Education in Georgia
Georgia, in the South Caucasus, runs a Georgian-language education system with near-universal literacy. Since a landmark 2005 reform, university admission has been governed by transparent Unified National Examinations — widely credited with reducing corruption in admissions. Georgia is Bologna-aligned and EU-aspiring, and its English-taught medical programs have made it a growing destination for international students.
Structure & stages
General education spans 12 years:
- Primary (grades 1–6)Ages ~6–12
- Basic (grades 7–9)Completing the compulsory cycle
- Secondary (grades 10–12)Leading to the school-leaving certificate and university
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory from age 6 to 15 (through grade 9). Public education is free, and the school year runs September to June.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools. The system retains strong foundations in mathematics and the sciences from the Soviet era and has been modernizing curricula and standards since independence.
Private & international schools
Georgia has a growing private and international-school sector, concentrated in Tbilisi, including English- and Russian-language schools.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Georgian language and literature, mathematics, the sciences, history, and foreign languages (English is increasingly emphasized, alongside Russian).
Exams & qualifications
The pivotal assessment is the Unified National Examinations (UNE) — standardized national tests introduced in 2005 that determine university admission and the allocation of state study grants. Their transparency transformed a previously corruption-prone admissions process.
Higher education
Higher education is led by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) (founded 1918, the oldest and largest), along with Ilia State University, the Georgian Technical University, and a growing private sector. The system is Bologna-aligned, and several universities run English-taught programs, especially in medicine.
Studying in Georgia from abroad
Georgia has become a notable destination for international students, particularly in medicine:
- English-taught medicineGeorgian universities offer English-medium MD/MBBS programs that attract students from India, the Middle East, and beyond
- Cost & recognitionTuition and living costs are relatively low, and Bologna alignment supports recognition
- VisaInternational students obtain a student visa/residence permit; confirm program accreditation and licensing pathways directly
Special education & support
Georgia has pursued inclusive education, integrating students with disabilities into mainstream schools with support, alongside special provision; implementation has been expanding.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Georgia; education is overwhelmingly school-based, with public, private, and international options.
Costs & funding
Public general education is free. Private and international schools charge tuition. University students may receive state grants (based on UNE results) or pay fees; international programs charge tuition. The currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
Key facts for families
- LanguageGeorgian (English increasingly emphasized)
- Structure6 + 3 + 3
- CompulsoryAges 6–15
- University entryVia the Unified National Examinations
- Higher edTbilisi State University; English-taught medicine draws international students
- School yearSeptember to June
Accreditation & quality assurance in Georgia
Every country oversees its own schools and universities through its education ministry or a national quality-assurance agency. To confirm that a specific Georgia institution is recognized — and to understand how a Georgia qualification is recognized in the U.S. and worldwide — start with the resources below.
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current, official details: