Market report Georgia

The Georgian Study Abroad Market

In this Market Report on Georgia, we explore the latest socio-economic developments, education system dynamics, and outbound student mobility trends shaping the country’s role in international higher education. Over the past decade, Georgia has continued to strengthen its position as a growing study abroad market, supported by broad economic reforms and a young, increasingly globally engaged population.

Georgia’s economy has shown resilience and steady growth, underpinned by structural reforms in public administration, governance, and the business environment. According to the World Bank, deep reforms in economic management have positioned Georgia as a “star reformer,” earning improved international ratings for governance and investment climate. These macroeconomic gains have contributed to rising household incomes and a stronger capacity among families to consider overseas study opportunities.

Demand for international education has grown alongside these economic trends. A significant share of undergraduate and graduate students in Georgia now express interest in study abroad pathways, driven by aspirations for global competencies, English-medium instruction, and enhanced career prospects. Recent estimates indicate that around 10,000 Georgian students are currently pursuing tertiary studies abroad, with key destinations including Ukraine, Germany, Russia, Armenia, and other European countries.

This evolving mobility landscape reflects both historical ties and emerging preferences for quality education across diverse regions. Georgia’s participation in EU mobility initiatives and its strategic geographic position bridging Europe and Asia also support students’ international engagement.

All this and more is covered in detail in our Market Report on Georgia.

Georgian Education System

Secondary education in Georgia

Since the educational reform of 1998, secondary education in Georgia consists of 2 stages. Each stage takes 3 years to complete. The first stage is ‘basic secondary education’ and is free of charge for all children in Georgia. The second stage is called ‘general secondary education’ and is largely free of charge.

Secondary schools is concluded by taking the Unified National Examination. This has proven to be reliable and objective tools for assessing knowledge and abilities of students. Students compete for a limited number of places at state or private HEIs. Only students who have completed secondary education and passed the unified examinations may enroll at state recognized HEIs. Annually around 36,000 entrants/applicants are passing national exams in July to study in the higher education institutions of Georgia. The state grants are awarded to the highest achievers. (Source: Unesco)

Higher Education in Georgia

Higher education in Georgia consists of three levels of degree: Bachelor’s (four years), Master’s (two years) and Doctorate (three years).

University level studies
University level first stage: Bakalavris Akademiuri Kharishki; Diplomirebuli Specialisti:
The duration of the first stage is usually four years. Students are awarded a Bakalavris Khariskhi (Bachelor’s degree). Students with excellent marks are awarded a Diplomi Tsarchinebit (Diploma with Honor).The duration of these studies is five years. Students are awarded Diplomirebuli Specialistis Akademiuri Xarisxi (Certified Specialist Academic Degree). Students with excellent marks are awarded a Diplomi Tsarchinebit (Diploma with Honors).

University level second stage: Magistris Akademiuri Khariskhi:
The second stage leads to the award of a Magistris Khariskhi (Master’s degree) after two years’ study. Students with excellent marks are awarded a Diplomi Tsarchinebit (Diploma with Honor).

University level third stage: Doctoris Akademiriu Xarisxi:
Students who were awarded a Magistri Khariskhi may continue their studies at the third stage. Doctorandura comprises three years’ study and ends with the presentation and defense of a thesis that leads to a PhD.

source: euroeducation.net

Types of Higher Education Institutions in Georgia

There are three types of higher education institutions in Georgia:

• The research universities are authorized to award all three academic degrees (Bachelor, Master and PhD – bakalavriati, magistratura, doktorantura);
• The teaching universities, without a notable research function, are implementing first and second cycles higher education programs;
• The colleges are implementing higher professional (umaglesi profesiuli ganatleba) and Bachelor programs (bakalavriati).

Main Branches of Higher Education Studies in Georgia:

• Social Sciences, Business and Law
• Arts and Humanities
• Technical and Technology Sciences
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Health
• Interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and trans-disciplinary sciences
• Agriculture and Veterinary

Latest Georgian Higher Education study abroad stats

At this point a total number of 9,765 students from Georgia are studying abroad (for or as part of a degree in higher education) according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The most popular study abroad destinations are:

IB Schools in Georgia

• QSI International School of Tbilisi – https://www.qsi.org/tbilisi/
• Georgian American High School – http://gahs.edu.ge/
• Georgian American School Progress https://www.facebook.com/schoolprogressbatumi/
• European School – https://europeanschool.ge/en/
• St. George’s British-Georgian School – http://www.bgs.edu.ge/

Scholarships for students from Georgia