Georgia has established a structured adult education and training framework, integrating formal and non-formal learning into its broader lifelong learning system. The Law on Vocational Education[1] adopted in 2018, facilitates adult participation in formal vocational education and recognizes non-formal education (see section 8.5 Recognition of non-formal and informal education) as a valid component of lifelong education. At the vocational education level, adults have access to vocational educational programs and vocational training and retraining programs offered through formal and non-formal channels (see section 8.4 Main types of provision). Formal vocational training and retraining programs can be implemented in-person, in a blended format, or fully online as stipulated by the Law on Vocational Education and respective bylaws.

Vocational training and retraining programs are designed to support a wide range of individuals, including unemployed adults, residents of remote or rural areas, minority groups (ethnic, linguistic, religious), migrants and refugees, prisoners, adults disadvantaged due to lack of education and skills, employees aiming to change careers, professionals looking to enhance their qualifications, and those who have been out of the workforce and wish to re-enter the labour market.

Institutions delivering vocational training and retraining programs include not only educational institutions (state, public-private, and private vocational education and training (VET) colleges, general educational institutions, and higher educational institutions) but private sector entities—including private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well. Furthermore, various public institutions also contribute by providing non-formal learning opportunities tailored to their beneficiaries (see section 8.3 Main providers).

The Law on Vocational Education outlines the fundamental principles for financing vocational education. According to Article 30, three types of education may be funded through central, local, and autonomous budgets. These include vocational education, including vocational training/retraining programs, short-cycle educational programs and the state language preparation program/module. It should be mentioned as well that the process of development of a new state language program in VET is underway and after its implementation, the vocational education system will provide a new program for teaching the state language for non-Georgian language applicants, including ethnic minorities. The new language program will promote and facilitate socialization, integration and competitiveness of non-Georgian speaking persons, including ethnic minorities. 

In addition, funding for these programs may also be provided by other institutions per Georgian legislation. State financial support is allocated to educational institutions established by the state or with its participation, as well as private legal entities operating as educational institutions in the framework of priorities defined by the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. 

The funding for vocational educational programs is administered by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia[2] through a voucher-based system. Additionally, students can receive funding in private educational institutions that offer priority programs, as outlined by the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, with the state determining the maximum voucher amounts. 

Vocational training and retraining programs can be financially supported by the Skills Agency[3], while additional funding sources may include the State Employment Support Agency (SESA), private sponsors, the training providers themselves, or individual learners. 

Non-formal education providers rely on various funding sources, including financial support from donor organizations and allocations from the state budget. The Skills Agency also administers grant programs designed to support VET students in non-formal education and extracurricular initiatives.

It’s noteworthy, that in 2023 the Georgian government allocated a total of 2,078.780.70 million GEL to the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, with 2,081.244.16 million GEL in expenditures[4]. The budget for vocational education, which includes adult education, amounted to 124.1 million GEL.