Brazil Enacts New National Education Plan to Boost Student Retention and Equity

On April 14, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Brazil’s new National Education Plan into law, establishing the country’s educational priorities for the next decade. This legislative milestone follows years of advocacy and research by civil society groups aimed at creating a more equitable school system. The plan serves as a comprehensive framework to guide policy and resource allocation across all levels of Brazilian education through 2036. A central goal of the new law is to increase national education investment from 7 percent to 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product. While a similar target was set in previous plans, officials emphasize that this iteration includes stronger mechanisms for implementation and financial accountability. Supporters believe this sustained funding is essential to ensure that every student has access to quality education and the necessary support to complete their studies. Recent data indicates that Brazil has already made significant progress in improving student outcomes. Between 2022 and 2025, the high school dropout rate fell by 28 percent, a trend attributed to new public policies focused on student retention. Manuel Palacios, the president of the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research, noted that these improvements reflect a concerted effort to enhance the conditions of basic education. Financial incentives have played a major role in this recovery, particularly through programs that reward students for regular attendance and academic advancement. These initiatives are designed to keep young people engaged in the classroom and reduce the number of students who fall behind or leave school early. By providing direct support to families, the government aims to remove economic barriers that often prevent students from finishing their basic education. Another key component of the reform is the expansion of full-time education, where students remain at school for at least seven hours a day. This model has seen rapid growth, with more than 1.8 million new enrollments recorded between 2021 and 2025. For the first time, this system has met the national target of enrolling one in every four students in full-time programs, providing them with more time for learning and development. In higher education, the government is prioritizing inclusion and equity to boost completion rates among marginalized groups. The new plan sets a target to raise the gross enrollment rate for students aged 18 to 24 to 50 percent by 2027, up from the current 43.4 percent. To achieve this, the state is strengthening existing quota systems and scholarship programs like the University for All Program. Beyond access, the plan introduces new measures to support student success through financial aid, housing, and health services. These policies are intended to address the essential needs of students, making it easier for them to remain in university and complete their degrees. Each initiative is paired with specific performance indicators to allow the government to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. Sustainability has also become a core focus of the national education agenda. In September 2025, the 27th National Higher Education Forum in São Paulo brought together 1,400 participants to discuss how institutions can lead environmental transformation. Government officials, including Minister of State for the Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva and Minister of State for Education Camilo Santana, emphasized the role of universities in fostering sustainable development. Brazil is also aligning its schools with international standards for environmental education. As of April 2026, numerous Brazilian institutions have joined the global movement to adopt green school quality standards. These schools are integrating sustainability into their curricula and training educators to address climate change, reflecting a broader shift toward holistic and interconnected educational policies. Despite these advancements, experts acknowledge that challenges remain in the vocational and technical sectors. While enrollment in these programs has increased, access remains concentrated in certain regions, and the system must continue to adapt to the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies. The government intends to address these gaps by restructuring curricula and ensuring that vocational training remains relevant to the modern economy. Looking ahead, the success of the 2026-2036 plan will depend on the consistent application of these new policies. By focusing on both structural reforms and pedagogical improvements, Brazil aims to build a more resilient and inclusive education system. The coming years will serve as a test of the country's ability to maintain this momentum and meet its ambitious goals for the next generation of students.