Higher Education - Improving Access

The objective of the Project is to improve the quality and equity of the Borrower's Tertiary Education system through sub sector's response to society's needs for high quality human capital that will enhance Colombia's competitiveness in the global market. The project will make the Colombian tertiaryeducation system more responsive to demand, and promote greater equity and quality in the preparation of tertiary education graduates. It is expected that the project will accomplish the following:* Increase Equity by redesigning and expanding the student loan scheme to enable needy but qualified students to attend (i) undergraduate university education of good quality and relevance, and (ii) tertiary level technical and short cycle programs of high relevance for skill enhancement.* Improve Quality by establishing competitive grants to (i) improve Post-graduate programs in Colombia, and (ii) encourage talented young Colombians to pursue advanced degrees.* Support Coherence and Efficiency by (i) enhancing the legal and technical framework, (ii) consolidating and organizing the Quality Assurance System in a manner that promotes qualityenhancement and institutional commitment, and (iii) building capacity for strategic planning and management in the Ministry of Education and other governing bodies.