Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – Jerusalem Office has launched an Expression of Interest to conduct a national mapping and analytical study of PhD programmes in Palestinian higher education institutions. The project aims to improve the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of doctoral education in Palestine through data collection, institutional analysis, and strategic recommendations.
The study will assess programme quality, supervision systems, research outputs, employability, SDG alignment, inclusion, and labor market relevance while creating a centralized national database for PhD education.
About the Initiative
The project is part of the programme:
“Multidisciplinary Intervention in Support of Gender Equality Education in Palestine.”
The initiative supports the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education in developing an evidence-based strategy for strengthening doctoral education across Palestine.
Main Objectives
The study aims to:
- Map accredited and active PhD programmes in Palestine
- Assess programme quality and research performance
- Evaluate supervision systems and learning outcomes
- Analyze employability and labor market relevance
- Measure alignment with SDGs and national priorities
- Identify gaps, overlaps, and reform opportunities
- Improve inclusion, gender balance, and accessibility
Key Areas of Analysis
The assessment will cover:
- PhD curricula and programme quality
- Research productivity and outputs
- Faculty supervision systems
- Institutional performance indicators
- International partnerships and joint programmes
- Funding and collaboration opportunities
- Employability outcomes for graduates
- Participation of women and marginalized groups
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities
- Geographic distribution of programmes
Expected Outputs
The selected organization will deliver:
- A national analytical report
- A national map of PhD programmes
- A centralized and updatable database
- Key performance indicators
- Strategic recommendations for doctoral education
- A national vision for PhD development up to 2035
Budget
The contract has an indicative budget of:
- Up to EUR 20,000
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Companies
- NGOs
- Research centres
- Civil society organizations
- Profit and non-profit entities
Preference will be given to organizations with:
- Experience in Palestine or the Levant region within the last five years
How the Project Works
The selected entity will:
- Conduct a national survey of PhD programmes
- Collect quantitative and qualitative data
- Build a centralized database
- Analyze programme performance and impact
- Compare institutions and disciplines
- Develop strategic recommendations
Why This Initiative Matters
The project helps strengthen doctoral education in Palestine by:
- Supporting evidence-based education reform
- Improving research quality and relevance
- Enhancing employability outcomes
- Promoting inclusive and equitable education
- Encouraging international academic cooperation
- Aligning higher education with SDGs and national development goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak regional experience
- Incomplete technical proposals
- Limited understanding of Palestinian higher education
- Poor data collection methodologies
- Lack of inclusion and gender analysis
FAQ
What is the purpose of the study?
The study aims to evaluate and improve doctoral education in Palestine through national data collection and institutional analysis.
Who is funding the initiative?
The project is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – Jerusalem Office.
What is the budget for the contract?
The indicative budget is up to EUR 20,000.
Who can apply?
Companies, NGOs, research centres, and civil society organizations are eligible to apply.
What will the selected organization deliver?
The organization will produce a national report, database, programme mapping, and strategic recommendations.
Does the project focus on inclusion?
Yes. Gender balance, marginalized groups, and disability inclusion are important parts of the assessment.
Conclusion
The AICS Palestine PhD Programmes Mapping and Analytical Study is an important initiative aimed at improving doctoral education quality, research impact, and institutional planning in Palestine. Through national assessment, database development, and strategic recommendations, the project will help support long-term higher education reform and strengthen research capacity across Palestinian universities.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Cooperation in Development.