The Law on Vocational Education outlines the funding mechanisms for Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs in Georgia. According to this law, VET is financed by state agencies, the education ministries of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Adjara, and local self-government bodies, as stipulated by Georgian legislation. These entities are authorized to fund VET programs following procedures established by the Government of Georgia (Resolution N244 of the Government of Georgia). Additionally, VET programs can receive funding from various bodies and organizations. Both individuals and private legal entities are permitted to finance vocational education. Educational institutions implementing VET programs, especially those established by the state, are entitled to engage in economic activities, such as offering paid services or selling products, provided these activities do not harm human health or negatively impact the quality of education. As defined by Georgian law, the revenue generated from such activities must be used solely to achieve the institution's objectives and perform its functions.
Long-term diploma programs are offered to the students free of charge in all public vocational educational institutions. Tuition fee is covered by the government through a voucher-based system. The voucher of each student covers the cost of the materials and teacher remuneration. For private providers, government funding is available for students enrolled in programs listed in the priority directions. The priorities are determined by a ministerial order. VET students with special educational needs and disabilities are provided by the state with additional funding on a quarterly based voucher.
State funding for studying in VET institutions is available for Georgian citizens, foreign citizens with the status of compatriot living abroad, asylum seekers, persons with refugee or humanitarian status, person who has the status of stateless person in Georgia and who is or was under state care (in foster care, small family-type homes, shelters, etc.) (Resolution N244 of the Government of Georgia).
Regarding fees paid by learners, the law allows for the possibility of tuition fees, especially in cases where the government does not fully subsidize programs. The exact amount of these fees can vary depending on the institution and the specific program.
3. Financial Support for Adult Learners
The Law on Vocational Education in Georgia provides financial support mechanisms to assist adult learners in accessing vocational training and retraining programs. The legal framework enables various forms of state support, including targeted funding for individuals pursuing specific skills that align with the demands of the labor market. The priorities list for financing vocational training and retraining programs is determined by the ministerial order. In terms of priority programs funding is granted to vocational training and retraining programs providers (educational institutions, private companies, NGOs, etc.) under the coordination of the Skills Agency. In addition to the Skills Agency, funding for the vocational training and retraining programs is provided by SESA (State Employment Support Agency) for individuals registered in the job seekers’ portal. Since the vocational training and retraining programs can be provided by any legal entity through gaining rights from the EQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement), sometimes the costs are covered by private companies, donor organizations, city halls, NGOs, etc. According to the law public and local government entities and the government of the autonomous regions of Abkhazia and Adjara are authorized to fund vocational programs. Public vocational institutions, recognized as legal entities, have the right to attract further financing through permissible activities, provided these do not compromise educational quality or safety.
Private vocational institutions also are funded through tuition and private sources.
4. Subsidies for Private Providers
The Law on Vocational Education in Georgia does not provide direct subsidies to private vocational education providers for their general operations. However, it allows private institutions to receive financial support through targeted government programs if they align with state priorities or specific training needs identified by the MoESY.
In Georgia, the government has implemented initiatives to support private providers of vocational education and training (VET). Notably, since 2019 the government has expanded its voucher program to include private VET institutions, thereby enhancing access to vocational education.
Additionally, international organizations have contributed to the development of Georgia's VET sector The main donors supporting development of vocational educational system, through technical or financial assistance programs are EU, UNDP, USAID, ADB, KfW, SDC, GIZ.