Brazil narrows PISA 2025 gap with OECD, but learning levels remain low

Results from the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), coordinated by the OECD, show that Brazil has reduced the performance gap between its students and the OECD average. However, experts warn this does not necessarily indicate a significant improvement in actual learning quality.

Analysis suggests the narrowing gap is largely due to a decline in average scores among wealthier OECD nations while Brazilian performance remained relatively stable. Brazil scored 408 points in reading, 377 in mathematics, and 409 in science, remaining below the OECD averages of 466, 469, and 486, respectively. In mathematics, the gap represents a deficit of approximately 4.6 years of schooling.

Key challenges identified include low proficiency levels, with only 28% of Brazilian students reaching the minimum required level in mathematics. Socioeconomic inequalities also play a major role; for instance, the gap in science scores between wealthy and vulnerable students reached 96 points. Additionally, the report noted shifts in technology use, with 81% of Brazilian students studying in institutions that restrict cell phone use, and 46% of students reporting weekly use of artificial intelligence for study purposes.