Transformation of General Education in BRICS Countries

The educational systems in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa exhibit both common features and significant differences driven by their unique socio-economic and historical characteristics. Despite the specific contexts of each of these countries, their educational systems have several shared features and universal approaches that allow them to be considered a part of the global educational space while also remaining a distinct entity. In this space, countries strive to achieve similar educational goals by using various approaches, which can be a subject for exchanging experience and best practices to enhance the quality and accessibility of education in all BRICS countries, considering their individual characteristics and development trajectories.

This report, prepared by the BRICS Expert Council – Russia with the Support of the Institute of Education, HSE University, focuses on the general education systems of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as these founding BRICS members represent diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts, providing a robust foundation for analyzing educational transformations within the alliance. The analysis is limited to these five countries to ensure an in-depth exploration of their well-established systems while acknowledging the broader BRICS membership.