CALL FOR TENDERS: Study on the Ratification and Implementation of the Tokyo and Global Conventions on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in ASEAN
The study will provide a detailed overview of the current landscape of recognition practices in ASEAN, identify key challenges and opportunities, and assess the alignment of existing regional frameworks—such as the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF), ASEAN Quality Assurance Framework (AQAF), and ASEAN Credit Transfer System (ACTS)—with the core principles of the two conventions.
Drawing insights from Europe’s experience with the Lisbon Recognition Convention, the study will develop actionable recommendations at both national and regional levels. It will also highlight potential areas for enhanced EU–ASEAN cooperation, contributing to the broader objectives of capacity-building initiatives led by UNESCO across Asia-Pacific and globally.
Eligibility
This call for tenders is eligible for organisations or individual entities consists of ONE Lead Researcher and (optional) up to THREE junior experts / research assistants. For further details, please refer to the full Call for Tenders (CfT) document.
Indicative Timeline
| Indicative Timeline | Activity |
| 4th week, June–4th week, August 2025 | Call for tenders |
| 31 August 2025 | Proposal submission deadline |
| 2nd week, September 2025 | Proposal shortlisting |
| 4th week, September 2025 | Announcement of selection result and contract start date |
| October–November 2025 | Planning and preparation |
| December 2025–August 2026 | Data collection and analysis |
| September–November 2026 | Drafting and validation of findings |
| SCOPE-HE Policy Dialogue 2026 (dates TBC) | Present ongoing findings at SCOPE-HE Policy Dialogue |
| November 2026 | Submission of first draft of final report |
| December 2026–February 2027 | Editing and proofreading of report |
| February 2027 | Submission of final report |
| March 2027 | Publication and dissemination of report to key ASEAN and EU stakeholders in collaboration with SCOPE-HE team |
Anticipated budget: Up to 70.000 Euro
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply as a research team. The application should comprise CV of the Lead Researcher and research assistants and proposal (include research design and methodology, preliminary bibliography for literature review, proposed work plan and timeline and detailed cost breakdown). Please send your application (in one PDF) to scope-he@daad.de
The deadline for the submission of application is Sunday, 31 August 2025, 15.00PM (GMT+7)
Click HERE for further details.
