Brazilian study finds over half of student parents quit university courses

A survey coordinated by a Ministry of Education working group of 7,400 Brazilian university students with children shows that 54.4% of undergraduates and 36.4% of post‑graduates have had to suspend or abandon their studies to care for their offspring. Most respondents (86.5%) are mothers, with an average age of 33. The typical profile is a single, black student enrolled in a federal public university, earning up to one minimum wage and often living with three people.

More than half of these students report that their children have no right to free meals in university restaurants; only 7.1% of undergraduates and 2.9% of post‑graduates receive meals at no cost. Around one‑third do not know whether such rights exist. Family and friends provide the main support network (43.3%), while 32.9% cope alone. Very few can afford private childcare (5.9%); a small share rely on public services (7.5%) or NGOs (<1%). The researchers highlight the need for public policies to address financial vulnerability, food security and childcare assistance for student parents.