“Expanding the Internationalization Initiative across Moldovan Universities” is a Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund: UMAEF (hereinafter “UMAEF”) - financed Project to be implemented between June 2025 and December 2025.
Despite recent progress, Moldova's higher education institutions continue to face major barriers in advancing the internationalization agenda. The first phase of the project, focused on Moldova Technical University (UTM), demonstrated that targeted investments can support international student recruitment and strengthen institutional capacity. Thus, during the first internationalization Project (April 2024–March 2025), beneficiary institution UTM enrolled 430 international students generating €650 000 in tuition revenue, the Indian cohort alone contributed approximately €96 250. Beyond tuition, student living expenditures injected an estimated €248 500 into the Chisinau economy: €8 000 for on-campus dormitories, €90 000 for private rentals, and €150 500 for food and transportation. This secondary economic impact underscores the broader community benefits of internationalization, bolstering local service sectors and supporting small businesses.
The second phase of the project will build on the achievements of Phase 1 continuing to support UTM and expand to include the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF). While USMF enrolls the highest number of international students in Moldova, it faces challenges related to international accreditation, strategic partnerships and refurbishment of new spaces dedicated to local and international students.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
In a highly competitive global environment, digital transformation and university internationalization are critical for sustainable growth. Therefore, USMF plans to develop a multifunctional, integrated digital platform to optimise the experience of local and international students, academic staff and administrators, positioning the university as a regional centre of excellence.
Key tasks include:
In order to achieve the objectives, the company shall perform the following:
Task 1. Digital Audit & Solution Design
Map existing systems and content; identify redundancies. Produce target information architecture and technology stack.
Task 2. UX/UI Development
A responsive, modern design that complies with WCAG accessibility standards and features a smart, user-friendly interface for both local and international users.
Task 3. Platform Build & Module Integration
A full-stack CMS platform with seamless front- and back-end integration, offering custom modules for academic management (digital student/teacher dashboards, interactive learning materials, virtual simulations, webinars); administrative management (digitised HR—timekeeping, leave requests, payroll, internal documents); 24/7 multilingual online admissions with a chatbot, interactive guides and e-forms; multimedia promotion (virtual tours, video testimonials, promotional assets to attract international students); and a high-performance internal search engine.
Task 4. Content Migration & Localisation
Content migration and translation into four languages — Romanian, English, Russian and French — with materials adapted for diverse audiences.
Task 5. Security & Compliance
Advanced GDPR and intellectual-property standards, backed by two-factor authentication and rigorous security and backup policies.
Task 6. SEO & Performance Optimization
Enhanced online visibility through SEO optimization and ongoing improvements to platform performance and speed.
Task 7. Testing & Quality Assurance
Rigorous multi-platform and cross-browser testing, with prompt remediation of any detected issues.
Task 8. Training & Knowledge Transfer
Hands-on training for USMF staff, supported by explanatory video tutorials and comprehensive documentation for autonomous administration.
Task 9. Post-Launch Support
Dedicated technical support and proactive maintenance for 12 months post-launch.
The development phase runs 20 weeks (August – December 2025). A 12-month warranty/support period follows immediately after the launch.
Essential Deliverables
Timeline
|
Deliverables |
Submission Deadline |
Approval by |
|
Digital audit & architecture report |
2 weeks |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
|
Approved UX/UI prototypes |
3 weeks |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
|
Technical Development and Integration, Multifunctional digital platform, Multilingual content library |
8 weeks |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
|
Content Migration and Translation |
4 weeks |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
|
Testing and Optimisation |
2 weeks |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
|
Launch and Training |
1 week |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
|
Support and Maintenance |
12 months |
Foundation for Advancement of Moldova / USMF |
Additionally, please see the attached technical specification.
All offers, accompanied by the required supporting documents, indicated in subject line Integrated Digital Platform for the Internationalization of Medical Education at USMF must be submitted electronically to victor.calac@fam.md no later than August 17, 2025, at 23:59.