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Higher education funding
Georgia

Georgia

3.Funding in education

3.2Higher education funding

Last update: 7 February 2025

The Law governs the financing framework for higher education in Georgia on Higher Education. It is further refined through strategic goals in the 2022-2030 Unified National Strategy of Education and Science. This structure ensures that higher education is funded sustainably, giving institutions the autonomy to manage their financial affairs and expand research and development initiatives.

A new model for core funding of higher education is under development. In addition, implementing the planned measures will be completed by the end of 2025 by creating a database system for information management, which will serve to implement both the core funding model and the performance-based model (PBF).

Funding

In Georgia, public higher education institutions (HEIs) receive funding primarily through a state voucher system. The vouchers are allocated based on students' performance in the Unified National Examinations (UNE). This system ensures that students with the highest academic achievements receive full tuition coverage, while partial scholarships are available to those with slightly lower scores. 

As of 2024, Georgia offers a range of grants to make higher education more accessible. These include State Educational Grants, State Master's Grants, and Priority Program Financing (also known as free faculties).

State Educational Grant – an amount transferred by the state to a student intended for financing a bachelor's degree, teacher training/integrated bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine, and a graduate medical/dentist educational program. The maximum annual amount of state grants is 2250 GEL.

The state educational grant is divided into the following types:

State educational grant

State educational grants within the framework of a social program

State educational grant for a foreign citizen within the framework of a special program

State educational grant for persons residing in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali territories

Occupied – state educational grant for persons financed according to the recognition of education

State educational grant for persons with the status of compatriot

State Master's grant – an amount the state transfers to a student intended to finance a master's degree educational program. The maximum annual amount of state grants is 2250 GEL.

The state master's grant is divided into the following types:

State educational master's grant

State educational master's grant within the framework of a social program

State educational master's grant within the framework of a unique program for a foreign citizen

State educational master's grant for persons residing in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali territories.

Priority program Financing, also known as Program Financing, is an amount transferred to higher education institutions. This funding is specifically intended to finance priority programs that are determined by the Government of Georgia, thereby supporting the development of these crucial educational initiatives.

State Educational Grant for Persons Enrolled in a One-Year Teacher Training Program—Amount transferred by the state to a person enrolled in a teacher training program intended for financing a teacher training program.

The grants mentioned above are being transferred directly to HEI.

Georgia aims to increase higher education and research funding in line with the 2022-2030 Unified National Strategy. Currently, 0.3% of GDP is allocated to higher education, and about 75% of resources are collected from tuition fees. The government is committed to increasing public investment to match international standards, as research and development funding remains low at 0.1% of GDP.

Financial Autonomy and Control

The Law on Higher Education grants universities high financial autonomy, allowing them to manage their budgets and generate revenue through external sources like research grants and international collaborations. Universities can also conduct economic activities permitted by Georgian law to increase their financial stability.

However, despite this autonomy, universities are subject to audits and oversight by the State to ensure compliance with national financial regulations. Meanwhile, MoESY is working on a new funding model and strategy to develop a performance-based funding model where institutions' financial allocations will be linked to their performance indicators and strategic development goals​.

Fees Within Public Higher Education

According to the Law on Higher Education in Georgia, the tuition fee for local students is 2250 GEL for public universities. For international students, fees for programs taught in English typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 per academic year, depending on the university and the field of study. In some cases, tuition for medical degrees can be more than $5,000 annually, particularly in universities with international accreditation or partnerships. 

The law requires that all higher education institutions communicate tuition fees and associated payment structures to students, including deadlines, installment plans, and any provisions for deferred payment or suspension of studies if students face financial challenges.

Financial Support for Learners' Families

Families of students in higher education can benefit from various social welfare programs. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from highland areas, ethnic minorities, and conflict zones, are eligible for need-based grants to help cover their living expenses while studying. The MoESY administers these grants in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Financial Support for Learners

Students who excel academically benefit from merit-based scholarships, while students from low-income backgrounds or vulnerable groups can access need-based grants. One of the key programs is the 1+4 Program, which provides ethnic minority students with one year of preparatory courses in the Georgian language before they transition to fully funded bachelor's degree programs. This initiative promotes inclusivity and ensures all students have access to higher education regardless of their ethnic background.

Private Education

Private universities in Georgia are primarily funded through tuition fees. Still, students attending these institutions are also eligible for state-funded scholarships and grants, which can be applied to offset their tuition costs. However, private institutions must comply with accreditation standards set by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) to ensure they meet national education standards.