Study in Georgia
Georgia is an increasingly popular destination for international students, particularly those applying for Medicine, Dentistry, Business and Engineering. It offers numerous English-taught programmes, relatively affordable costs and a straightforward international admission route at many universities.
At a glance
Quick Facts
- Tuition fees
- US$3,000 – $8,000 / year
- Living cost
- US$500 – $900 / month
- Teaching language
- English, Georgian
Georgia participates in the European Higher Education Area. However, students should verify recognition of their chosen institution and programme in the country where they intend to work or continue their education.
Why Georgia
Why Study in Georgia?
- Wide selection of English-taught programmes
- Popular six-year medical programmes
- Competitive tuition and living expenses
- International admission without Georgia's Unified National Examinations for eligible applicants
- Universities following the European credit system
- Multicultural student population
- Relatively straightforward application procedures
- Attractive natural environment and rich cultural heritage
- Convenient location between Europe and Asia
- Several annual intakes at selected universities
Costs
Tuition & Living Cost
Tuition is determined by the institution and programme. Indicative annual ranges are:
| Programme area | Approximate annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Business and social sciences | US$3,000 – $5,000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | US$3,500 – $6,000 |
| Medicine | US$4,000 – $8,000 |
| Dentistry | US$4,500 – $8,000 |
| Master's programmes | US$3,000 – $6,000 |
Certain specialist or premium programmes may charge more. Students should also check application, recognition, registration, insurance and laboratory fees.
Tuition should be paid only to the university's verified account after the student has received appropriate admission documentation.
What you need
Entry Requirements
Requirements vary between universities and programmes.
Bachelor's programmes
Applicants normally need:
- Complete secondary-school certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport
- Passport photograph
- Proof of English-language ability
- Completed application
- Video interview, where required
- Certified Georgian translations
- Recognition of previous education
Master's programmes
Applicants generally need:
- Recognised bachelor's degree
- Academic transcript
- Valid passport
- CV and motivation letter
- Proof of English proficiency
- Academic or professional references, where requested
- Interview or entrance assessment
Medicine and Dentistry
Applicants usually need:
- Secondary-school completion certificate
- Biology and Chemistry in their previous studies
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Online interview or university assessment
- Valid passport and translated educational documents
Some institutions may also examine Physics or Mathematics results.
Language
Language Requirement
English-taught programmes commonly require approximately B2-level English, but the form of evidence varies. A university may accept:
- IELTS or TOEFL
- Cambridge English qualifications
- Previous education completed in English
- A medium-of-instruction certificate
- The university's own interview or language test
Applicants should confirm whether external English certification is required before submitting an application.
Visa route
Student Visa Process
Visa requirements depend on the student's nationality and existing residence status.
Students who require a visa normally apply for a D3 immigration visa for study purposes. Common supporting documents may include:
- Valid passport
- University admission or enrolment evidence
- Ministry or education-authority approval where applicable
- Proof of tuition payment
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Accommodation details
- Health or travel insurance
- Passport photograph
- Evidence of the purpose and duration of study
Some nationalities may enter Georgia without a visa for a specified period, but visa-free entry should not be confused with long-term student residence. Students should verify their individual position through official channels.
What to study
Popular Courses
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing and Public Health
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- International Relations
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
Where to study
Popular Universities
Institutions commonly considered by international students include:
- Tbilisi State Medical University
- Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
- Ilia State University
- Georgian Technical University
- University of Georgia
- European University
- Caucasus University
- Caucasus International University
- New Vision University
- Alte University
- David Tvildiani Medical University
- East European University
- Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
- Kutaisi International University
- Georgian American University
Popularity should not be treated as proof of recognition. Applicants must verify that the institution is currently authorised and that the specific programme is accredited through Georgia's National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
Good to know
Higher-education system
- Bachelor's degree: usually 4 years
- Master's degree: usually 2 years
- Medicine: 6 years
- Dentistry: usually 5 years
- Doctoral degree: usually 3 years or more
Medical programmes generally lead to a Medical Doctor qualification rather than a separate bachelor's and master's degree.
Good to know
Admission without national examinations
Eligible foreign citizens and Georgian citizens who completed the required education abroad may enter accredited Georgian programmes without taking the Unified National Examinations. The process generally involves:
- 1Selecting an authorised university and accredited programme.
- 2Submitting the application to the university.
- 3Completing an online interview or assessment.
- 4Obtaining recognition of the foreign qualification.
- 5Receiving approval for admission without national examinations.
- 6Paying the required tuition deposit.
- 7Applying for the appropriate visa and residence status.
Good to know
Recognition of foreign education
Georgia's National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement verifies:
- The authenticity of the foreign educational documents
- The status of the issuing institution
- The level and compatibility of the qualification
- Whether the previous education gives access to the requested programme
Applicants normally provide:
- Educational certificate or diploma
- Transcript or diploma supplement
- Passport
- Notarised Georgian translations
- Evidence of study abroad, where required
- Power of attorney if another person submits the application
The recognition procedure is separate from university admission and should be handled carefully.
Good to know
Living costs
A practical student budget is approximately US$500 – $900 per month, depending on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. Typical expenses include:
- Shared or private accommodation
- Food and household costs
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Telephone and internet
- Books and personal expenses
Tbilisi is generally more expensive than Batumi, Kutaisi and smaller cities. Private accommodation near central Tbilisi or a university campus can substantially increase the monthly budget.
Good to know
Study residence permit
International students studying at an authorised Georgian institution may apply for a study residence permit. The application generally requires:
- Application form
- Passport
- Evidence of lawful stay
- Confirmation of active study and expected duration
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Photograph and address information
- Payment of the applicable government fee
Official processing options currently include:
- 30 calendar days: GEL 300
- 20 calendar days: GEL 450
- 10 calendar days: GEL 600
Students must apply while lawfully present and before their existing immigration permission expires.
Good to know
Working during study
Georgia introduced a new employment-authorisation system on 1 March 2026. International students should no longer assume that student status automatically permits employment.
Most foreign nationals who want to undertake paid employment or self-employment must now obtain the appropriate right to labour activity. Employment authorisation is separate from permission to reside in Georgia and may be linked to a specific employer and position.
Students considering employment should:
- Confirm that their study schedule permits the work
- Obtain the required employment authorisation
- Ensure that their visa or residence status supports the activity
- Avoid beginning work before approval is granted
The reform was adopted by the Georgian Parliament to regulate employment and entrepreneurial activity by foreign nationals.
Good to know
Opportunities after graduation
Georgia does not offer a universal automatic post-study work period comparable to some European countries. Graduates wishing to remain generally need to secure an appropriate legal basis, such as:
- Authorised employment
- A work-related residence permit
- Further study
- Approved business or self-employment activity
- Another qualifying residence category
Students should begin planning before their study residence permit expires. A job offer alone may not be sufficient without the required employment authorisation and residence documentation.
Good to know
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities for international students are more limited than in some European destinations. Possible funding sources include:
- Individual university merit scholarships
- Tuition-fee discounts
- Exchange programmes
- Bilateral government arrangements
- Research and doctoral funding
- Scholarships from the student's home country
Students should not assume that an advertised discount covers the entire programme. The amount, continuation criteria and effect on future tuition should be confirmed in writing.
Good to know
Important advice for medical applicants
Before accepting a medical offer, students should verify:
- Current university authorisation
- Accreditation of the exact medical programme
- Clinical training arrangements
- Language used in hospital placements
- Internship requirements
- Eligibility for medical licensing in the intended destination
- Recognition by the relevant medical council
- Whether the school appears in the World Directory of Medical Schools
Georgia's quality-assurance agency holds recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education, but this does not mean every medical programme is automatically accepted by every regulator.
Good to know
How Edu Consultancy can support applicants
Edu Consultancy can assist students with:
- Academic and financial eligibility assessment
- University and programme verification
- Medical-school recognition checks
- Application preparation and submission
- Foreign-qualification recognition
- Certified translation and document planning
- Interview preparation
- Visa and residence documentation
- Accommodation and pre-departure guidance
- Post-arrival support
Georgia can be an attractive destination for affordable English-taught education, particularly in Medicine. However, careful verification of accreditation, clinical training, total costs and professional recognition is essential before paying tuition or signing an agreement.
Ready to study in Georgia?
Especially for medicine, verification comes first: accreditation, clinical training and licensing recognition. Our counsellors check everything before you pay a single fee.
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