How final exams and university admission systems work in BRICS countries

All BRICS countries have their own models for assessing knowledge and mechanisms for admission to higher education institutions. Each system reflects the unique features of national education, the level of infrastructure and public expectations.

Brazil: the ENEM exam as an alternative to traditional entrance exams

The ENEM (Exame Nacional do Ensino Medio) exam is a key tool for admission to most universities in the country. It consists of 180 test questions in five subjects, including Portuguese, a foreign language, mathematics, humanities and natural sciences, as well as an essay.

Aleksandra Nazarova, an Expert at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, spoke to TV BRICS about the features of the test.

"ENEM is an optional standardised exam. Admission to Brazilian universities often requires an internal exam and a letter of motivation, and ENEM is an advantage when applying for a scholarship," she said.

Ekaterina Belozerova, Associate Professor at the Financial University, clarified that ENEM results are valid for two years.

"Some foreign universities, especially in Portugal, recognise them. Documents are submitted through the SISU electronic system, which is similar to the Russian portal," she explained to the international media network.

For adults, there is the ENCCEJA exam (Exame Nacional para Certificação de Competências de Jovens e Adultos / National Examination for the Certification of Youth and Adult Skills), which allows them to obtain a secondary education and then take the ENEM.

"There is also the EJA and PRONATEC system (EJA – Educação de Jovens e Adultos / Youth and Adult Education; PRONATEC – Programa Nacional de Acesso ao Ensino Técnico e Emprego / National Programme of Access to Technical Education and Employment – Ed.) – accelerated certification programmes for those who have not completed basic education," sociologist Marcelo Barboza Duarte told TV BRICS.

China: Gaokao – the exam that determines your fate

Gaokao (高考) is one of the most difficult exams in the world. It consists of compulsory subjects (Chinese, mathematics, English) and elective subjects. It is taken once a year and determines not only the possibility of admission to university but also the social status of the graduate.

Anastasia Simonova, Specialist of the Expert Council on Culture of the Youth Parliament Expert Counci at the State Duma of the Russian Federation, highlighted its features in a conversation with the international media network.

"If a graduate does poorly on the gaokao, the path to a Chinese university is closed to them. Society's attitude towards such a person is negative – without a degree from a prestigious university, it is difficult to find a job," she said.

Additional exams exist only for creative specialties. It is unlikely that adults will prepare for the Gaokao due to the lack of courses.

"Passing the exam can significantly affect a graduate's social status. Some universities, such as PKU (Peking University), also require an internal exam. Representatives of ethnic minorities are entitled to an additional day to take the exam in their native language," added Ekaterina Belozerova.

India: a multi-layered system with multiple exams

There is no single state exam in India. Instead, there is a set of entrance exams.

Meenu Bhatnagar, Professor at the Centre of Russian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, in an exclusive commentary for TV BRICS, said that in India, the Combined University Entrance Test (CUET) was recently introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for all Indian students seeking admission to universities and colleges funded by the federal and state governments at the bachelor's and master's levels.

"Earlier each University would either conduct the Entrance Test themselves or give admission based on 12 class grades," she added.

"JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is a difficult and prestigious test for admission to technical specialties, and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is mandatory for admission to medical fields. Both exams have age restrictions and a limited number of attempts. CUET gives a chance to those who have not passed the profile exams," stated Aleksandra Nazarova.

Adults in India can also apply through alternative programmes, but there are no uniform standards yet.

South Africa: NSC certificates and flexible alternatives

The main exam in South Africa is the NSC (National Senior Certificate). It can be taken in two ways – academic (for university admission) and technical (for vocational education). Compulsory subjects are native language, mathematics (or its applied version), and the subject "life orientation" – it includes the basics of health, career guidance, civic education, and skills for everyday life.

"The content of the exam in private schools is determined by independent examination boards, but the basic exam is mandatory for all. Admission criteria vary from university to university: some accept students based solely on NSC results, while others may require additional entrance exams – National Benchmark Tests, which assess academic readiness in key subjects," said Irina Filatova, Professor Emeritus at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in an interview with TV BRICS.

Ndivhuho Tshikovhi from Durban University of Technology added that after receiving their NSC, graduates can continue their education in three areas: bachelor's programmes, diploma or certificate courses.

"For adults, there is the Amended Senior Certificate option, which is an updated equivalent of a school certificate. There are also alternative routes, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (assessment of existing experience and knowledge) and preparatory Foundation Programs," he explained in an interview with the international media network.

UAE: flexibility of international systems

Toufik Belmamoun, Student Recruitment Director at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, explained that there is no equivalent to the Unified State Exam in the United Arab Emirates. Applicants submit diplomas from international programmes such as A-levels (Advanced Level), IB (International Baccalaureate), as well as Indian or American certificates. In addition, standardised computer testing EmSAT (Emirates Standardised Test) is conducted.

"The advantage is that different documents are accepted, and the results of language exams are valid for two years. Committees take into account motivation letters, portfolios, and academic grades. This reduces stress for applicants," he told TV BRICS.

Evening and weekend master's programmes, preparatory courses, and alternative forms of admission are also available, ranging from creative competitions to sporting achievements.

Similarities and differences

All systems strive to provide access to higher education. But, as Ekaterina Belozerova points out, "unlike Russia, where the Olympiad system allows admission without exams, most BRICS countries do not yet have such practices. However, competitions, internal tests, portfolios, and interviews are common."

Thus, there are different approaches to assessing knowledge and selecting students for universities in BRICS. Despite differences in the validity period of exams, the possibility of retaking them, or the availability of specialised tests, the goal is the same for all: to identify and support those who are ready for university education. Each of these approaches has its own logic, shaped by history, society, and educational traditions.

Photo: iStock