Only 12% of young people want to study Engineering; 49% prefer the Humanities

A survey by the Center for Business-School Integration ( CIEE ) revealed that engineering programs are no longer among the most sought-after programs. The study, conducted in partnership with the Locomotiva Institute, showed a decline in young people's interest in pursuing a career in the field, with 12% of the students interviewed responding to an interest in studying engineering (considering all fields).

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This percentage equates to approximately 2.3 million young people in Brazil, according to estimates based on the 2024 PNAD (National Institute of Geography and Statistics) survey by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). More than a third of respondents said they felt insecure about subjects involving mathematics. A total of 1,150 high school students participated in the survey.

The survey also reveals that 79% of students believe that shortcomings in basic education discourage them from starting or continuing their undergraduate studies. Among those considering engineering, financial difficulties and an interest in other fields appear as the main reasons for dropping out. The exact sciences field, overall, was chosen by 28% of students.

Data from the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) indicate that Brazil is facing a crisis in the training of these professionals, with an estimated deficit of 75,000 engineers.

49% of respondents said they preferred the Humanities, of which 53% were women and 45% were men. Another 23% cited Biological Sciences as their priority.

• Exact Sciences lose ground to Humanities in preference for higher education courses
• 49% prefer Humanities subjects, compared to 28% who opt for Exact Sciences .
• The average level of confidence with math is only 5.2 (on a scale of 0 to 10)

According to the study, 22% of those who said they rejected the field cited difficulties with mathematics as the main reason. Among those interested in studying Engineering, only 16% feel "very confident" with calculations. Eight in ten students consider Engineering courses expensive, a factor that can lead to dropping out. 23% of those interested in the course cite financial difficulties as the main reason for dropping out.