Brazil youth survey shows one third aspire to university education

A study conducted by the National Service for Industrial Training (Senai) and the Social Service of Industry (Sesi), guided by the consultancy Nexus, reveals that 33 percent of Brazilian youth aged 16 to 29 aspire to obtain a university degree. However, significant obstacles persist, with 23 percent of respondents finding it difficult and 8 percent finding it very difficult to overcome barriers to higher education.

Approximately 22 percent of those surveyed have no plans to pursue university or other forms of training, such as technical or short-term courses. A primary driver for educational interruption is the need for employment: 25 percent of respondents reported stopping their studies because they could not balance education with work or the need to supplement family income.

The research, which interviewed 2,007 individuals across various regions, genders, and ethnic profiles, highlights disparities in educational abandonment. Among Black youth, the rate of leaving studies due to work requirements reached 32 percent, compared to 23 percent among White youth. Interest in university remains highest among the 16 to 19 age group at 39 percent, decreasing to 27 percent for those aged 25 to 29.