Students from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) began marching on Friday along public streets in San Pedro canton in San José, protesting the Rodrigo Chaves-Robles administration over its refusal to increase the public universities' budget.

The budget, known as the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES), including the UCR, National University of Costa Rica (UNA), Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC), National Distance Education University (UNED) and National Technical University (UT), is at the center of the dispute.

The protest follows student opposition to the government’s proposal to keep the FEES at a 0% increase through 2027. Last year, the combined budget for public universities reached about $1.3 billion.

According to the Students Federation of the University of Costa Rica (FEUCR), hundreds of students began marching at 9 a.m., covering about two kilometers from UCR facilities to the Hispanidad fountain in San Pedro. The demonstration is expected to end at 5 p.m.

Traffic police urged drivers to avoid the students' march area while protesters remain on the streets. Officers will be stationed at key points along the route to redirect traffic.

As part of the protests, students at UCR occupied the rector’s office building on Wednesday, citing stalled negotiations over the FEES. The occupation involved forced entry, broken windows and demonstrations against Rector Carlos Araya-Leandro. Protesters called for his resignation, arguing he has failed to secure a budget increase through negotiations with the government.

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