Organization of Vocation Education in Georgia

The Georgian government has substantially expanded and modernized vocational education and training (VET) to align with the country’s economic needs and international standards. The Law on Vocational Education aims to develop the vocational education system of Georgia, determine the state policy in the field of vocational education, and promote its implementation. This law defines the legal framework of the vocational education system, establishes the principles of its management, and regulates other fundamental issues related to the field of implementation of vocational education programmes:

• vocational educational programmes

• short cycle educational program

• vocational training/retraining programs

•  state language preparation program/module

In the frame of more extensive reforms of the National Quality Framework, in 2021, a new concept of development of vocational qualifications was introduced in Georgia. To prepare a qualified workforce capable of coping with competitive pressure and market forces, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia and the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry jointly established the Skills Agency in a public-private partnership framework. The Statute of the Skills Agency envisages the Supervisory Board, the supreme managerial body of the Agency. The Supervisory Board is represented by six relevant ministries and six business associations. Moreover, the involvement of the social partners in the management and operations of the Agency is ensured. The new concept of development of vocational qualifications addresses the broader challenges in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training system of Georgia and aims at (a) Strengthening focus on competency-based curriculum, modular approach, and micro-credentials system; (b) Increasing stakeholder involvement in decision-making at all stages of qualification management; (c) Building links between competencies, qualifications, and occupations and introducing standard reference systems and taxonomies.

 According to the Law on Vocational Education, short-cycle educational programs bridge vocational education and higher academic studies are classified under level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). They aim to equip students with practical and vocational skills, preparing them for direct entry into the workforce or progression into Bachelor’s programs.

In Georgia, Vocational Educational Institutions—commonly known as colleges—are authorized to offer various educational programs, including vocational education, short-cycle programs, vocational training and retraining programs, and state language preparation program/modules. These programs must be officially authorized/granted the right, a process overseen by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). Authorization/granting the right ensures that these institutions meet the standards to issue state-recognized educational credentials.

Additionally, higher and general education institutions can offer vocational programs without institutional authorization. According to the Law on Vocational education, higher education institution is eligible to implement any kind (basic, secondary, higher) vocational educational program, short-cycle program, vocational training and retraining program and state language preparation program/module. A general educational institution is eligible to implement basic and secondary vocational education programs, state language preparation program/module and vocational training and retraining program.  if above-mentioned institutions already have institutional authorization, in order to implement vocational education programs, they only need to undergo authorization process for vocational program Vocational education is a voluntary choice. There is no upper age limit for entering the system, and it ensures constant opportunity for personal and professional development for the person throughout their entire life.

The vocational education system includes three program levels: basic vocational, secondary vocational, and higher vocational education. For admission into a secondary vocational program, the system defines two paths – (a) candidates need to hold a certificate of complete general education (12th grade) or an equivalent qualification. (b) candidates need to hold a basic (9th grade) general education certificate and enroll in an integrated secondary vocational education program in which the study results of the secondary level of general education are integrated.  After completion of the integrated program, students receive a diploma equivalent to a full general education certificate. For admission into a higher vocational educational program, candidates must hold a certificate of complete general education (12th grade) or an equivalent qualification. 

To enroll in vocational education programs, applicants must meet specific entry requirements, which generally relate to their previous educational background. However, additional criteria may be set based on the particular program.

There are two main pathways for admission into vocational programs:

• Centralized Professional Testing

• Competition/Selection Process as determined by the educational institution themselves 

 Twice a year, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia opens registration for individuals interested in enrolling in institutions that offer vocational education programs. Prospective students can register online via vet.emis.ge.

The Georgian education system encourages participation for individuals with special educational needs, fostering their academic engagement and social integration. To all programs for which admission is announced, above the maximum number of places for VET students, 15% of the places are offered to persons with special educational needs. Special enrollment procedures are available to facilitate their entry. Alternative admission processes may include a trial period, allowing them to explore the profession before formally enrolling. Moreover, additional funding in the amount of 1000 GEL is available for students with special educational needs for supportive services for each quarter.

Furthermore, since 2019, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth has started the development of the adult education system, and short-term vocational training and re-training programs (at NQF levels 2-5) have become part of the formal education system. The standards and procedures that must be met and fulfilled for the implementation of the vocational training program and vocational retraining program are defined by the governmental decree (resolution #131). Any legal entity (such as a private company, training center, association, or educational institute) is eligible to become a VET provider and issue a State Certificate. The process of obtaining the right is overseen by NCEQE. The aim of these programs is to ensure lifelong learning opportunities and to prepare the workforce in accordance with the labor market demands in a short period of time.