University funding disputes emerge across Latin America

Public universities in several Latin American nations are facing significant budgetary challenges and legal disputes regarding funding for 2027.

In Argentina, National Deputy Andrea Freites is negotiating with various political blocs to increase university resources in the 2027 Budget. Rectors are requesting 11 trillion pesos, while the government has proposed 7.5 trillion pesos. Critics, including Germán Pinazo, rector of the Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento, argue that tax exemptions for large corporations could provide the necessary funds to support science and technology.

In Chile, Alejandra Mizala, Rector of the University of Chile, has warned that cuts to higher education and science funding risk the country's future development. She is advocating for the maintenance of the 2026 budget, adjusted for inflation, to protect research and professional training.

In Costa Rica, members of the National Liberation Party have filed a constitutional challenge against a budget cut of 8,048 million colones to the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES). The cut eliminates funds intended to repay debts owed to state universities from the 2020-2021 period.

In Peru, the Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga has been approved for 33 million soles to continue five infrastructure projects, though student representatives noted that laboratory equipment remains a critical unmet need.