Distance learning, commonly known as EAD in Brazil, has undergone important changes in recent years.
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In addition to the rapid growth of online education, the sector has received new regulations for undergraduate programs, establishing more specific criteria for in person activities, synchronous classes, assessments, and course organization.
In this context, anyone planning to start an undergraduate degree through distance learning needs to keep up with the latest rules established by Brazil’s Ministry of Education. This is especially important because higher education regulations underwent significant changes in 2025. Decree No. 12,456, published on May 19, 2025, established new rules for the provision of distance education by higher education institutions.
Therefore, understanding these changes is essential for both students and educational institutions. In addition, knowing how the different formats work can help students choose an educational program that matches their professional goals and the current academic requirements.
What Is Distance Learning and Why Is It Still Growing?
Distance learning is an educational format that uses digital technologies to allow students to access classes, educational materials, activities, and assessments without having to attend a traditional classroom every day.
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Over the past few years, distance education has become an important alternative for people who need to balance their studies with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Therefore, flexibility remains one of the main characteristics of this educational model.
However, the growth of online education has also increased the need for quality standards. For this reason, the new regulations aim to organize course offerings more effectively and establish how institutions should structure their academic activities.
Furthermore, the new regulatory framework reinforces the idea that academic quality should be maintained regardless of the educational format chosen by students. Decree No. 12,456 establishes principles related to access, retention, and learning in higher education.
The Main Changes to Distance Education Regulations
One of the most important developments was the creation of a clearer distinction between in person, hybrid, and distance learning formats.
The new regulatory framework recognizes different ways of organizing higher education programs. As a result, educational institutions must adapt their academic structures to comply with the requirements established by the Ministry of Education.
This change is important because distance learning is no longer viewed simply as a system based exclusively on activities completed online. Depending on the program and its curriculum, different types of academic activities may require in person participation or real time interaction.
Consequently, students should carefully check how a program operates before enrolling.
The Growth of Hybrid Education
One of the most relevant developments is the growing importance of hybrid education. This format seeks to combine the flexibility provided by digital tools with opportunities for in person interaction.
In practice, this means that certain programs can use virtual learning environments for educational content, assignments, and part of the learning process, while other activities take place in person.
This combination can be an interesting alternative for students who appreciate the flexibility of online education but also value direct interaction with professors and classmates.
Furthermore, hybrid education can be particularly relevant for programs that require practical activities. In these cases, in person experiences can contribute to the development of skills that are difficult to acquire exclusively through digital content.
Programs That Face Restrictions on Distance Learning
Another important change involves undergraduate programs that cannot be offered entirely through distance learning.
Decree No. 12,456 established specific restrictions for certain programs, particularly those that require extensive practical activities, laboratories, or direct interaction. Among the programs affected are Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, and Psychology, which are subject to specific requirements regarding their educational format.
This change demonstrates an effort to align the teaching format with the characteristics of each profession.
After all, although digital tools are increasingly advanced, certain professional skills depend on practical experiences and direct contact with educational environments.
What Changes for Students Who Are Already Enrolled?
A common question among students is whether the new regulations can affect those who are already enrolled in a distance learning program.
In this situation, transition rules apply. MEC Ordinance No. 381, published in May 2025, established procedures for educational institutions to adapt to the new requirements.
According to the regulation, higher education institutions were given a transition period of up to two years to fully comply with the provisions of the new decree. The ordinance also established specific rules for programs that became subject to restrictions on distance learning.
Therefore, students who were already enrolled should not automatically assume that they will have to start their studies again or abandon their program. Educational institutions must follow the transition rules and inform students about any academic changes that may affect them.
The Importance of Physical Support Centers
Physical support centers have also become more important within the new organization of distance education.
These locations can provide student support, in person activities, assessments, and other academic experiences included in the program structure.
Consequently, choosing an educational institution now involves more than simply comparing tuition fees. Students should also evaluate the availability of support centers, the quality of student services, the facilities provided, and how in person activities are organized.
Furthermore, students should verify whether the support center is officially connected to the educational institution and the specific program they intend to study.
Technology and Innovation Continue to Transform Distance Learning
Despite the regulatory changes, technology continues to be one of the main forces transforming distance education.
Today, digital platforms allow students to access classes, educational materials, virtual libraries, discussion forums, assignments, and communication tools. In addition, artificial intelligence is beginning to influence different areas of education.
However, technology does not necessarily replace the role of teachers. On the contrary, when used appropriately, it can expand learning opportunities and create new forms of interaction.
Therefore, the future of distance education will likely depend increasingly on the combination of technology, pedagogical support, and practical learning experiences.
How to Choose a Distance Learning Program Today
Because of the new regulations, choosing an online undergraduate program requires greater attention.
First, students should verify whether the educational institution is officially accredited and whether the program is properly authorized. It is also important to understand the exact format of the degree, which activities must be completed in person, and where the available support centers are located.
In addition, students should examine the curriculum, program duration, educational resources, and student support services.
Another important point is understanding how assessments work. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete in person activities, attend examinations at specific locations, or participate in mandatory meetings.
Therefore, the more information students obtain before enrolling, the lower the chances of encountering unexpected difficulties later.
Distance Learning Remains an Important Option for the Future
Even with the new regulatory changes, distance education continues to play an important role in Brazilian higher education.
This format can expand access to education and benefit students who live far from major university centers. In addition, it provides greater flexibility for people who need to organize their studies around their daily routines.
On the other hand, the new regulations demonstrate that the expansion of distance education needs to be accompanied by quality standards.
In this sense, the updates may contribute to a more organized educational system, creating a better balance between flexibility, technology, interaction, and practical activities.
What Can We Expect From Distance Learning in the Coming Years?
The changes introduced in 2025 are still being implemented and adapted by educational institutions. The regulations established a transition period so that universities and colleges can adjust their programs to the new requirements.
Therefore, the coming years are likely to be characterized by curriculum adjustments, changes in the organization of academic activities, and greater attention to educational quality.
Furthermore, new technologies are likely to continue being incorporated into virtual learning environments. Artificial intelligence, interactive classes, virtual laboratories, and collaborative tools may expand the possibilities of digital education.
Nevertheless, the main objective should continue to be student learning.
Conclusion
Distance learning is entering a new phase in Brazil. Recent regulatory updates have introduced important changes to the organization of higher education programs and established new requirements for both educational institutions and students.
Decree No. 12,456, issued in 2025, represents one of the most important milestones in this transformation, while MEC Ordinance No. 381 established transition rules to help institutions adapt to the new framework.
Therefore, anyone interested in pursuing a distance learning degree should conduct careful research before choosing a program. Checking institutional accreditation, course format, in person requirements, and available academic support can make a significant difference in the educational experience.
Ultimately, distance education remains an important alternative for expanding access to higher education. However, the trend is for this model to become increasingly integrated with in person activities, educational technologies, and strategies focused on learning quality.
In this way, keeping up with the latest updates is not simply a matter of understanding new regulations. It is also a way to make more informed decisions and choose an educational program that aligns with current higher education requirements and the needs of the job market.
Information Source
Brazilian Ministry of Education, Decree No. 12,456, May 19, 2025, and MEC Ordinance No. 381, May 20, 2025.