Chile Advances Caregiver Support with ‘I Care, I Study’ Law and Chile Cuida System

Chile has recently enacted significant legislation aimed at supporting caregivers and ensuring academic continuity for students with family responsibilities. President Gabriel Boric Font has championed both the “I Care, I Study” law and the broader Chile Cuida system, marking a substantial step towards recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by student caregivers.

‘I Care, I Study’ Law: Supporting Student Caregivers

Promulgated on February 9, 2026, the “I Care, I Study” law (Law No. 21,790) officially recognizes and protects the rights of higher education students who are pregnant, new parents, or who have caregiving responsibilities. The law aims to promote co-responsibility and balance family obligations with academic pursuits. Published in the Official Gazette on January 19, 2026, the regulation establishes a legal framework to guarantee the continuation of studies for those responsible for children, individuals with disabilities, or those with dependencies. The initiative received unanimous approval in the National Congress and aligns with the government’s broader care commitments and progress towards more inclusive higher education with a focus on gender equality and sustainable human development.

Undersecretary of Higher Education, Víctor Orellana, emphasized that the law signals to students across Chile that they are not alone, and that educational opportunities should not be forfeited due to family responsibilities. “‘I Care, I Study’ puts at the center those who have historically had to choose between supporting their families or continuing their studies, and establishes clear rules so that institutions accompany these trajectories,” he stated.

Key Provisions of the ‘I Care, I Study’ Law

• Postponement or Suspension of Studies: Students can postpone or suspend their studies without incurring fees during the suspension period, and with maintenance of student benefits, without impacting graduation timelines.
• Justification of Absences: Absences for medical check-ups or illness of the person under care are justified.
• Academic Flexibility: Institutions must offer flexible academic arrangements, such as priority course registration, rescheduled evaluations, reduced attendance requirements, and tailored academic calendars.
• Childcare Support: The right to feed a child or person under care for up to two hours a day is guaranteed.
• Non-Discrimination: All forms of discrimination based on pregnancy, maternity, paternity, or caregiving responsibilities are prohibited in admissions, continuation of studies, graduation, or qualification.

Chile Cuida: A National System of Support

Complementing the “I Care, I Study” law, the Chile Cuida system represents a broader national effort to recognize and support caregivers. As of November 5, 2024, the first 13 companies had joined the Chile Cuida initiative [1]. The system aims to provide comprehensive support for those with caregiving responsibilities.

Implementation and Oversight

Higher education institutions are mandated to develop internal regulations outlining specific policies and actions to uphold the rights of student caregivers, ensuring the quality of academic training. The Superintendency of Higher Education will oversee compliance, treating violations as serious offenses.

Law No. 21,790 strengthens the General Education Law by explicitly incorporating paternity as a protected reason for academic support, aligning it with pregnancy and maternity. This advancement reinforces the principle of social and family co-responsibility in care, promoting a more equitable social structure and reducing historical barriers, particularly for women.

The enactment of both the “I Care, I Study” law and the Chile Cuida system signifies a commitment to supporting caregivers and fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape in Chile.