Beginning in 2026, the state will fully cover tuition fees for students enrolled in public universities. Meanwhile, students enrolled in private universities will no longer receive state grants. This change is part of the higher education reform announced by the Georgian Dream.
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“Students enrolled in private universities next academic year will no longer receive state grants. This restriction will not apply to students already in their second, third, or fourth year, or master's degree students. For them, the current funding component will remain in place,” said Givi Mikanadze, the Georgia Dream’s Minister of Education.
Mikanadze noted that the primary focus of the reforms is on public universities. According to him, the state must fulfil orders based on market research and needs.
“Therefore, the primary funding resources will be mobilised in accordance with this principle. This is not something new. It was known from the beginning for private universities that the new funding model would be entirely directed to state universities,” stated Givi Mikanadze.
Today, out of 64 higher education institutions, 19 are public, and 45 are private. Also, as part of the reform, public universities will no longer be able to accept international students.
“Except in special cases, the admission of international students to state universities will be impossible. Bilateral agreements, exchange programmes, and special initiatives offered by specific universities in various formats will be considered as exceptions. All international students wishing to study in Georgia will have the option to enroll in private universities,” Mikanadze explained.
