Study in Georgia
Why international students choose to Study in Georgia
Georgia has rapidly become a strategic choice for international students looking for affordable universities in Europe, English-taught degrees, and fast, transparent admission routes. Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia offers a unique cultural blend, safe cities, and a low cost of living all attractive factors for students from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
Academically, Georgian universities have modernized curricula and invested heavily in laboratories, simulation centres, and research infrastructure over the last decade. Many institutions provide well-equipped engineering workshops, computer labs, clinical skills rooms for medicine and dentistry, and dedicated research centres that collaborate with European and international partners. These practical resources ensure that degree programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience a key requirement for students who plan to sit professional licensing exams or pursue postgraduate study abroad.
In popular fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, business and computer science, higher education in Georgia also emphasizes English-medium instruction. This enables non-Georgian speakers to enroll easily without lengthy language requirements while still meeting global academic standards.
Georgia has relatively simple student visa and residency policies, and many universities have international offices that offer on-campus housing, orientation for arrivals at the airport in advance of their preferred time, internship placements, 24-hour student support, as well as other essential services for first-time international students. The combination of top-notch facilities, global education, budget-friendly prices, and student amenities.
Tuition & Cost of Living in Georgia: Affordable Excellence
Georgia offers exceptionally cost-efficient higher education. Most bachelor’s and master’s degrees cost €1,500–€12,000 per year, depending on discipline and institution. Medicine and dentistry programs are positioned at the upper range. Living expenses covering accommodation, meals, transit, and utilities typically range from €300–€450 per month, making Georgia a rare combination of low-cost living and quality university infrastructure.
Leading Universities for International Students to Study in Georgia
Both renowned public universities and innovative private institutions are present in the academic landscape of Georgia. The list of prominent institutions comprises Tbilisi State University, Ilia State, Tiliss State Medical University. Georgian Technical University and Caucasus University respectively, along with branch campuses such as Webster Uniformis (Tbiliza) and British University in Georgia. In addition to modern labs and vibrant international student communities, these institutions have strong English-taught programs.
Medical & Dental Education: High-Quality & Globally Recognized
Georgia is recognized for its English-medium MBBS and dentistry programs. IPricing remains competitive (€6,000–€12,000/year), and the curriculum spans 5–6 years, often including preparatory language or science years. Crucially, many medical schools are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and align with USMLE/ECFMG licensing pathways, providing graduates a clear route to international practice or postgraduate training.
International Accreditations: Quality Verified
Georgia ensures academic credibility through both national and international oversight. Universities are accredited by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), while program-level recognition may include ABET (engineering) or FIBAA/AACSB (business). Medical faculties with WDOMS listing and ECFMG recognition help graduates become globally eligible. Additionally, membership in academic networks like EUA further enhances university visibility and credibility.
Public vs. Private Universities: Accessibility vs. Structure
Public universities in Georgia are well-established and academically rigorous but often have fixed admissions cycles and limited seats. Conversely, private and international branch campuses favor international students with rolling admissions, minimal entrance requirements, and extensive support services including campus housing, English preparatory programs, and streamlined visa assistance.
Georgia is rapidly gaining popularity among students searching for “low-cost universities in Europe for international students” due to its highly competitive tuition fees.
1. Tuition Costs by Program Type
Humanities, Business, and IT Degrees: Bachelor’s and master’s programs in these fields typically range from €1,500 to €4,000 per year.
Professional & Clinical Degrees (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): Annual tuition fees usually fall between €6,000 and €12,000, depending on the university and clinical training facilities.
This price range positions Georgia as one of the most affordable study-abroad destinations in Europe without compromising academic quality. Many global study abroad rankings highlight Georgia as a cost-effective choice for international students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Low Cost of Living for Students in Georgia
2. Average Monthly Expenses in Major Cities
In cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, international students can live comfortably on a budget of €300–€450 per month. This typically includes:
Shared accommodation or university dormitories
Meals and campus catering
Public transportation and utilities
Basic entertainment and leisure activities
3. Accommodation Options & Costs
Student Dormitories: €80–€150/month (often located near campus)
Shared Flats: €150–€250/month per person
Private Studios or One-Bed Apartments: €400–€600/month
4. Factors That Influence Living Costs
City Choice: Tbilisi and Batumi are slightly more expensive than smaller towns like Kutaisi.
Lifestyle: Dining out, traveling, and premium housing will increase costs.
Seasonal Changes: Winter heating expenses can raise utility bills slightly.
International students planning to study in Georgia are encouraged to use local cost-of-living calculators and join student community forums for accurate, real-time budgeting advice.
Georgia’s higher education sector is increasingly popular among students searching for “best universities in Georgia for international students”, thanks to its affordable tuition, English-medium programs, and globally recognized degrees.
Below are the most prominent institutions including those many study abroad agencies recommend and advertise that offer strong academic programs and excellent student support.
1. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU)
Overview: Established in 1918, TSU is Georgia’s oldest and largest public university and a frequent top entry in global ranking summaries for the Caucasus region.
Specializations: Humanities, law, natural sciences, business, and international relations.
International Appeal: Over 3,000 international students enrolled, with partnerships across Europe and Asia.
Key Advantage for Students: Affordable tuition (from €2,500/year) and scholarship opportunities for top-performing applicants.
2. Ilia State University (ISU)
Overview: A fast-growing institution known for its modern curriculum and innovation-driven teaching.
Specializations: Computer science, architecture, social sciences, and business management.
Why Agencies Recommend It: High acceptance rates, English-taught programs, and flexible admission cycles ideal for international applicants who missed early deadlines elsewhere.
3. Georgian Technical University (GTU)
Overview: The country’s leading engineering and technology university, with industry-linked research centers and advanced technical laboratories.
Specializations: Civil engineering, IT, energy systems, and applied sciences.
Career Advantage: Strong internship opportunities through partnerships with local and multinational companies in Georgia.
4. Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) & Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
Overview: Top destinations for MBBS in Georgia for international students, with English-taught medical, dentistry, and pharmacy tracks.
Accreditations: Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, recognized by WHO, ECFMG, and MCI/NMC (India).
Facilities: Modern simulation labs, university hospitals, and clinical placements at partner hospitals across Georgia and abroad.
Tuition Fees: €6,000–€8,000/year for medicine; €4,000–€6,000/year for dentistry.
5. Caucasus University & Free University of Tbilisi
Overview: Leading private universities in Georgia, highly rated for business, law, and international relations.
Specializations: MBA programs, law degrees, political science, and media studies all taught in English.
Why Students Choose Them: Western-style education, international exchange programs, and modern city campuses in Tbilisi.
6. Webster University Tbilisi & British University in Georgia
Overview: International branch campuses offering degrees accredited in the US or UK, recognized globally without additional validation.
Specializations: Business administration, communications, and international relations.
Key Benefit: Students graduate with foreign-accredited degrees while paying significantly lower tuition than in the US or UK.
Why students study medicine in Georgia: Georgia offers English-medium MBBS/MD programs, clinical exposure in university hospitals, and international accreditation paths that support postgraduate licensing abroad. Many medical schools are included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and graduates may pursue international licensing pathways (e.g., USMLE/ECFMG routes) subject to accreditation status of their specific school. Always verify a medical faculty’s current listing and whether it’s recognized by relevant national medical councils before applying.
Tuition & duration: Typical MBBS/MD programs last 5–6 years (depending on preparatory/foundation year inclusion). Tuition commonly ranges €6,000–€12,000 per year for international students at major medical universities; dentistry is often within the same range but may vary by university. Note that program length and clinical rotation structure differ some schools include an initial foundation year for academic language and science preparation.
Prospective medical students must verify if their chosen Georgian medical school is accredited by WDOMS and able to participate in international certification pathways through the same accrediting. To prepare for future practice in the US, UK or EU countries due to the ECFMG's updated pathways (Pathways 2024-2025), students must first demonstrate due diligence as these pathways bind graduate eligibility to agency recognition.
Clinical training & facilities: Leading medical schools have university hospitals, simulation labs, and active student clinical rotations. Partnerships with hospitals in Georgia and abroad expand practical learning opportunities.
Accreditation is central to the international portability of degrees. Georgian universities participate in diverse accreditation and quality-assurance frameworks:
National accreditation: The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) oversees program and institutional accreditation in Georgia, ensuring degrees meet national standards recognized by ministries and partner countries. Local accreditation is often a prerequisite for international recognition.
International memberships: Top universities are members of networks such as the European University Association (EUA) and engage in Erasmus+ partnerships and bilateral research collaborations. These institutional ties strengthen transferability and exchange opportunities.
Program-level accreditations: Select engineering programs pursue ABET alignment or recognition where applicable; business faculties often seek international accreditations (e.g., FIBAA, AACSB candidacy or program validation through UK or EU partners). Prospective applicants should search each program page for current accreditations.
Medical recognition: Medical faculties included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by relevant international bodies increase graduate eligibility for licensing exams. Keep an eye on ECFMG/WFME policy changes that affect international medical graduates’ certification pathways.
Public universities (selective & structured): Georgia’s public universities—such as Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University—often have structured admissions cycles, limited intake for certain competitive programs (medicine, dentistry, architecture), and formal application timelines. For international applicants, public institutions may require validated documents, proof of secondary education equivalency, and in some cases language or subject competency depending on the program. This selective environment makes public admission comparatively more competitive — a fitting message for students searching “how hard is it to get into public universities in Georgia as an international student.”
Private universities (more flexible & international-friendly): Private and international branch campuses (e.g., British University in Georgia, Webster University Tbilisi, Caucasus University, Free University) typically offer flexible admissions, rolling intake, foundation or English preparatory pathways, and strong international student services. Private institutions commonly facilitate fast-track admission, accept a broader range of international credentials, and provide scholarship packages targeted at overseas applicants. This makes private universities more accessible for students searching “easy admission private universities in Georgia for international students.”
Practical guidance: Encourage applicants to use private universities if they need quick admission, foundation support, or strong English-language services. Direct them to program pages for exact entry requirements, and emphasize that document legalization, certified translations, and timely submission are critical for both public and private applications.
How much does it cost to study in Georgia for international students? Annual tuition typically ranges €1,500–€12,000 depending on program and university; living costs ~€300–€450/month.
Is English the medium of instruction in Georgian universities? Many programs (medicine, engineering, business) are offered in English; always check the specific program page.
Which Georgian universities are best for international students? Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Ilia State, Georgian Technical, Tbilisi State Medical University, and Caucasus University rank highly.
Are Georgian medical degrees recognized internationally? Medical faculties listed in WDOMS and with recognized accreditation allow graduates to pursue international licensing; verify school-specific listings.
How long is the MBBS/MD program in Georgia? Usually 5–6 years (some include a foundation/English year).
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply? Not always , many universities accept direct English instruction or offer preparatory English programs.
Can I work while studying in Georgia? Yes, limited part-time work options exist; check visa/work regulations for details.
How fast can I get admission to a Georgian university? Private universities often provide offers within days to a few weeks; public institutions follow fixed cycles.
Are scholarships available for international students? Yes , merit scholarships, early-application discounts, and partner agency packages are common.
What documents are needed to apply as an international student? Passport copy, secondary diploma and transcripts (translated & certified), passport photo, and proof of finances if requested.
Do Georgian universities help with student visas and residence permits? Yes , international offices commonly assist with visa letters and residence registration.
Is Georgia safe for international students? Major cities are generally safe and student-friendly; always follow local advice.
Can I transfer credits from another university? Often possible; universities evaluate transcripts for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis.
Are engineering degrees in Georgia ABET-recognized? Some programs pursue ABET alignment; check individual program accreditation statements.
What is the academic calendar in Georgia? Many universities have autumn and spring intakes; private schools may have multiple intakes.
How do I verify a Georgian university’s accreditation? Check NCEQE listings and the university’s accreditation documentation online.
Are there branch campuses of foreign universities in Georgia? Yes , examples include Webster University Tbilisi and the British University in Georgia.
What are the housing options for students? University dorms, shared flats, and private studios; prices vary by city and amenities.
Can I pursue postgraduate study in Georgia? Yes , many English-taught MSc and MBA programs are available with research and career support.
How do I start my application through an agency? Contact a verified agency that partners with Georgian universities for free application support, document guidance, and visa assistance.
