This paper is based on a presentation by Professor Claudio de Moura Castro on Brazilian higher education at a CDE Roundtable: ‘Reflecting on Brazil’s Success’. Professor de Moura Castro was part of a Brazilian delegation of experts brought to CDE for a series of workshops. (See CDE, Reflecting on Brazil’s Success: How Durable? What Lessons for South Africa? CDE Roundtable, No. 20, September, 2012)