International comparative review of student financing, overseas education, and preparatory education financing systems

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

ASSIGNMENT PARTICULARS

Country Republic of Uzbekistan

Client / Borrower Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)

Implementing Agency Education Loan Financing Fund Management Department (ELFFMD) within MEF

Program

EduImkon: Redesigning Opportunity, Delivering Education Equity Program

Grant Number Grant . TF0C8875

Assignment Title International comparative review of student financing, overseas education, and preparatory education financing systems

Selection Method Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) — World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers

Assignment Duration 2-3 months from the date of contract signing

REOI Reference UZ-MEF-13-CS-CQS

EOI Submission Deadline

September 15, 2026, at 18: 00 hours Tashkent time

BACKGROUND

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan is implementing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality higher education and improving the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of student financing mechanisms. In recent years, increasing numbers of Uzbek citizens have enrolled in internationally recognized higher education institutions. At the same time, the Government seeks to strengthen human capital development by supporting talented students pursuing studies abroad in areas of strategic importance for the country's socio-economic development. As Uzbekistan continues expanding access to higher education and international education opportunities, demand for preparatory education has increased significantly. Foundation programmes, International foundation years, University foundation programmes, Pathway programmes, Bridging courses, Foreign language programmes, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Academic preparation programmes, Micro-credentials, Short Professional Courses, Upskilling and Reskilling Programmes, and other non-degree education and skills development programmes have become important entry routes into higher education both domestically and internationally. While various financing mechanisms exist internationally to support overseas education, including government-backed student loans, income-contingent repayment systems, scholarship-loan combinations, and direct tuition payment arrangements, there has not yet been a comprehensive assessment of international experience that could inform future policy development in Uzbekistan. However, financing mechanisms for these programmes vary considerably across countries and have not yet been systematically reviewed for possible application in Uzbekistan. DISBURSEMENT-LINKED RESULTS IN SCOPE

DLI DLR Description and Formula Disbursement Value

DLI 1 Inception Report and Work Plan An inception report outlining Report shall present the Consultant's understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, implementation schedule, international benchmarking framework, proposed countries for comparative analysis, data collection approach, consultation plan, quality assurance arrangements, and report outlines. 10%

DLI 2 International Comparative Review Report The report shall include comparative analysis of governance arrangements, financing mechanisms, eligibility frameworks, implementation approaches, institutional practices, financial sustainability considerations, and good international practices. 15%

DLI 3 Comparative Assessment and Policy Options Report A comparative assessment synthesizing findings from the international review and evaluating the applicability of international practices to the Uzbekistan context. The report include: Comparative analysis of international financing models; Assessment of policy relevance and applicability; Identification of international good practices; Alternative policy options for Uzbekistan; Comparative tables and analytical matrices. 50%

DLI 4 Final Report and Policy Recommendations A report summarizing A consolidated Final Report integrating all analytical findings, comparative assessments, and evidence-based policy recommendations, including: Executive Summary; Key findings; Comparative conclusions; Policy recommendations; Institutional recommendations; Financing policy options; Supporting annexes. 10%

DLI 5 Technical and Executive Presentations Technical Presentation - PowerPoint presentation (up to 30 slides) summarizing the methodology, international benchmarking, comparative assessment, analytical findings, policy options, recommendations, and supporting evidence for technical stakeholders. Executive Presentation - a PowerPoint presentation (up to 10 slides) summarizing the Executive Summary, strategic findings, policy implications, priority recommendations, and key messages for senior government officials, the World Bank, and development partners. 15%

Total 100 %

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The objective is to engage a qualified consulting firm to serve as to conduct a comprehensive international comparative review of student financing systems and education financing models to identify international good practices, implementation approaches, and policy options that may support the future development of an integrated student financing framework in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The assignment shall cover financing mechanisms supporting higher education, overseas education, preparatory education, and skills development programmes, with particular attention to their governance arrangements, financing models, eligibility frameworks, implementation mechanisms, financial sustainability, and applicability to the context of Uzbekistan. SERVICES REQUIRED

The selected firm will be required to perform the following main tasks, as detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) to be provided to the shortlisted firm: 1. International comparative review of student financing systems and good practices for Uzbekistan to identify international good practices, governance arrangements, financing models, and implementation approaches that may support the future development of a sustainable, equitable, and efficient