2026

By Order No. 27/n of the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia dated 2 March 2026, amendments were introduced to Order No. 42/n (2 July 2021) on the ‘Rules and Conditions for Enrolment in Vocational Educational Programs', to bring the tertiary and vocational education systems closer together and to increase access to vocational education further. According to the amendment, in 2026, applicants were given the opportunity to register for vocational education programs within the framework of the Unified National Examinations (organised for enrollment in academic programs). This creates a more diverse range of choices and expanded educational opportunities for individuals interested in VET, as they can use the assessment gained within the Unified National Examinations for enrollment in VET programs.

In 2026, the regulatory framework for vocational education teachers was updated and approved by the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia in accordance with the institutional changes implemented within the system. The regulatory framework will enter into force in 2027 and will apply to all educational institutions implementing vocational education programs (public and private).

Furthermore, in accordance with the institutional changes, the program was approved by the order of the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, to foster the development of adult education, supporting international study visits for teachers and administrative personnel of public vocational education institutions, promoting the integration of vocational education within public general education schools while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in colleges, and supporting vocational education teachers development.

2025 

In 2025, the implementation of vocational education reforms continued. The geographical network of vocational education institutions expanded, and infrastructure development projects continued. To achieve this goal, funding for vocational education is increasing annually. Significant progress is being made in modernizing college infrastructure and providing up-to-date equipment that meets current industry standards. At the same time, the Ministry is focused on creating a sustainable, innovative and inclusive vocational education system. As a result of implemented interventions, public interest in vocational education has significantly increased in recent years.

Significant work has been carried out to expand the geographical network of vocational education, and a number of colleges have started functioning in new locations.

In 2025, efforts to integrate vocational education at the level of full general education continued. Specifically, 64 public general education institutions across the country gained the right to implement integrated vocational educational programs (a secondary level vocational educational program with integrated learning outcomes of the secondary level of general education) in seven fields: Computer Networks and Systems, Front-End Development, Graphic Design, Garden Design, Administrative Services, Photography, and Hotel Services. To ensure high-quality delivery of integrated programs, teacher and administrative staff training is underway. 

In 2025, amendments to the Law on General Education and the Law on Vocational Education were approved. According to the amendments, upon completion of an integrated vocational education program, two documents will be issued: a vocational education diploma and a certificate of full general education.

Moreover, strengthening public schools to implement vocational training and retraining programs continued. As of today, 11 public schools across Georgia have been granted the right to implement vocational training and retraining programs. The initiative will help increase access to vocational education for rural adults.

The process of revising and developing new qualifications with the involvement of the private sector continued. As of today, qualifications in all economic sectors have been revised, and up to 100 VET qualifications in various fields have been developed. 

Promoting private sector involvement in the vocational education system is one of the main directions of vocational education policy. 

To enhance accessibility to vocational education, it is essential to underline that a regulatory framework has been established, permitting the remote delivery of certain components of vocational education programs as defined by Order No. 143/n of 30 August 2024 of the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, which was further amended in 2025 to enhance flexibility in the delivery of remote learning components, thereby contributing to the increased adaptability and responsiveness of the vocational education system.

Furthermore, in 2025, an amendment to the Law of Georgia on Vocational Education was introduced to develop procedures for the recognition of vocational education obtained in the occupied territories. Consequently, a legislative basis was established for implementing a mechanism to recognise vocational education acquired in these territories.

In accordance with the Vocational Education Strategy 2024-2030, efforts have been ongoing to develop regulations for inclusive vocational education to support persons with disabilities and special educational needs.

2024

In 2024, the Vocational Education Strategy 2024-2030 was approved, reflecting local and international trends in vocational education development and aiming to establish a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive vocational education system.

To promote the career and personal development of vocational students and potential students, the Strategy for Professional Orientation, Counseling and Career Guidance in Formal Education 2024-2030 was approved.

In addition, new regulations for distance learning in vocational education were approved, allowing vocational institutions, for the first time, to offer components of vocational programs to vet students and trainees remotely and, in some cases, to deliver entire vocational training or retraining programs fully online.

To promote the professional development of VET teachers, policy documents and legal acts regulating the TVET teacher profession were approved.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the reform, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia regularly surveys VET graduates (Tracer Study). According to a tracer study conducted in 2024, the employment rate of 2023 graduates for long-term qualification programs is 79%.

The development of the adult education system continued with state funding, which supported the introduction of diverse programs, ensured sustainable financing, promoted services, and established new flexible procedures.