Higher Education Institutions from 22 DFID bilateral focus countries* will be eligible to apply. A broad definition of Higher Education Institutions has been adopted; it includes universities, colleges, research institutes and medical institutions.

Partnerships may be formed not only with institutions in the UK but also with any HEI from across the globe providing that the lead partner is a HEI from one of the focus countries. All partnerships must involve at least two countries though they do not need to include the UK. Projects between other focus and non-focus countries in the global south are particularly encouraged.

The onus is with the lead partner in one of the focus countries to work with whom and how they wish. The team within the lead HEI should jointly write the proposal with appropriate partners on the basis of local need. Partners must ensure that the initiative is locally owned and driven by development needs of the focus country or countries.

DFIDs 22 bilateral focus countries*:
Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam and Yemen.