The Georgian Study Abroad Market
In this market report on Georgia we will cover socio-economic, educational and mobility trends. Georgia is a fast developing study abroad market. Over the past decade the country has made great strides. Georgia’s economy has grown robustly at an average annual rate of 4.5 percent. This was despite numerous shocks, including the global financial crisis of 2007-08, the conflict with the Russian Federation in 2008, and the drop in commodity prices since 2014 that has impacted key trading partners.
According to the World Bank: ‘Deep reforms in economic management and governance have earned Georgia a reputation of “star reformer.” As a result, ‘the country’s international ratings on governance and the investment climate have soared’.
Rising GDP and the demand for quality education go hand in hand. Currently 25% of undergraduate and graduate students in Georgia are actively looking for education opportunities overseas. At this point, close to 10,000 Georgian students are studying abroad at tertiary level. Ukraine, Russia, Germany and Armenia are the most popular study destinations. All this and more in our Market Report on Georgia.
Quick facts
Population: 3.7 million (2020)
Education: 12 years compulsory
Academic year: September – June
Secondary education
Starting age: 12
Duration: 6 years
Enrollment numbers: 276,000 (2019 data)
Enrollment rate: 106%
Higher education
Duration: 6 years (bachelor 4, Master 2)
Enrollment numbers: 145,000 (2018)
Tertiary enrollment rate: 58%
Universities/Higher Education Institutions:
75 ( 20 public, 55 private)
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
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
Upcoming Education Fairs in Georgia
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/
Online behaviour of Georgian students
(source: InternetWorld Stats)
Internet penetration in Georgia is growing rapidly, reaching 69 percent in 2019. This up from 10 percent in 2018 and 31.5 percent in 2011. According to the World Bank, the world average is 72%.
Most popular social media platforms
(source: gs.statcounter.com)
Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform in Georgia.
Scholarships for Georgian students
Canon Foundation Research Scholarship – https://www.canonfoundation.org/
GoEuro European Study Abroad Scholarship – https://www.omio.com/travel/study-abroad
Trendhim Scholarship –https://www.trendhim.co.uk/csr/trendhim-scholarship
