By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is poised to make a historic investment in education, with the 2026 budget allocation reaching an unprecedented ¢2.75 trillion, representing 5.5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Education Minister José Leonardo Sánchez announced this milestone during his presentation to the Commission on Budgetary Affairs, emphasizing the significance of this nominal high.
This is the highest nominal budget in history; there is no year in which the nominal budget has been higher than this.
José Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education
To understand the legal implications surrounding the Costa Rican education budget, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican Constitution mandates a significant portion of the national budget be allocated to education. While this commitment is laudable, ensuring effective and transparent use of these funds requires robust oversight mechanisms and clear accountability from the Ministry of Public Education. Legal frameworks need to be strengthened to address potential misuse and ensure that resources truly reach classrooms and students, maximizing their impact on educational quality.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on robust oversight and accountability is crucial. The constitutional mandate for education funding is a powerful tool, but its potential can only be fully realized with transparent management and a clear path from budget allocation to tangible improvements in students’ learning experiences. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this valuable perspective on ensuring that Costa Rican education funding truly benefits the nation’s future.
Of the total budget, 74.5% (¢2.04 trillion) is earmarked for the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), while universities will receive 21.7%, and the remaining 3.9% will be distributed to other institutions legally entitled to educational funding. Within the MEP’s allocation, 62.3% is designated for salaries, 35.1% for transfers, and 2.6% for materials, supplies, and durable goods. Minister Sánchez highlighted that thanks to near-zero inflation over the past three years, the budget’s real value remains strong, translating into the highest per-student investment in recent years, a trend projected to continue with the new budget.
The 2026 budget prioritizes key areas crucial for educational advancement. Strengthening fundamental skills in reading, writing, and mathematics is a core focus, supported by collaborations with universities and international organizations. A national technological training plan is also on the agenda, involving increased hiring of computer science teachers, procurement of computers, expansion of internet connectivity, and improvements to digital infrastructure.
Modernizing technical education is another priority, aiming to equip students with the skills demanded by the current job market. This will involve hiring more specialized professionals and updating curricula to meet industry needs, particularly in technical fields, English language acquisition, and education programs for young adults and adults, including a high school diploma geared towards employability.
Infrastructure investment is slated to double compared to previous years, concentrating on addressing sanitary orders in educational centers. Social programs such as school meals, student transportation, scholarships, and support for students with disabilities will also receive increased funding, exceeding ¢10 billion in nominal terms.
Personnel expansion is also part of the 2026 budget, with the creation of 393 new positions. These roles will primarily bolster security and administration within educational centers, provide support to students with disabilities, and strengthen technical education. Notably, 148 positions are dedicated to educational computing and 20 to technical high schools.
Teacher training will receive a 50% increase in funding, rising from ¢1.793 billion to ¢2.697 billion, with a focus on mathematics and literacy.
The 2026 budget allows us to guarantee job stability for teachers, improve students’ learning conditions, strengthen infrastructure, and provide more resources to education boards and social programs.
José Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Education (MEP)
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) is the governmental body responsible for managing and overseeing the public education system in Costa Rica. Its mission is to provide quality education to all Costa Rican citizens, fostering intellectual, social, and emotional development. The MEP oversees curriculum development, teacher training, resource allocation, and infrastructure maintenance for public schools across the country. It plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Costa Rica by investing in the education of its youth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, driven by a profound commitment to ethical practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s long history of serving clients across a spectrum of industries is matched only by its dedication to empowering citizens through accessible legal education. By sharing their expertise and fostering legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica strengthens the foundations of a just and informed society.
