Brazil

The CAPES evaluation system is summative and performance-based, directly impacting both the reputation and funding of graduate programs across the country. In addition to the quality label assigned to each assessed program (on the 3-7 scale ), the CAPES provides a limited amount of financial support to postgraduate programs. Those rated 6 or 7 receive slightly more funding than those rated below. Although this financial support is limited and is primarily designated for activities such as mobility, conference participation and publicat

Governance

The assessment of graduate programs in Brazil is managed by CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior), the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education, an intermediary organisation operating under the Ministry of Education. 

To carry out this evaluation, CAPES uses “Plataforma Sucupira“, a centralised platform designed to collect and analyse data related to postgraduate education in Brazil.

Participation in the evaluation is mandatory for all graduate programs. The results of postgraduate program evaluations conducted by CAPES are publicly available.

Operation of the exercise

For research, CAPES evaluation focuses on the assessment of scholarly outputs and societal interaction.

The CAPES evaluation system assesses graduate programs in Brazil based on Areas of Knowledge/Evaluation, grouping programs according to their disciplines. Therefore, the unit of assessment is the graduate program itself.

CAPES evaluates graduate programs in Brazil using an informed peer review approach. An evaluation is conducted by experts in the area, who assess programs based on a set of predefined indicators and metrics. The quality of publications is evaluated based on the journal in which the article is published. For decades, CAPES has used a specific ranking system for scientific journals called “Qualis”. Qualis classifies journals into 10 categories, ranging from A1 (top tier) to C (lowest tier). This ranking plays a crucial role in determining the final ratings of programs and courses.

Experts then apply a scoring system to assign a final rating for each program over a four-year cycle.Each area of knowledge has specific “evaluation forms” that outline the criteria and indicators used to assess graduate programs. These forms evaluate various aspects, including research outputs, program quality, and overall performance.

For the 2021–2024 evaluation cycle, graduate programs were assessed in three key areas: Program Content, Graduate Training, and Societal Impact. Scientific and research output indicators play a crucial role in determining the final score.

To explore the specific indicators used for each area, visit Plataforma Sucupira.

History, reviews and evaluations

In the past decade, CAPES has faced intense debate regarding its evaluation indicators and weightings, particularly its focus on scholarly output.

In response, CAPES introduced new evaluation criteria in the 2021–2024 assessment cycle, including a broader category titled Impact on Society (traditional indicators of scientific production are still in the ES). This shift aims to expand evaluation beyond scientific output to consider social, environmental, and economic impacts, aligning with frameworks such as the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF).

The Qualis journal ranking has been another central topic of discussion. CAPES is now formatting new criteria to rate the quality of publications; it is said to be based on the relative importance of articles in producing impact.

In addition, CAPES created a working group to propose equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies for graduate programs, included in the National Graduate Education Plan (2024–2028).

Last updated: May 2025 

Acknowledgement: Information provided by Sérgio Luiz Monteiro Salles Filho and Adriana Bin.