The Brazilian government has announced a significant rise in funding for basic education next year, with the Fund for the Maintenance and Development of Basic Education and the Valuing of Education Professionals (Fundeb) set to move R$370.3 billion in 2026. The interministerial ordinance published on 31 December by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance outlines estimates prepared by the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE).
Fundeb 2026 Brazil expected to deliver stronger federal support
The total represents an 8.54% increase in financing for public basic education compared with 2025, when Fundeb closed the year at R$341.1 billion. Of the projected 2026 revenue, R$301.1 billion will come from state, federal district and municipal contributions, while R$69.2 billion will be provided as federal complementations.
The federal complement for 2026 marks a 23.3% rise on the 2025 figure of R$56.1 billion, adding roughly R$13 billion in Union resources for basic education. Officials described the increase as the completion of the progressive rise in federal participation established by the Novo Fundeb legislation.
“This significant increase in resources directly affects the future of our children, young people and teachers. With greater funding in 2026, we will further improve our education,” said Education Minister Camilo Santana. Fernanda Pacobahyba, president of the FNDE, added that Fundeb remains a fundamental pillar for equity in public education, funding school infrastructure, learning materials and teacher pay.
How the 2026 Fundeb package is structured
The lawfully defined federal complement will reach 23% next year. That share is divided into three components: 10% for the annual value per student (VAAF), 10.5% for the total annual value per student (VAAT), and 2.5% for the student-year results complement (VAAR). The VAAR completion closes the cycle of progressive federal contribution increases set by the Novo Fundeb law.
By regulation, at least 70% of Fundeb resources must be allocated to remuneration for education professionals in active service, reinforcing policies to value teachers and staff. The remaining 30% may be used for maintenance and development of education, such as improvements to school infrastructure, equipment and pedagogical materials.
Operational details and coverage
Estimates for 2026 assume 39.3 million enrolments in the public basic education network. Compliance with conditions for receiving VAAR funds was met by 3,076 federative entities, signalling progress in adopting indicators for better management and educational outcomes.
Federal complementations will be disbursed in 13 monthly instalments from January 2026 to January 2027, following the schedule set out in the interministerial ordinance. The estimates will be revised every four months as required by Novo Fundeb legislation to keep allocations aligned with revenue projections during the fiscal year.
The increase in Fundeb resources is intended to strengthen equity and service quality across Brazil’s public education system, combining more federal participation with continued local contributions and renewed oversight on the application of funds.
Source: Ministry of Education; FNDE
Key Takeaways:
- Fundeb 2026 Brazil projects R$370.3bn in funding, an 8.54% rise from 2025.
- Federal complement increases 23.3% to R$69.2bn, completing the Novo Fundeb incremental contribution.
- At least 70% of funds must pay education professionals; 30% for school maintenance and materials.
- Estimates cover 39.3 million public school enrolments and will be updated every four months.
