HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA
Georgia has been a full member of the Bologna Process / European Higher Education Area since 2005. Georgia is an Associated Country to the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation – Horizon Europe, for the second consecutive period. Georgia is a full-fledge member to the European Cooperation for Science and Technology – COST Association. National Center for Education Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) has the membership to International and European higher education quality assurance agencies and recognition networks, such as: WFME, ENQA, EQAR, ENIC-NARIC networks, and CEENQA;
The Higher Education system in Georgia consists of three academic levels.
Higher Education Institutions use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) Guidelines when developing and implementing educational programmes. An educational programme at a Higher Education Institution includes approximately 60 credits during one academic year.
The first level of higher education includes:
• Bachelor's educational programmes - at least 240/180 ECTs with Bachelor’s academic degree.
Bachelor programs in Arts, Business, and Administration, as an exception, may comprise a minimum of 180 credits. In other fields of study, 180-credit Bachelor's educational programmes can only be implemented as a joint programme between a Georgian Higher Education Institution and a foreign Higher Education Institution recognized under the legislation of that foreign country.
• One-level educational programme in Medicine – 360 ECTs with academic degree of Medical Doctor.
• One-level educational programme in Dentistry - 300 ECTs with academic degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine.
• Integrated Master's programme in Veterinary - 300 ECTs with academic degree of Master in Veterinary.
• Teacher training integrated Bachelor's-Master's educational programme - 300 ECTs with academic degree of Master in Education.
The second level of higher education includes Master's educational programme - at least 120/60 ECTs.
Master’s program in Business and Administration, as an exception, may comprise a minimum of 60 credits for the purpose of obtaining a master's academic degree, including obtaining an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) qualification.
Possession of a bachelor's degree or an equivalent academic degree is the prerequisite for admission to the programme. The admission rules and conditions for this programme are set by the respective Higher Education Institution. For obtaining the degree of Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), candidates are additionally required to have at least 5 years of professional experience in the management/administrative field.
Master's degree educational programmes including at least 60 credits do not provide admission to the next level of education, doctoral studies.
The third level of higher Education includes Doctoral Programs. Those who hold a master's academic degree or an equivalent qualification are eligible to be admitted to doctoral studies, with the exception of cases where the individual has obtained a master's degree through a master's educational programme consisting of at least 60 credits. The duration of the doctoral educational programme is at least 3 years and its study component comprises no more than 60 ECTS credits. The graduate of the doctoral educational programme is awarded a doctoral academic degree. The graduates receive a diploma verifying the doctoral academic degree.
Admission to first-level higher education academic programs requires successful completion of the Unified National Examinations. Individuals who hold a state certificate of General Education or an equivalent qualification are entitled to pursue Bachelor’s and other first-level academic programs.
Admission to Master's educational programs requires successful completion of the Common Master Exams. Higher Education Institutions may establish additional admission requirements. Individuals who hold a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent academic degree are entitled to pursue Master's studies.
Admission prerequisites for Doctoral studies are determined by the individual Higher Education Institution.
Foreign citizens may enroll in various levels of higher education under different conditions than those stated above, in accordance with regulations established by Georgian legislation. Further information for foreign citizens is here (https://eqe.ge/en/page/static/213/utskhoetshi-mighebuli-ganatlebis-aghiareba)
General Data of Higher Education
• 64 Higher Education Institutions
• 1702 Higher Educational Programmes
• 243 English Language Higher Educational Programmes
• 200 International Exchange Programmes
• 21 Joint Degree Programmes
• More than 150000 Students
• More than 30000 International Students
Competitive advantages for international students to choose Georgia:
• Affordable quality higher education and affordable cost of living;
• Safe and secure environment according to international safety rankings of countries;
• Easy flight connections and visa-free regimes;
• Active and vibrant student life and cultural diversity;
• Opportunity to pursue 3- and 4-year bachelor degrees, as well as one- and two-year master degrees;
• Offering ample of high-quality academic programs in English;
• Access to affordable and high-quality medical education