The following categories of expenditure are eligible for financing under QIF:

• Equipment & Furniture
• Scientific journals and books
• International consultants and visiting scholars from overseas.
• Local consultants
• Overseas fellowships and internships
• Local fellowships and internships
• Overseas study tours
• Local training
• Operations and maintenance

QIF Funds may not be used for:

• Construction or renovation of buildings
• Paying persons concurrently paid by the government
• Contributing to the endowment or general fund of a tertiary institution
• Student financial aid
• Procurement of vehicles

Other Guidelines:

• The maximum, which can be requested for the purchase of equipment by an institution for the duration of the QIF, is 30% of the total budget required from QIF.
• The maximum, which can be requested for international consultants and visiting scholars from overseas by an institution for the duration of the QIF is 33% of the total budget required from QIF.
• The Minimum TEI contribution should be 10% of the total budget of the project in the form of in kind contribution.
• Proposals for funding may be made for an amount most feasible to accomplish the program’s objectives over the duration of the project.
• Institutions may submit one different application – individually or as part of a consortium/partnership – per each of the grant categories and for each QIF application period (which should take place at least 2 times per year: For the additional funds of 4.2 million dollars this will not be applicable. TEIs will abide by specifications indicated in each specific call for proposals. ). NOT APPLICABLE

If there is any question about the use of QIF grants, it should be referred to the QIF Unit and to the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) in charge of managing fiduciary aspects of grants implementation.