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...