Brazil – UniSALESIANO Among Only Six Medical Programs in Brazil Rated Top Score by Ministry of Education

16 April 2025

(ANS – Brasília) – The Salesian university “UniSALESIANO,” based in Araçatuba, Brazil, has achieved an extraordinary milestone: its Medical program is among only six in the entire country to receive the highest score (5) in the Preliminary Course Concept (CPC), the official evaluation tool of the Ministry of Education (MEC).

Out of 305 medical courses assessed in 2023—the most recent round of evaluations in the healthcare field—UniSALESIANO stood out with an exceptional performance, falling just 0.6 points short of the top score nationwide.

This historic achievement, which came from the program’s very first evaluation, was announced on Friday, April 11, 2025, by the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research “Anísio Teixeira” (INEP), the body responsible for higher education assessments in Brazil.

The result reaffirms UniSALESIANO’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical and human-centered education, and innovative teaching practices. The CPC is the primary quality indicator for higher education in Brazil, taking into account various factors such as student performance on the National Student Performance Exam (ENADE), the Difference Indicator between Expected and Observed Performance (IDD), degrees awarded (bachelor’s and doctoral), faculty employment structure, and student feedback on infrastructure and pedagogical design.

A National Benchmark Among Private Institutions

UniSALESIANO’s achievement is even more significant when compared with other private institutions. Among the 196 private medical programs evaluated, 28% ranked in the lowest performance tiers. UniSALESIANO not only earned the highest score in the private sector but also secured a top spot in the national ranking—demonstrating that its quality and dedication are recognized across Brazil.

Though the medical program is relatively young—it launched in 2018—it was founded on a strong pedagogical vision, cutting-edge infrastructure, a highly qualified teaching staff, and a mission to train doctors who blend technical knowledge with empathy and social responsibility.

“This result is the fruit of hard work, dedication, and investment. The MEC’s top rating is a symbol of who we are and what we strive to continue being: a national reference in medical education,” said Prof. André Ornellas, UniSALESIANO’s Vice-Rector for Teaching, Research, and Postgraduate Studies. “We want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey—our entire academic community. This is a collective achievement.

For UniSALESIANO’s Rector, Fr. Paulo Fernando Vendrame, SDB, being among the highest-ranked in the country is more than recognition: “It confirms that UniSALESIANO is transforming lives, forming professionals prepared to face major healthcare challenges, and making a meaningful contribution to building a better Brazil.

Monique Bueno

Source: Salesian Bulletin of Brazil

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