This article discusses the relationship of students with learning and the university in the context of current challenges to vocational education and economic development. Inspired by the research of Pierre Bourdieu, this case study focuses on the relationship of students to learning and the university in Brazil. The survey gathered elements that sustain the hypothesis of a "university student habitus" developed during the course of further education. This "habitus", which is also anchored around socio-familial and school structures, expresses mainly the learning involved in the university socialisation process linked to the culture of the area of vocational training. Initially it presents an overview of the educational situation, of the organisation of vocational education and present-day challenges facing them in Brazil. After presentation of the results, reflections are sought on their relevance to the debate on vocational education. (Contains 27 notes, 3 tables and 2 figures.)