# Student protests and educational reforms in Portugal and Bra > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/student-protests-and-educational-reform-movements-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-10-30T12:54:51.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. In late October 2026, student-led demonstrations emerged in Brazil and Portugal regarding higher education funding and systemic reforms. In Brazil, students at the Federal Fluminense University in Niterói protested following election results, citing fears that changes in administrative oversight might lead to budget cuts for infrastructure and student aid. In Portugal, protests focused on both financial and structural issues. In Coimbra, students marched against government proposals to increase tuition fees while demanding improved social support, housing, and grants. In Sintra, non-teaching staff protested for more specialized personnel to support students with specific educational needs. Concurrently, the Voz aos Estudantes movement in Portugal has gained momentum, collecting approximately 5,000 signatures to demand the abolition of national exams. Movement leader João Baldaia argues that these exams perpetuate social inequality. The group cites Ministry of Education data suggesting that top academic rankings are dominated by private resources, noting that over 80 percent of top marks in 2025 were awarded to students without School Social Support (ASE). ## Timeline ### 2026-10-30: Portuguese student movement demands end to national exams The Voz aos Estudantes movement has gathered 5,000 signatures calling for the end of national exams in Portugal, citing systemic social inequality and unfair advantages for wealthier students. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portuguese-student-movement-calls-for-end-to-national-exams ### 2026-10-28: Students in Brazil and Portugal hold protests over education and funding Students and staff in Brazil and Portugal are protesting against potential education funding cuts, rising tuition fees, and critical shortages of specialized personnel in schools. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coimbra-students-protest-against-proposed-tuition-fee-increases --- Cite as: Student protests and educational reforms in Portugal and Bra. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/student-protests-and-educational-reform-movements-in-brazil