International comparative review of student financing, overseas education, and preparatory education financing systems — Project Preparation Assistance: Enhancing Access to Tertiary Education through Student Loan Mechanis

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 student financing system in the Republic of Uzbekistan (benchmark countries may include Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Hungary, Chile, Colombia, and other relevant jurisdictions). 2. International Review of Financing Models for Overseas Higher Education with comparative review of international financing models (benchmark countries may include Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Hungary, Chile, Colombia, and other relevant jurisdictions) supporting overseas higher education to identify policy approaches, financing mechanisms, implementation arrangements, and institutional practices that facilitate access to international education while ensuring accountability, financial sustainability, and alignment with national human capital development priorities. 3. International review of financing models for preparatory education and skills development programmes to identify effective approaches for improving access to higher education, strengthening workforce skills, and promoting lifelong learning. 4. Comparative Analysis and Policy options for Uzbekistan through undertaking a comprehensive comparative analysis of the international practices reviewed under s 1–3 to identify policy options, institutional approaches, financing mechanisms, and implementation models that are applicable to the Republic of Uzbekistan. 5. Development of Policy recommendations and presentation of findings by development of evidence-based policy recommendations to support the future development of student financing policies in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The assignment shall be completed within 2 to 3 months from contract signing. Deliverables include: (i) Inception Report and Work Plan; (ii)International Comparative Review Report; (iii)Comparative Assessment and Policy Options Report; (iv)Final Report and Policy Recommendations; (v)Technical and Executive Presentations and (vi) Supporting Annexes. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Entity Type This assignment is open to legally registered consulting firms, research organizations, and audit firms. Individual consultants are not eligible to apply. Registration in Uzbekistan Firms duly registered in the Republic of Uzbekistan or with a registered local presence (branch, representative office, or subsidiary) are encouraged to confirm this in their EOI. Foreign firms without local registration may still apply but must demonstrate a credible plan for establishing local registration or a teaming arrangement with a locally registered entity prior to contract award, in accordance with the applicable legislation of Uzbekistan. MEF reserves the right to require evidence of local registration or a signed teaming agreement as a condition of contract award. World Bank Eligibility The firm must not appear on the World Bank's list of debarred firms and individuals. Firms from all countries, except those subject to restrictions under applicable World Bank policies, may apply. Conflict of Interest Firms that have been involved, directly or through affiliated entities, in the design, development, or implementation of any of the systems or programs whose results are to be verified under this assignment are not eligible to apply. Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed in the EOI. SHORTLISTING CRITERIA Given the nature of this assignment, both the firm's organizational experience and the qualifications of the proposed key personnel are material to the shortlisting decision. Verification assignments under PforR instruments are highly dependent on the specific knowledge and competence of individual experts, and a strong institutional profile does not compensate for insufficiently qualified key staff. For this reason, ELFFMD will assess team composition at the shortlisting stage on a pass/fail threshold basis, alongside the firm-level criteria. The full scored evaluation of key personnel will be conducted at the proposal stage in accordance with the RFP evaluation criteria. The shortlisting criteria are structured in two parts: Part A covers firm-level qualifications assessed on a scored basis; Part B covers key personnel assessed on a pass/fail threshold basis. Only firms satisfying all Part B thresholds will be placed on the shortlist, regardless of their Part A score. Part A: Firm-Level Qualifications (Scored) # Criteria Max Points Evidence Required A.1 At least 5 years of demonstrated experience providing consulting or research services in higher education, education financing, public finance, public policy, or public sector reform. 20 Company profile and list of relevant assignments, including client, scope, country, dates, and contract value; supported by references or contracts. A.2 Demonstrated experience in international comparative studies, benchmarking, policy analysis, or analytical research for governments, international financial institutions, or development partners. 30 Description of relevant assignments, methodology, scope, key outputs, client, and role of the firm; supported by reports/references. A.3 Demonstrated experience developing evidence-based policy recommendations, strategic reports, or reform proposals drawing on international good practices. 20 Samples or descriptions of relevant reports, policy papers, or reform proposals; client references where available. A.4 Experience in assignments financed by World Bank, ADB, EU, UN, OECD, or similar international organizations. 15 List of relevant assignments, identifying financing organization, client, scope, dates, and role; supported by contracts/references. A.5 Demonstrated capacity to prepare high-quality analytical reports and policy papers in English. 15 Samples of analytical reports/policy papers prepared in English and/or client references. Total — Part A 100 Part B: Key Personnel Threshold Assessment (Pass / Fail) Firms must submit brief CVs (maximum two pages each) for the proposed Team Leader and International Higher Education Policy Expert. These two positions are assessed on a pass/fail basis against the minimum thresholds below. A firm that does not meet all thresholds for both positions will not be shortlisted, regardless of its Part A score. CVs for the Student Financing and Public Finance Expert and Research and Comparative Policy Analysis Expert are not required at the EOI stage but will be required in full at the proposal stage. Position Minimum Threshold Pass / Fail Evidence B.1 — Team Leader / Higher Education Financing Expert Qualifications Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Public Policy, Higher Education, Public Administration, Finance, or related field. Pass / Fail Signed CV + degree certificate General experience Minimum 10 years of professional experience in higher education financing or education policy. Pass / Fail Signed CV Leadership & international experience Demonstrated experience leading international analytical studies or consulting assignments and working with governments and/or international organizations. Pass / Fail CV + contract / reference Language Fluency in English . Pass / Fail CV / self-declaration B.2 — International Higher Education Policy Expert Qualifications Master’s degree or higher in Higher Education, Education Policy, Public Policy, or related field. Pass / Fail Signed CV + degree certificate General experience Minimum 8 years of professional experience in higher education policy analysis. Pass / Fail Signed CV Comparative policy experience Demonstrated experience in international benchmarking, comparative studies , and analysis of higher education systems and reforms. Pass / Fail CV + contract / reference Language Fluency in English . Pass / Fail CV / self-declaration Note: The pass/fail thresholds above are minimum eligibility requirements for shortlisting purposes only. Firms that pass all thresholds will proceed to Part A scoring. The full scored evaluation of all four key personnel positions will be conducted at the proposal stage in accordance with the detailed criteria set out in the RFP. CONTENT OF THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Interested firms must submit their Expression of Interest in English. The EOI shall not exceed 30 pages, excluding CVs and supporting annexes, and must include the following: Cover letter on firm letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, confirming the firm's interest and eligibility. Firm profile: legal name, country of incorporation, registration number, year of establishment, and description of core business activities. Evidence of legal registration in Uzbekistan or a registered local presence, if applicable; or a statement of intent to establish registration or a teaming arrangement with a locally registered entity prior to contract award. Summary of relevant experience: a table listing at least two completed contracts of similar nature within the last seven years, with client name, assignment title, contract value, dates, and description of scope including DLR or RBF elements where applicable. Supporting documentation (completion certificates, client reference letters, or contract excerpts) is encouraged. CVs of the proposed Team Leader and International Higher Education Policy Expert, each not exceeding two pages, demonstrating compliance with the Part B thresholds in Section 7. CVs must be signed by the proposed expert. Declaration signed by an authorized representative confirming: (a) no conflict of interest as defined in Section 6.4; (b) the firm is not listed on the World Bank debarment list; and (c) the firm is not registered in any jurisdiction on the list of offshore zones under Uzbek law. CVs for the Student Financing and Public Finance Expert and Research and Comparative Policy Analysis Expert are not required at the EOI stage. All four key personnel CVs will be required in full at the proposal stage. SELECTION PROCESS AND BANK REVIEW ARRANGEMENTS This assignment is procured using the Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) method under the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. The estimated contract value of US$160,000 falls below the applicable prior review threshold; accordingly, this assignment is subject to World Bank post review only. MEF is responsible for conducting the selection process in accordance with the Procurement Regulations, and the World Bank may review procurement records at any time during post review supervision. The selection process will proceed as follows. ELFFMD will evaluate all EOIs received against the shortlisting criteria in Section 7. Firms that do not meet all Part B pass/fail thresholds will be excluded from further consideration. Among the remaining firms, ELFFMD will rank them against the Part A scored criteria and identify the firm with the best overall qualifications. The highest-ranked qualified firm will be invited to submit a combined technical and financial proposal and, if found satisfactory, to enter into contract negotiations. MEF reserves the right to approach the next-ranked firm if the first-ranked firm's proposal is found unsatisfactory or if negotiations are unsuccessful. MEF reserves the right to annul this selection process at any stage without incurring any obligation to applicants. SUBMISSION DETAILS Attention PCO Coordinator, Education Loan Financing Fund Management Department (ELFFMD) Organization Ministry of Economy and Finance, Republic of Uzbekistan Physical Address 1, Niyozbek yo'li Street, Yunusabad District, Tashkent 100017, Republic of Uzbekistan Telephone +998 97 447-86-11 Email gfppp181956@gmail.com Submission Deadline September 15, 2026, at 18:00 hours Tashkent time Submission Format Electronic submission by email (PDF, with signed cover letter scanned) or hand delivery in a sealed envelope marked with reference UZ-MEF-13-CS-CQS Language English EOIs received after the specified deadline will not be considered. MEF shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by firms in the preparation and submission of an Expression of Interest. This notice does not constitute a commitment by MEF to proceed with procurement or to contract any firm. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS This selection is governed by the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Seventh Edition, September 2023). The World Bank Anti-Corruption Guidelines applicable to Program-for-Results Financing (dated February 1, 2012, revised July 10, 2015) apply to all aspects of this process. Interested firms and their personnel are expected to observe the highest standards of ethics throughout.