Quality assurance of Post-Graduate education: the case of CAPES, the Brazilian agency for support and evaluation of Graduate education

Abstract

CAPES Foundation, The Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education, was created in July 11th, 1951, some few years after the end of World War II, by the initiative of Anísio Teixeira, a pioneer Brazilian educator. At the same time, Alvaro Alberto, another open mind leader pioneer created CNPq, The Brazilian National Research Council. CAPES is linked to the Ministry of Education, and CNPq to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Since its creation, CAPES has been responsible for the evaluation and financial support of graduate courses at master and doctorate levels, covering the entire Brazilian graduate system including both public and private institutions. The evaluation procedures consist of critical analysis of annual reports of each course and their re-evaluation every third year. The systematic process includes the recognition and approval of new courses proposed by the universities and research centers.