The paper presents a counterpoint to Schwartzman’s document for the preparation of PNPG 2011-2020, and opens a debate on the profile of graduate studies (PG) in Brazil. It analyzes university autonomy, the creation of specific programs for strategic activities, the public financing of PG, and a possible deficiency of PG in Brazil with respect to quality and international cooperation. It advocates in favor of the maintenance of free public education in PG and of the Capes evaluation policy, and it points to redirecting training abroad. Also, it argues that the need for structural improvement at other levels of public education is especially important as a strategy for expanding access to PG programs and consequently for the development of the country.