What to Consider When Choosing an Online Postgraduate Program

Distance Postgraduate Studies!

Imagine balancing career, family, and advanced studies without having to move to another city or quit your job.

That's the promise of online postgraduate studies, but, like any investment of time and money, it requires smart choices.

In this guide, we explore What to consider when choosing an online postgraduate course. with solid arguments, real-world examples, and data that makes sense.

Continue reading and find out more!

Distance Learning Postgraduate Program: Summary of Topics Covered:

1. What is a Distance Learning Postgraduate Program and Why Has It Grown So Much?
2. How does a quality online postgraduate program's structure work?
3. What are the essential evaluation criteria before enrollment?
4. Why are MEC Accreditation and Recognition So Important?
5. What competitive advantages does this modality offer in the market?
6. How to Choose the Right Course for Your Professional Path?
7. What are the real costs involved and how to plan financially?
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Tables
9. Useful Links

See also: Most sought-after university courses in Brazil: market perspectives

What is a Distance Learning Postgraduate Program and Why Has It Grown So Much?

A distance learning postgraduate course, or EAD, is a specialization, MBA, or master's degree course offered primarily online, with occasional in-person meetings.

Unlike traditional education, thereforeThe student manages their own schedule, but needs extreme discipline.

Moreover, explosive growth is not a passing fad.

According to the 2023 Higher Education Census (INEP), Over 441% of postgraduate enrollments in Brazil are already online., surpassing in-person learning in some regions.

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This happens, firstly, because professionals between 30 and 45 years old seek career advancement without pausing their income.

On the other hand, the pandemic accelerated the digitalization of institutions.

Universities that were previously reluctant are now investing in studios, virtual libraries, and professors trained for online learning.

Like thisWhat was once an alternative has become mainstream, but not every course maintains the same standard.

How does a quality online postgraduate program's structure work?

Firstly, the course combines recorded video lessons, weekly live sessions, and discussion forums.

Tools like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle organize content, deadlines, and grades.

Next, assessments combine online tests with practical assignments.

For example, an MBA in Project Management might require a real plan for the company where you work — thereforeImmediate learning.

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Furthermore, tutors accompany classes of up to 40 students, correcting doubts within 24 hours.

A good course still offers webinars with industry guests, simulators and access to databases such as Scielo and EBSCO.

LogoThe experience ceases to be simply "watching a video" and becomes a professional immersion.

What are the essential evaluation criteria before enrollment?

Institutional Credibility

Research how long the higher education institution (HEI) has offered distance learning. Institutions with more than 10 years in this modality, like FGV OnlineThey tend to have mature processes.

Check for complaints on Reclame Aqui and reviews on e-MEC.

Faculty

Masters and PhDs with practical experience are worth more than titles. A professor who has managed R$ 50 million in projects is worth their weight in gold.

Like thisSearch for CVs on Lattes.

Technological Infrastructure

Test the platform beforehand. If it crashes on mobile or requires a 50 Mbps internet connection, run away.

FurthermoreAsk about class backups and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Why are MEC Accreditation and Recognition So Important?

Without recognition from the Ministry of Education, your diploma becomes just wallpaper.

ThereforeAccess the e-MEC website and confirm a minimum grade of 3 (out of 5). Courses with a grade of 4 or 5 receive a seal of excellence.

Furthermore, multinational companies filter resumes based on this criterion. A study by Catho (2024) revealed that 72% recruiters disregard diplomas from institutions without official accreditation..

For example, Ana, a financial analyst, completed a postgraduate degree in Controllership through distance learning at an unregistered college.

In that sense, three years later, he lost the promotion because HR required MEC validation. LogoCredibility is not a minor detail.

What competitive advantages does this modality offer in the market?

First, flexibility: study at 6 AM or 11 PM. Second, national networking — colleagues from North to South exchange valuable contacts.

Third, the cost is up to 60% lower than in-person.

In short, choosing online postgraduate studies is like piloting a drone instead of a commercial airliner.

In other words, you define your routes, avoid bureaucratic turbulence, and arrive at your destination with less fuel.

In this regard, Pedro, an engineer in the interior of Pará, completed an online MBA in Logistics while coordinating construction projects.

He applied his final project (TCC) within his own company, reduced costs by 18%, and was promoted to regional manager. Like thisThe course paid for itself in six months.

How to Choose the Right Course for Your Professional Path?

Alignment with Objectives

Looking to advance in your current company or change fields? A generic course won't cut it. ThereforeMap the skills required for the target position via LinkedIn.

Realistic Workload

Courses of 360 hours can be completed in 10 months; 600 hours require 18. Calculate 8-10 hours per week in addition to your work schedule. FurthermoreCheck if there are breaks between modules.

Active Methodology

Choose programs with real-world case studies, gamification, and mentorship. A good sign: the course publishes stories from students who have implemented projects.

What are the real costs involved and how to plan financially?

Monthly fees range from R$ 250 to R$ 1,800. But Some material fee (R$ 100-300), enhanced internet and, eventually, in-person center (R$ 150 per meeting).

Research by the Brazilian Association of Distance Education (2025) shows that 87% of the distance learning students pay for the course in installments of up to 24 months., avoiding debt.

In short, negotiate scholarships based on your performance on the online entrance exam — many grant 20-50% scholarships for scores above 80. LogoWhat seems expensive becomes a viable investment.

Distance Learning Postgraduate Programs: Frequently Asked Questions in Table

And you, are you willing to transform 10 hours a week into a career changer?

Useful Links:

1. e-MEC – Consultation of Institutions
2. Distance Education Census 2023 – INEP
3. Brazilian Association of Distance Education – Annual Report

Written by Andre Neri Updated on October 29, 2025