Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Global Policy Fellows Program?
Managed by IHEP, the Program provides opportunities to exceptional professionals worldwide who are motivated to improve higher education policies in their home countries that ultimately bring about positive economic and social development around the world.

What are the dates of the program?
GPFP began its inaugural program in early 2007. It will run through late 2009.

What is the program’s principal goal?
GPFP strives to enable a diverse group of men and women from many parts of the world, who would otherwise lack opportunities, to impact higher education policies that address access for historically disadvantaged populations. GPFP Fellows learn from others who have the experience and knowledge to pursue positive change that influences national policies. The following areas of interest may be evaluated during the program:

admissions and testing;
science and technology;
higher education finance;
infrastructure and capacity;
privatization; and
higher education preparation.

What has been the involvement of IHEP and international higher education policy?
The Institute for Higher Education Policy is dedicated to advancing access and success in postsecondary education around the world through unique research and innovative programs that inform key decision makers who shape public policy and support economic and social development. It manages a growing global portfolio, working to further educational opportunity and access primarily in nations in transition, such as in southern Africa and the former Soviet Union. Additionally, IHEP advises governments and institutions in several nations on the impact of increased educational opportunities on economic, social, and cultural development.

In September 2006, the organization established the Global Center on Private Financing of Higher Education to address the growing role of private financing as an option for access to postsecondary education across the world. The center serves as a central repository of comprehensive data and trend analysis of private sector funding, which includes private loans, scholarships and other philanthropic aid, bond issues, and public and private partnerships.

Why is there a compelling need for this program?
As a key tool in international economic competitiveness, the expansion of higher education is a priority in many nations around the world. Despite their commitment to higher education, however, many countries have yet to fully develop the expertise and capacity necessary to conduct the in-depth research and analysis that is required for the development of constructive higher education policies—an issue even in nations that are economically advanced.

One result of gaps in policy expertise can be a country’s general failure to produce skills that reflect cross-national understanding and knowledge. That in turn can limit capacity to analyze and implement policies that improve opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.

If a nation intends to grow and compete successfully in a global context, it must harness the potential of all populations in society. To prosper and excel, a country needs the skills and knowledge not just of its more advantaged citizens, but also of populations that historically have been disadvantaged—women, for example, and minorities, residents of rural areas, and those with low incomes.

Higher education can help close the gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged, and many countries have implemented government programs and policies to address that problem. Still, there remains a troubling disconnect in access to higher education between the disadvantaged and their more affluent counterparts.

A stronger capacity for policy development could help nations become more competitive, in part by leading to ways to draw more effectively on the abilities of historically disadvantaged populations, and by paving the way for better access to higher education.

Which countries are included?
During its inaugural year, GPFP selected candidates from these designated countries: Brazil, Mongolia, The Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States. Subsequent cohorts will include participants from additional countries.

How is GPFP governed and managed?
IHEP manages the overall administration of GPFP by overseeing the selection process, progress of candidates, and events and activities. General guidance to help shape the program is provided by an advisory council of experts who are committed to advancing higher education policy that supports access and success.

Who is eligible to apply for a GPFP fellowship?
GPFP Fellows for the inaugural program are resident citizens and permanent residents of one of these designated countries: Brazil, Mongolia, The Netherlands, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United States. Additionally, successful candidates will be early-career professionals in the fields of public policy and research, and individuals who meet the following requirements:

Demonstrated proficiency in English (all program materials and required deliverables are to be written in English);
Demonstrated capability to communicate through the Internet;
Demonstrated commitment to higher education policy, as evidenced by their employment and experience in policy development;
Availability to attend all program events and activities; and
Ability to present a clear plan for how their participation can influence higher education policies in their countries.

How are GPFP Fellows selected?
Applications are submitted online to IHEP at http://www.ihep.org/programs/global-policy-fellows.cfm. A Selection Committee—a panel of public policy and research experts—assesses applications and recommends candidates for further consideration. Final selection of GPFP Fellows is made by IHEP.

What are the selection criteria?
GPFP Fellows are chosen based on their dedication to improving higher education policies that positively impact historically disadvantaged populations around the world. Drawn from diverse backgrounds, candidates are emerging leaders in the fields of public policy and research.

Applications should detail a candidate’s activities and qualifications as well as present a clear plan for how their participation can influence higher education access policies.

Do GPFP Fellows receive any financial support?
Yes. The program is receiving lead funding from the Ford Foundation, a grant-making organization focused on strengthening democratic values, reducing poverty and injustice, promoting international cooperation, and advancing human achievement. The program awards each participant with a $2,500 (U.S.) stipend per year and covers all travel and meeting expenses.

How will GPFP connect to the global higher education community?
Toward the end of the program, GPFP Fellows propose policy solutions and implementation strategies in published reports that are disseminated by IHEP. These recommendations are made available to key decision makers in the hope of addressing key higher education challenges around the world. In addition, IHEP will document lessons learned for the benefit of its staff, potential funders, and the broader higher education community.

How will the GPFP Fellows work together?
GPFP Fellows work collaboratively in teams to conduct essential policy work that influences national and regional governments. Participants come together with colleagues from their designated countries—Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Mongolia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States—to share information and lessons learned. Participants also gather in person for training activities, networking opportunities, and brainstorming sessions. Three meetings are held, one each in South Africa and two in Washington, D.C.

How does one apply for a GPFP fellowship?
For more information on the GPFP, visit the IHEP Web site at www.ihep.org.