Afya Limited operates within the consumer discretionary sector, classified in the diversified consumer services industry, with activities focused on medical education and technology-based solutions for the training and professional development of healthcare practitioners.
Founded in 2019 in Brazil, the company emerged from the combination of multiple educational groups specializing in medical training, establishing itself as one of the leading players in the country’s specialized education segment.
Its creation was driven by rising demand for undergraduate and graduate medical programs in Brazil, supported by the expansion of the healthcare sector and the need for qualified professionals, particularly in non-metropolitan regions. This movement sought to integrate in-person education, digital learning and technological tools designed to support medical practice.
Afya Limited’s portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate medical programs, digital educational solutions, adaptive learning platforms, medical-practice applications and technology tools that assist physicians throughout their careers. The company operates an integrated model that combines in-person instruction, digital platforms and continuous support solutions for medical professionals.
Operations are predominantly domestic, concentrated in Brazil, where the organization maintains higher-education institutions, regional offices and digital platforms focused on the local market. The company does not maintain material international operations, although its shares are listed in the United States.
Key market drivers include growing demand for medical education, the expansion of degree offerings in regions with shortages of healthcare professionals and the increasing digitalization of higher education, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Competition includes traditional higher-education institutions as well as digital platforms dedicated to medical training.
Its operational structure comprises approximately 3,400 employees distributed across academic units, administrative centers and teams responsible for the development and maintenance of digital platforms. The company does not operate retail locations or manufacturing facilities; instead, it manages its educational institutions and technology solutions directly, emphasizing integration between in-person and digital instruction.
Afya Limited’s shares are traded exclusively on the Nasdaq under the ticker AFYA.
History and Foundation
Founded in 2019 in Brazil, Afya Limited originated from the merger of educational groups already active in the medical-training segment. The company was created to consolidate an integrated medical-education platform that combined in-person undergraduate and graduate programs with digital solutions supporting ongoing medical practice.
In its early years, Afya focused on operational integration and expansion of its student base through the acquisition of new educational institutions and the strengthening of its digital platforms. In 2019, the company executed its initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq, raising capital to expand operations and develop new technology solutions for medical education.
Historical milestones include the acquisition of medical schools across various regions of Brazil—particularly in smaller cities—expanding geographic coverage and increasing student enrollment.
Another key milestone was the launch of digital platforms and applications for medical practice, which diversified the company’s portfolio and reinforced its presence throughout the professional journey of practicing physicians.
Between 2020 and 2024, Afya continued its strategy of expansion through acquisitions and technological innovation, strengthening its national footprint and enhancing its digital-solution offerings.
During this period, the company also faced the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the digitalization of education and required operational adjustments to maintain academic continuity.
Shareholding structure remained stable, with strong participation from institutional investors. By the end of 2024, Afya Limited continued to be one of Brazil’s leading medical-education platforms, combining in-person and digital instruction in an integrated model aligned with the needs of the healthcare market.
Additional Information
The Company Afya Limited (United States), is listed on Nasdaq with a market cap of $ 1.35 Billion, having an equity of $ 892.52 Millions.
With a total of 3.444 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Consumer Discretionary Products and categorized in industry of Diversified Consumer Services.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 640.69 Millions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 128.33 Millions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 10.55, a P/BV ratio of 1.52 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of AFYA was at 1.56%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker AFYA.