In Georgia, Bachelor’s programs are an integral part of the three-cycle higher education system, forming the foundation of academic higher education. Typically, these programs require students to accumulate at least 240 ECTS credits for completion. However, higher education institutions can also offer Bachelor’s programs with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits under specific regulations, provided they meet the rules set by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth.

The main branches of study in Georgian Bachelor’s programmes include:

• Social Sciences, Journalism, and Information: Encompassing political sciences, civics, cultural studies, journalism, sociology, psychology, international relations, and other inter-disciplines

• Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics: Including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, mathematics, and statistics

• Engineering Manufacturing and Construction: Covering civil engineering, mechanical engineering, telecommunications, chemical engineering, computer engineering, architecture, etc.

• Information and Communications Technologies: Includes database and network design and administration.

• Health and Welfare: Nursing, pharmacy, care of the elderly and disabled adults, social work, public health, and laboratory sciences are included.

•  Business, Administration, Law: Offering specializations in areas such as finance, banking, marketing, management, accounting, and law

• Arts and Humanities: This includes fine arts, graphic design, media, music, theatre, history, archaeology, philosophy, languages, and other interdisciplinary fields involving the arts and humanities.

• Agriculture and Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary: Focusing on agricultural sciences, veterinary, and forestry.

Admission Requirements

The Unified National Examinations (UNE), administered by the National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC), is the procedure that identifies the readiness of an entrant to acquire education based on a higher education program. It assesses both general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge, ensuring fairness in the admission process. Some programs, particularly in arts and sports, may have additional entrance exams or practical assessments. Admission criteria may vary between institutions, but national standardized testing remains the primary requirement.

Curriculum

Each institution enjoys curriculum autonomy, meaning that while they design their programs, they must adhere to broader national standards established by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth and guidelines set by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancements (NCEQE) to ensure alignment with national qualification frameworks. Typically, one academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS credits. Graduates receive a Bachelor’s diploma and a standardized diploma supplement detailing their qualifications. Once admitted, students combine core and elective courses that balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Many programs include internships, final projects, or theses as part of the graduation requirements.

Most programs are taught in Georgian, but some institutions offer programmes and courses in English, especially in fields that attract international students or focus on global industries like business and information technology.

After completion of each level of higher education, an appropriate diploma and diploma supplement are issued. 

The Unified National Strategy of Education and Science (2022-2030) prioritizes fields such as STEM, teacher training, and health sciences within Bachelor’s programs to align education with labor market demands and support national economic development. These fields are identified as crucial for Georgia’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Teaching Methods

The organization of the curriculum varies by institution, with some programs being discipline-specific while others adopting a multidisciplinary approach. The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), responsible for accreditation, expects institutions to implement effective teaching methods aligned with their quality standards. Institutions must ensure that teaching practices facilitate active learning and meet the objectives of the curriculum. Teaching methods should ensure the active involvement of students, staff, and students in the learning process. Hence, the interaction between students takes into account the student's participation in the learning process with appropriate autonomy and responsibility and is aimed at developing various skills by the student, including critical and analytical skills.

Teachers are typically free to select materials that they feel best support their course content. In cases where guidelines recommend specific materials, institutions generally ensure they are available to students and faculty. They may use a combination of textbooks, academic journals, multimedia resources, and online platforms to enhance the learning experience.

Teachers generally have autonomy in selecting their teaching methods, although institutional and departmental guidelines and recommendations may influence their choices to some extent. This flexibility allows for a diverse range of teaching approaches, from traditional lectures to project-based learning and the use of digital tools. 

Teaching methods are designed to cater to various learning styles, incorporating traditional and innovative approaches, including lectures, seminars, individual and group projects, surveys, analysis and synthesis, practical methods, discussion/debate, demonstration methods, methods of working on primary sources (written and material), elements of e-learning, brainstorming, group work, etc.

Progression of students

Student progression through higher education in Georgia is structured according to a credit-based system aligned with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which allows for a degree of flexibility. However, specific policies and requirements regarding progression, examination attempts, and completion timelines are set by individual institutions within a national framework regulated by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE).

Progression is usually monitored through mid-term and final exams, as well as continuous assessment throughout the academic year; if a student fails an exam on the first attempt, they may usually retake it during a designated re-examination period. In cases where a student fails all attempts, they may need to repeat the course or module in the subsequent semester or academic year, depending on institutional regulations. 

Employability 

Many Bachelor’s programs in Georgia incorporate work placements or internships into their curricula, particularly in fields such as business, engineering, information technology, and healthcare. These placements offer students practical, hands-on experience, which is crucial for translating academic knowledge into real-world skills.

Many institutions host job fairs where students can meet with potential employers, learn about job openings, and explore different career paths. Additionally, institutions often organize networking events and guest lectures by industry professionals, providing students with insights into various professions and direct contact with potential employers.

Student Assessment 

Following the guidelines for evaluating standards for the accreditation of higher education programmes developed by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), student evaluation should be multi-component and provide an assessment of each course's goals and learning outcomes, which are achieved using specific and measurable criteria and rubrics.

Student assessment is carried out according to established procedures and is transparent, reliable, and compliant with legislation.

Following the established procedures, the assessment is done with a 100-point system. Points are distributed and determined as follows:

(A) Excellent - 91-100 points of assessment;

(B) Very good - 81-90 points of the maximum assessment;

(C) Good - 71-80 points of the maximum assessment;

(D) Satisfactory - 61-70 points of the maximum assessment;

(E) Sufficient - 51-60 points of the maximum assessment;

(FX) Failed 41-50 points of the maximum assessment, which means that the student needs more work to pass and is allowed to take one additional exam with independent work;

(F) Failed, a maximum grade of 40 points or less, which means that the work done by the student is not sufficient, and he has to retake the subject.

Certification 

In Georgian higher education institutions, students are awarded a Bachelor’s Degree (180-240 ECTS) upon successfully completing a Bachelor's program. The State of Georgia officially recognizes Bachelor's degrees awarded by authorized Georgian institutions through the rules of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth.

Assessment methods include written or oral examinations, Multidisciplinary examinations, and practical assessments. Most courses require written exams, which assess theoretical knowledge through essays, short answers, or multiple-choice questions. Oral examinations may be used for language studies, defense of projects, or final thesis presentations. 

In addition to the abovementioned, NCEQE also manages the recognition of foreign qualifications, ensuring that degrees obtained from other countries are comparable to Georgian standards.