Afya (NASDAQ:AFYA) is a leading medical education and healthcare talent development company, primarily serving the Brazilian market. The firm operates a network of undergraduate medical schools, graduate programs, preparatory courses for medical residency exams and licensing, and continuing education offerings for healthcare professionals. Through its blended learning model, Afya combines in-person classroom instruction with proprietary digital content and virtual simulation tools to support students throughout their academic and professional journeys.
At the undergraduate level, Afya’s campuses deliver accredited medical degrees, emphasizing early patient contact and integrated clinical experiences. For postgraduate audiences, the company provides specialized courses in areas such as radiology, pathology, and nursing, along with robust test-prep services designed to help candidates succeed in highly competitive residency and board certification exams. Afya’s digital platform, including mobile applications and web-based modules, extends its reach to remote regions and accommodates varied learning styles.
Founded in 2013 by a team of medical educators and entrepreneurs, Afya grew rapidly through strategic acquisitions of established institutions and digital learning companies. The firm completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market in mid-2019, raising its profile among international investors. Since then, Afya has pursued further consolidation in Brazil’s fragmented education sector, integrating local medical schools and exam-prep providers to broaden its geographic footprint from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to emerging markets in the north and northeast regions.
Headquartered in São Paulo, Afya is led by an executive team with deep experience in both medical practice and academic administration. This leadership group focuses on curriculum innovation, technology-driven pedagogy and partnerships with hospitals and research centers. By aligning educational content with evolving healthcare needs, Afya seeks to address physician shortages and improve patient outcomes across Brazil’s public and private systems.
