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The present study aimed at identifying supply and demand of university-level nursing programs in São Paulo, Brazil, during the 1980s. A questionnaire was sent to the 28 nursing programs (public and private) existing in São Paulo in 1991. The 24 institutions that responded to our survey provided information on: year when the program was established, year when program was officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture; year when entrance examinations began to be required for the nursing program; sources (public or private) of financial support received; and number of students accepted for each term (day or night) in 1980 and 1991. The data collected revealed that every year fewer students applied to nursing programs in São Paulo. In 1986, 34% of the vacancies remained unfilled; this was the lowest occupancy rate registered during the period studied. The situation outlined by our study suggests that in the medium and long run nursing work potential in Brazil could be compromised.