The regulation and funding of student assistance programs in Brazilian Federal Institu-tions of Education (IFEs)

Abstract

Objective: Reflect on student assistance in Brazil’s Federal Educational Institutions, with an emphasis on the National Student Assistance Program (PNAES), its guidelines, limitations, and implications within the context of Brazilian social policies. Literature review: The investigation adopts a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic review and documentary analysis of legislation, decrees, ordinances, and official budgetary data. The results show that, although PNAES represents a historical achievement of student movements, its implementation is marked by selectivity, targeting, and monetization, distancing it from a universal and structural public policy. Final considerations: It can be considered student assistance, implemented through the National Student Assistance Program (PNAES), does not overcome educational inequalities, acting instead as a palliative measure in response to expressions of the social question. There is an urgent need to reframe it as a rights-based public policy, connected to qualified student retention, integral education, and social justice.