UK government withdraws tender for higher education program for women and girls

The British government has withdrawn the tender for a higher education program aimed at increasing access for women and girls in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The scheme, called Strengthening higher education for female empowerment, carried a £45 million budget and was announced two years ago. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed the tender has been withdrawn.

Program background The program was designed to expand higher education access for one million students worldwide. Program documents stated that girls who receive higher education are up to six times less likely to marry as children. Women with advanced education levels also increase their earnings, according to the program description.

Related policy changes The Home Office has blocked new study visas for applicants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar, and Cameroon. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced earlier this year that it was cancelling the tender for a separate £150 million education program in South Sudan.

Educational work was also cut in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Girls' Education Department lost 51 percent of its funding.

Aid budget context The prime minister announced last year that the UK aid budget would be cut from 0.5 percent of gross national income to 0.3 percent in 2027. An FCDO spokesperson said the aid cuts were to fund an increase in defence spending. The spokesperson added that funding to tackle violence against women and girls is protected this year.