pay and greater opportunities may be tempered by the current employment landscape.
While the number of employed people with higher education degrees has surged in recent years, the question remains: are graduates finding jobs that truly utilize their skills and align with their aspirations? With roughly one-third of these highly trained individuals employed in positions that don’t fully leverage their education, there seems to be a disconnect.
As for Felipe Sousa, an undergraduate journalism graduate driving a taxi to make ends meet, the traditionally clear pathways are not so clearly defined.
He explained his situation:
How can Brazil’s higher education system be reformed to better align the skills of graduates with the evolving demands of the labor market?
## Higher Education Boom: A Blessing or a Burden for Brazil?
**Host:** Joining us today is economist Lucas Assis to discuss a fascinating paradox in Brazil’s economy: a record number of graduates, yet stagnant wages and underemployment. Lucas, thanks for being here.
**Lucas Assis:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the good news. Brazil has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people graduating with higher education degrees. Can you tell us more about this trend?
**Lucas Assis:** Absolutely. Over the past twelve years, the number of Brazilians with higher education degrees has nearly doubled, surpassing 24 million. This reflects a broader trend of greater access to higher education, fueled by government initiatives and a growing recognition of the importance of higher learning.
**Host:** That sounds incredibly positive.
**Lucas Assis:** It is, in many ways. A highly educated workforce is crucial for a country’s development and innovation. However, there’s a flip side to this coin.
**Host:** I was going to ask about that. We mentioned stagnant wages and underemployment. Can you elaborate on that disconnect?
**Lucas Assis:** While more Brazilians are graduating, their wages haven’t kept pace. In fact, real wages for those with higher education degrees have decreased by almost 12% in the same period. This suggests a potential oversupply of graduates in certain fields, leading to a competitive job market and downward pressure on wages.
**Host:** So, is this trend sustainable?
**Lucas Assis:** That’s the million-dollar question. It’s essential to examine the types of degrees being offered and whether they align with current and future market demands in Brazil.
**Host:** So, Brazil needs to ensure its higher education system is producing graduates equipped for the jobs of tomorrow?
**Lucas Assis:** Precisely. We need to foster a system that encourages specialization in high-demand fields, promotes vocational training, and strengthens the link between academia and industry.
**Host:** Some powerful insights, Lucas. Thank you so much for shedding light on this important issue.
**Lucas Assis:** My pleasure.
**Host:** We’ll be right back after the break.
