In a major push to modernize Tunisia’s higher education sector, the World Bank has approved a $100 million project aimed at enhancing university governance, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and equipping students with job-ready skills.

The Strengthening Tertiary Education for Employability, Innovation and Resilience (STEEIR) Project will focus on improving the quality and relevance of degree programs, expanding digital transformation, and addressing the persistent challenge of youth unemployment.

A key component of the project is bridging the gap between universities and the labor market. By fostering employer partnerships, modernizing campuses, and aligning curricula with industry needs, STEEIR seeks to improve graduate employability. 

"The STEEIR project will build upon these accomplishments, further aligning higher education with the evolving needs of the labour market, aiming for 85 accredited programmes and supporting at least 145,000 students and faculty members by 2030," said Himdat Bayusuf, Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader for the project.

The initiative builds on the success of the Tertiary Education for Employability Project (PromESsE), which introduced career centers, new degree programs, and internationally accredited courses, benefiting over 22,000 students by the end of 2024.

Despite Tunisia’s efforts in higher education reform, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, exacerbated by skills mismatches and a slow transition into the job market. 

The STEEIR project aims to address these gaps by investing in digital skills, green education, and health sector training, preparing graduates for emerging global trends like digitalization and climate change.

By 2030, the project aims to support at least 145,000 students and faculty members, while ensuring 85 academic programs receive accreditation. The initiative marks a strategic effort to future-proof Tunisia’s workforce and enhance the competitiveness of its graduates in a rapidly evolving job market.