News3 November 2026
On 9 November, TASO will be inviting applications from evaluators to conduct retrospective evaluations of undergraduate financial support schemes in England.
Student financial support is a crucial lever in higher education policy, shaping providers’ strategic planning and day-to-day operations. It influences students’ academic outcomes and experiences, particularly for students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. However, while various financial aid models are currently used, further evidence is needed to determine how level of support, specific financial support structures and delivery mechanisms relate to student success.
To support this policy area, we are launching a new project to evaluate financial support schemes and are inviting independent evaluators to work with us. Successful evaluators will be partnered with selected providers to evaluate their financial support schemes.
Types of evaluation
We will appoint up to three independent evaluators to work with providers to test the impact of their financial support schemes. Evaluations will use methods that can establish a causal relationship between an intervention and outcomes using retrospective quasi-experimental designs (QEDs). The specific evaluation methodology will be agreed in collaboration with TASO, the successful independent evaluator and participating providers.
Types of intervention
The evaluations will focus on undergraduate needs-based cash bursaries in England. We are selecting partner providers through a separate commissioning process (closed on 12 October). This selection will be based on factors including feasibility of using QEDs for evaluation, including the availability of historic data for evaluation.
Given the retrospective nature of these trials, we expect the outcome data to include attainment, continuation, progression and engagement with studies or support services.
Application process
The invitations to tender will open on 9 November 2026 for approximately four weeks.
Applications will be made via a downloadable MS Word document. Evaluators will be provided with an outline of one or more shortlisted financial support schemes and asked to submit a tailored brief setting out their proposed approach to the evaluation.
Applications will be assessed based on how the proposal addresses the project brief, the strength and suitability of the project team, and the team’s ability to deliver the required work.
Who should apply?
All evaluators with relevant expertise in quantitative impact evaluation and quasi-experimental methods are welcome to apply.
Funding
TASO is providing funding of up to £55,000 (excluding VAT) for each evaluation to cover resourcing for the project. This includes staff time for workshops and meetings, evaluation scoping, data analysis and reporting.
Application timeline
- Tender opens: 9 November 2026
- Tender deadline: 7 December 2026 at 13:00
- Decision: Week commencing 21 December 2026
- Contracting: January 2027
When will the project take place?
The project is likely to start with a scoping phase in January 2027, and complete by the end of June 2027.