National reforms in higher education

2025 (April 1 - September 14)

Georgia has launched a higher education reform process and established the Government Commission for Higher Education Reform. Chaired by the Prime Minister, the Commission has initiated a comprehensive reform concept, along with related discussions and preparatory work.

Equity measures remain a priority, with the “1+4” program for minority students continuing to serve as an important channel and means to higher education. Enrollment data for 2024/25 confirms the ongoing participation of over 1,500 students.

According to recent regulatory amendments, starting in 2025, higher education institutions will be required to offer a special course in the state language at the BA level. The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia has developed a regulation dedicated to the special course delivery.

2024

In June 2024, in order to accelerate digital transformation in higher education, the legislative amendments to the laws of Georgia „On Higher Education” and “On Education Quality Enhancement” were adopted (27.06.2024). The above-mentioned legislative amendments aim to regulate the issues related to the implementation of distance education and e-learning in higher education. It envisages permission for partial or full online learning (Only on the MA level). The package of legislative amendments also foresees recognition of education acquired abroad in distance learning mode.

On March 22, 2024, the Parliament of Georgia ratified the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education, which establishes universal principles for fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory recognition of higher education qualifications and qualifications giving access to higher education and offering avenues for further study and employment. In accordance with established procedures, the Convention will enter into force for Georgia on September 11, 2024.

On February 28, 2024, the amendments were introduced to the Ministerial Order 206/n of September 2019, under which the volume of BA and MA programs has been redefined. According to these amendments, Higher Educational Institutions operating in Georgia are allowed to develop educational programs at the BA level with a minimum volume of 180 ECTS in the field of study of Business and Administration. Before these amendments, 180 ECTS was allowed only for joint programs through international partnerships and programs in the performing arts.

In 2024, preparatory steps were taken towards introducing a results-based financing model for higher education institutions. At the same time, quality assurance mechanisms were further developed: the cluster accreditation model was expanded, and international experts continued to play a role in the evaluation of academic programs.

A framework for quality assurance in doctoral programs was also approved, strengthening standards for research training. 

New regulations on e-learning in higher education were introduced, creating a legal basis for online and blended university programs.

2023

In compliance with commitments undertaken within the framework of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union in the field of education, in 2022-2023, the quality assurance mechanisms of doctoral education and the scientific-research component were improved and enhanced by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE).  In 2023, a draft document of a quality assurance framework for evaluation of doctoral educational programs was developed, which, together with the accreditation standards, will be used as an additional evaluation tool in the process of accreditation of doctoral programs. 

In 2023, higher education reforms focused on increasing international collaboration through the mandatory involvement of international experts in the accreditation of higher education programs. The cluster accreditation model, which evaluates multiple programs at once, was expanded to promote the consistency and quality of higher education.

In 2022, for the first time, a Roma student successfully passed the Unified National Exams and enrolled in a higher education institution. As a result of the amendments made under Resolution No. 324 of the Government of Georgia on August 18, 2023, Roma students who continue their studies at accredited higher education programs—based on their Unified National Exams results—are now eligible for a special quota and will receive financial support under the social program implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.