Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the Prouni - University for All policy, which has been implemented in Brazil in an effort to increase access of the underprivileged to postsecondary education. In order to provide a better understanding of the problem, three points of interest are initially addressed: income inequality, illiteracy, and a brief review of the history of higher education in Brazil. The paper then mentions a few policies that were implemented in the 1990s, aiming to increase the number of institutions of higher education, and addresses the implementation of the Prouni program. Next, it presents three competing views on the policy at issue regarding investments in the private sector, quality in education, and student retention. Finally, it concludes by giving a few recommendations for improving access to education in the country.

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