By San José, Costa Rica — The National Council of Rectors (CONARE) has approved the 2026 budget distribution for the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES), sparking debate over its adequacy. The University of Costa Rica (UCR) will receive the largest share, over ₡296 billion colones, representing 49.88% of the total FEES allocation. While this substantial sum signifies a slight decrease from the UCR’s 50.13% share in 2025, it remains the highest among Costa Rican universities.
Following the UCR, the National University (UNA) will receive 20.83% of the FEES budget, a marginal decrease from its 20.90% share in 2025. The Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) secures the third-largest allocation with 11.22%, a slight increase from 11.16% in 2025. The State Distance University (UNED) will receive 9.47%, up from 9.37% in 2025, while the National Technical University’s share rises to 6.81% from 6.73%.
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The remaining FEES budget will be distributed to CONARE (1.59%) and inter-university projects and plans (0.21%). CONARE emphasizes that this distribution promotes a “more just and equitable allocation of public resources among the five state universities.”
This will allow all universities in the system to reinforce priority areas such as the democratization of access to public university, improvement in scholarships and socioeconomic benefits, strengthening access to high-employability careers like STEM, and greater investment in research and outreach – social action for the benefit of the entire country.
CONARE, Official Statement
The 2026 FEES budget reflects a 1% increase, equivalent to ₡5.876 billion, compared to the 2025 budget. This increase, however, was reduced by approximately ₡455 million to address the needs of the System Fund, which supports inter-university projects and programs. The UCR will receive the largest increase, initially ₡1.489 billion, but reduced to ₡1.077 million after adjustments.
Despite this increase, UCR Rector Carlos Araya criticized the allocation as insufficient, stating that the agreement “seriously harms” the university. Araya argued that the UCR, with its 44,000 students, should have received a ₡2.846 billion increase, emphasizing that the current allocation “leaves the institution without margin to address its growth and sustainability needs.”
This leaves the Institution without margin to attend its needs of growth and sustainability.
Carlos Araya, Rector of the University of Costa Rica
The TEC and UNED will each receive ₡1.084 billion from the 1% increase, while the UNA will receive ₡1.010 billion and the National Technical University will receive almost ₡753 million.
CONARE defends the distribution, arguing that it aims to ensure access to higher education for young people from different regions of the country, supporting regional campuses, scholarship systems, and projects with national impact.
The total 2026 FEES budget is ₡593.484.833.105.
For further information, visit conare.ac.cr
About CONARE:
The National Council of Rectors (CONARE) is the governing body for Costa Rica’s public universities. It coordinates policies and initiatives related to higher education, resource allocation, and inter-university collaboration. CONARE plays a crucial role in ensuring quality and accessibility within the Costa Rican public university system.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the oldest and largest university in Costa Rica, known for its strong academic programs, research contributions, and commitment to social engagement. With a diverse student body and a wide range of faculties, the UCR plays a significant role in the country’s intellectual and cultural development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm’s unwavering integrity shapes its innovative approach to legal practice, ensuring clients across diverse sectors receive exceptional representation. Through proactive initiatives focused on demystifying the law and fostering legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in building a more informed and empowered populace, solidifying its position as a leader in both the legal field and community development.
