Private Early Childhood Education and Care

Private and public early childhood education and care institutions in Georgia operate under the same legal framework. Private institutions can be established as either commercial or non-commercial entities under private law, in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Early and Preschool Education. Specifically:

• Article 13 outlines that institutions may be founded in either an entrepreneurial (commercial) or non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal form under private law.

• Article 13(2) states that municipalities and non-commercial entities can only establish institutions in the non-commercial legal form, ensuring that these entities align with public service objectives and legal requirements.

This organizational framework promotes a diverse and accessible early childhood education landscape in Georgia. It ensures that private entities maintain high standards of care and education while complementing state-run institutions.

Privately-maintained schools

Private schools in Georgia are educational institutions operating under the regulations set forth by Georgian law. According to Article 31 of the Law on General Education Institutions, private schools can be established as legal entities under private law, which may be either entrepreneurial (for-profit) or non-entrepreneurial (non-profit). These institutions are authorized to provide general education at primary, basic, and secondary levels without the necessity of creating a separate legal entity.

The Government of Georgia is responsible for overseeing state policy in general education, as outlined in Article 25. This includes adopting the Document of National Goals for General Education and approving fiscal standards for education funding. Upon the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth's recommendation, the government sets the financial parameters for funding, including the amount of school vouchers available for private schools.

State funding for private schools is managed through specific target programs. According to Article 22, the state provides funding through school vouchers aligned with fiscal standards per pupil. Additionally, the MoESY has the authority to allocate further funds to private schools under designated target programs, ensuring that private institutions can access financial support based on government-approved procedures and conditions.

Private schools are required to adhere to national educational goals, which emphasize developing students' intellectual and physical abilities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering civic awareness. They must operate independently of political associations, aligning with the broader objective of ensuring that education remains free from political influence. 

In summary, private schools in Georgia function within a framework that allows them flexibility while ensuring compliance with national educational standards and funding regulations; exceptions are schools offering recognized programs abroad, such as IB, QSI, Cambridge Assessment International Education, and others.

Institution in Georgia

Private vocational education institutions in Georgia play a crucial role within the vocational education and training system, complementing public institutions in meeting the growing demands of the labour market. These private institutions benefit from a diversified funding model, which includes the possibility of receiving state support. This framework encourages the active involvement of the private sector, both financially and through human resources, to enhance vocational education opportunities. A key aspect of this participation is the ability of private vocational education institutions to receive full government funding for student education fees, ensuring broader accessibility. In 2021, a unified admission process was introduced, allowing students to enroll in both public and private institutions through a streamlined system, thus promoting equal opportunities for all.

Private vocational institutions in Georgia are subject to the same rigorous quality assurance standards as their public counterparts. They are aligned with the European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) framework, which emphasizes compliance with labour market needs, practical learning outcomes, and the development of entrepreneurial skills. These institutions are required to adopt a modular approach to vocational programs, ensuring that students gain relevant skills that meet the demands of a dynamic economy.

Moreover, the involvement of private companies in vocational education has been significantly enhanced through the development of dual education programs. These programs mandate that more than 50%   of the learning outcomes must be achieved in real working environments, promoting strong collaboration between vocational institutions and private employers. This partnership is vital in addressing labour market demands and improving graduate employability. Through these mechanisms, private vocational education in Georgia is contributing to the development of a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and ensuring that vocational education is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with both national and international standards.

Private Higher Education in Georgia

In Georgia, private higher education institutions are governed by specific regulations outlined in the country's higher education laws. These institutions, which fall under legal entities established by private law, include universities and colleges, among other types of higher education entities.

Types and Legal Framework

According to Article 9 of the law on Higher Education, higher education institutions in Georgia can be categorized into several types:

• Universities

• Colleges

• Other Higher Education Institutions

Private higher education institutions can be established as legal entities under private law, as specified in Article 12. These entities can be formed in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs and the Civil Code of Georgia. They are permitted to carry out higher education activities without the need to create an additional independent legal entity. Importantly, local self-government bodies and the state are prohibited from establishing or owning shares in these private institutions.

Autonomy and Regulation

Private higher education institutions have the autonomy to determine their internal structure and operational powers, except for the authority to award qualifications, which remains under the jurisdiction of the central educational unit. This structure ensures that while private institutions have significant operational flexibility, they adhere to the legal requirements concerning qualifications and educational standards.

In summary, private higher education in Georgia encompasses a range of institutions that operate under private law, with specific rules and freedoms regarding their establishment and operation. These institutions contribute to the diversity and accessibility of higher education in the country while maintaining compliance with national educational standards.

Home Education

In Georgia, Article 9 of the Law on General Education underscores the right to obtain a comprehensive general education, which is essential for personal development and societal success. This law mandates compulsory primary and basic education, obligating the state to provide a well-structured education system and necessary support. For students with special educational needs, the law ensures the development of tailored curricula and additional support programs in accordance with the National Curriculum, with state funding available for these pupils.

Although the law does not specifically address homeschooling, it recognizes alternative educational pathways, such as external studies, as valid methods for acquiring general education. Students engaging in external education can achieve general education certification by meeting the National Curriculum's achievement standards and passing relevant exams. MoESY is responsible for establishing the procedures and conditions for these external studies, including administrative timelines.

However, while the law provides for various educational choices, including external and alternative methods, it does not permit the avoidance of mandatory education requirements. This ensures that all educational options, including potential home education approaches, must align with the core principle of compulsory education. This guarantees that every student meets the necessary standards for a complete general education.