Costa Rican public university funding concerns

The National Council of Rectors (CONARE) has raised concerns regarding Bill 25.797, a proposed tax reform presented by the Ministry of Finance. CONARE warns that the legislation, which aims to reform the tax benefits regime, could eliminate exemptions for public institutions. This change might increase operating costs for public universities, potentially forcing them to divert funds from teaching, research, and social action.

CONARE has called for a review of specific articles in the bill, citing the Political Constitution, which protects the special fund for State Higher Education from having its revenues abolished or diminished without simultaneous improvements.

Separately, regarding the distribution of the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES), Costa Rican public universities have decided to maintain the current allocation model for 2027. During a Conare Ampliado session, it was determined that existing percentages will remain unchanged to avoid disrupting budget submissions to the Comptroller General of the Republic. Under this model, the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) and the Universidad Nacional (UNA) continue to receive the majority of the fund, accounting for 70.71% of the total.