Caucasus University
Tbilisi has become one of those study destinations that more international students are discovering each year, and Caucasus University is a big reason why. Founded in 1998 as the Caucasus School of Business and expanded into a full university in 2004, it's now the top-ranked private university in Georgia according to Shiksha's national popularity ranking for 2026, and one of the most recognized institutions in the South Caucasus region. Its motto, "Studium Pretium Libertatis" ("Study is the price of freedom"), isn't just branding - it reflects a genuine commitment to accessible, internationally recognized education at a price point that Western universities can't come close to matching.
Here's the complete guide for the September 2026 and next intake.
Caucasus University Ranking in 2026
CU's ranking profile spans several frameworks and each tells part of the story.
In the QS Europe University Rankings for Western Asia 2026, Caucasus University is placed at #67 in the region, putting it among the visible and recognized institutions in the Eastern European and Western Asian education space. Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2026 place it #1 nationally in Georgia and #932 globally based on combined academic reputation and engagement metrics. UniRank 2026 lists it at approximately 6,945th globally and 8th within Georgia - a position that reflects its status as one of the more research-active private Georgian institutions but also its relatively modest research output compared to large global research universities.
Times Higher Education has recognized CU in its Impact Rankings (measuring performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals), placing it in the 1001-1500 global band. The Caucasus School of Business has been ranked first in the Caucasus region for MBA programs by Eduniversal repeatedly - a specific subject recognition that carries real weight for postgraduate business applicants.
The university holds partnerships with 162 institutions across 54 countries, and its AACSB membership since 2007 (now in the final accreditation stages) puts the Business School on a trajectory toward one of the most prestigious business school recognitions in the world. That's not a minor detail if you're targeting business careers internationally.
Tuition Fees for September 2026 Intake
This is where Caucasus University makes its most compelling argument to international students. The fees are genuinely affordable by any comparative standard.
Medical Doctor (MD) program - English-medium, 6 years: $6,000 per year. Total program cost approximately $36,000 over six years. For a fully English-taught MD recognized by WHO, NMC (India), WFME, ECFMG, and FAIMER, this is significantly lower than equivalent programs in Europe, Canada, or Australia.
Dentistry: approximately $6,000 per year, similar pricing to medicine.
Undergraduate Bachelor programs (English-medium): generally $5,000 to $5,500 per year. Business, technology, and international relations programs fall within this band.
BBA (Caucasus School of Business): approximately $5,000 per year.
MBA: approximately $3,200 (8,950 GEL equivalent), with scholarships and state grants available that can reduce this further.
Master's programs: $3,000 to $4,500 per year depending on specialization.
PhD programs: research-based with variable fees. Confirm directly with the relevant school.
Note: fee amounts depend on whether the program is English or Georgian-medium (English tracks are typically higher), whether any state grant or CU scholarship applies, and the specific faculty. Always request the current official fee quote from CU's admissions office for your specific program and language track before making plans.
Living costs in Tbilisi add roughly $400 to $700 per month including accommodation, food, transport, and daily expenses. Tbilisi remains one of the more affordable capital cities in the broader region for students.
Programs and Academic Structure
CU runs more than 57 accredited programs across bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and one-cycle medical degrees. Programs span ten schools:
Caucasus School of Business - The flagship school, offering BBA, MBA, economics, finance, marketing, accounting, and HR programs. The school is working through its AACSB final accreditation stage, which when completed will place it in the top 6% of business schools globally. The Eduniversal Caucasus MBA ranking consistently places it first in the region. For students targeting careers in regional business, finance, or management, the school's industry links and regional employer recognition are strong.
School of Technology - Computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, IT management, and data analytics. English-medium tracks available. These programs have seen growing international enrollment as Georgia's tech sector and startup scene expand.
School of Law - Law degrees covering Georgian, international, and EU law components. Practical moot court and internship programs with Georgian law firms and public institutions.
School of Governance - Public administration, public policy, and diplomacy. Given Tbilisi's position as a regional diplomatic hub and Georgia's EU candidacy trajectory, this school's subject matter has increasing real-world relevance.
School of Media - Journalism, PR, communication, and digital media. Strong in English and Georgian tracks.
School of Medicine and Healthcare Management - The 6-year English-medium MD program is the most internationally sought-after offering. It combines pre-clinical academic training with clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals. The program is recognized by WHO, NMC (India), WFME, ECFMG, and FAIMER, which makes it valid for licensing examinations in India (NEXT), the USA (USMLE pathway), and the UK (PLAB), among other countries. Clinical exposure starts from the early years, and simulation training is built into the curriculum before hospital rotations. The 6-year program is structured on 12 semesters, with the final phase focused on clinical practice.
School of Architecture, Arts and Design - Architecture, interior design, and communication design. Architecture applicants typically need to submit a portfolio.
School of Tourism - Tourism management and hospitality. CU's tourism program holds the World Tourism Organization TEDQUAL certificate - the only program in Georgia and among the first in the region to receive this certification.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences - Psychology, sociology, and related social science programs.
School of Education - Teacher preparation and educational management programs.
Accreditation and International Recognition
CU is accredited by Georgia's National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), the country's official higher education quality body. All degrees follow the Bologna Process framework and use ECTS credits, so transcripts are structured for European recognition. Dual degree programs are available with Grenoble Ecole de Management in France, giving students in qualifying tracks a jointly issued French-Georgian diploma.
The MD program specifically carries recognition from: WHO, NMC/MCI (India), WFME (World Federation for Medical Education), ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, USA), FAIMER, and MCC (Medical Council of Canada). This recognition set covers the major licensing pathway countries for internationally mobile medical graduates.
CU's 162 international university partnerships across 54 countries support active Erasmus+, Mevlana, and bilateral exchange programs. Students can spend a semester abroad while their CU enrollment continues.
Admission Requirements for September 2026
For undergraduate programs: a high school diploma (equivalent to 12 years of education) with official transcripts, passport copy, and English proficiency documentation for English-medium tracks. IELTS, TOEFL, or CU's internal English test are accepted. Architecture applicants also need a portfolio.
For the MD (Medicine) program: high school completion with science subjects (biology, chemistry), English proficiency, and an admissions test organized by CU. For Indian students specifically, NEET qualification is required. The application window for Fall semester medicine runs from approximately July to September, with the program commencing in October 2026. Applying early within this window is advisable since seats are limited and the deposit process takes time.
For master's programs: a relevant bachelor's degree, transcripts, English documentation, and in some cases a motivation letter or CV.
For MBA: a bachelor's degree and typically some professional work experience, though exact requirements should be confirmed with the business school directly.
Applications go through CU's online portal at cu.edu.ge. There's an application fee, and after acceptance an offer letter is issued before the visa application process begins. The International Office supports students through the Georgian student visa process and provides guidance on accommodation arrangements.
Campus and Life in Tbilisi
CU's main campus is in central Tbilisi, well connected by public transport. The campus includes digital libraries, computer labs, clinical simulation centers, and sports facilities. A new Batumi campus is also in development, which will expand programs to Georgia's Black Sea coast city.
Student housing is available through CU with separate facilities for men and women. For students who prefer independent accommodation, Tbilisi's rental market is affordable and the areas around the campus have student-friendly options.
Tbilisi is a genuinely interesting city to spend several years. It's historically rich, culturally mixed, and increasingly cosmopolitan as its university population and tech sector grow. For students from the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Central Asia, the city's safety record, affordable living, and welcoming atmosphere make the practical adjustment to student life relatively smooth.
Why Caucasus University for the 2026-2027 Intake?
Three things consistently bring international students to CU: fees, recognition, and Tbilisi itself. At $6,000 per year for a WHO and NMC-recognized English-taught MD program, or $5,000 to $5,500 for most bachelor tracks, the cost-to-quality ratio is difficult to find elsewhere in the region. The AACSB accreditation trajectory of the Business School and the TEDQUAL tourism certification show an institution that takes formal academic recognition seriously, not just locally but globally. And Tbilisi, with its EU candidacy path, growing tech economy, and genuinely affordable student life, adds real practical value to a degree studied there. For September 2026, Caucasus University is worth serious consideration for any internationally mobile student comparing options in the broader region.
CU offers multiple types of tuition fee structures. For international students, fees depend heavily on:
whether the program is taught in English or Georgian,
whether there is a CU grant or state grant applied,
type of program (Bachelor, Master, Doctor, Medical Doctor),
specific faculty (e.g., Technology, Medicine tend to be more expensive than Humanities).
Below are detailed data for Bachelor’s and Graduate level, including special programmes. All amounts are for the 2026-2027 academic year unless noted, and reflect tuition only (excluding living costs, accommodation, books, etc.).
Bachelor's (Undergraduate) Programs
Program / Faculty | Duration | Approx. Annual Fee for International Students (English Taught) | Notes / Grant Options |
|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration (specifically in English) – specialization in Finance, Marketing, Management, Accounting | 3 years | USD 5,500/year | Some programs offer lower fees if student obtains CU grant or state grant; or sometimes local language options are cheaper. |
Computer Science (English) | 4 years | USD 5,500/year | Same as above. |
Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence (English) | 4 years | USD 5,500/year | More technical fields tend to show slightly higher baseline fees. |
Cybersecurity (English) | 4 years | USD 5,500/year | – |
International Relations | 4 years | USD 5,000/year | A little lower compared to pure technology programs. |
Psychology | 4 years | USD 5,000/year | – |
Architecture | 4 years | USD 5,000/year | Architecture often has labs, workshops, materials – fee can vary depending on facility access. |
Graphic Design (English) | 3 years | USD 5,000/year | – |
Economics (English) | 4 years | USD 5,000/year | – |
Joint Degree Programs** | 3 years | EUR 10,000 or USD 10,000 depending on partner institution (e.g. with Rennes School, with New Jersey City University) | These programs often carry premium tuition, reflecting costs of partnerships & may require travel or tuition splits. |
Note: “Annual fee” means per academic year. Joint / dual degree programs tend to have higher or varied fee structure. * Fees are fixed before any grants; grants can reduce them substantially.
One-Cycle Medical Doctor (MD) Program
Duration: 6 years (one-cycle), English taught.
Fee: approximately USD 5,500/year for international students in English program.
Graduate (Master’s) Programs
For Master’s / Postgraduate programmes, fees often are given in Georgian Lari (GEL). There are standard CU fees, reduced fees if the student obtains a CU grant, and further reduction if both CU + State grants are applied. Below are a few sample programs.
Master’s Program | Standard Fee (International) | With CU Grant | With CU + State Grant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA / Business Administration | ~ 8,950 GEL | ~ 4,475 GEL | ~ 3,350 GEL | These are sample rates; many students apply for grants to reduce cost. |
Master in Management | ~ 5,950 GEL | ~ 2,975 GEL | ~ 1,850 GEL | – |
Law (Tbilisi) | ~ 5,950 GEL | ~ 2,975 GEL | ~ 1,850 GEL | – |
Comparative Contract Law (English/German programmes) | ~ 5,500 GEL | ~ 2,750 GEL | ~ 1,625 GEL | Program language affects applicants’ eligibility for grants. |
Strategic Communication; Information Technology Management | ~ 4,950 GEL | ~ 2,475 GEL | ~ 1,350 GEL | More specialized, sometimes smaller demand, fees reflect that. |
Grant / State Support Options
CU Grant: Available if the student meets certain academic performance criteria (e.g. previous GPA, or unified exam scores). The CU grant often covers 50% of tuition, sometimes more.
State Grant + CU Grant: For eligible students, there is combined support that reduces tuition further. The specific amount depends on program and achievement in national/master’s exams.
Other Costs to Consider
Application fees (non-refundable).
Document translation, notarization, and fees with the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement for foreign credentials.
Living expenses: accommodation, food, transport, utilities. These vary by lifestyle and whether you live on or off campus.
Additional costs: materials, especially for fields like Architecture, Design, Media, Labs, etc.
In this section, we examine CU’s standing in various ranking systems, both in Georgia and internationally. This helps prospective students understand how CU is viewed, its strengths, and areas for improvement. The data here is compiled from multiple sources to improve visibility and accuracy.
Local / National Rankings
According to Uniranks 2025, Caucasus University is ranked #8 among Georgian universities, in terms of overall recognition in that system. It has a score of approximately 39.59 globally in Uniranks.
In national university listings (e.g. Education in Georgia profiles), CU is listed among the top private universities, well-regarded for its business, media, and technology programs.
Within the Caucasus region, the Caucasus School of Business (part of CU) has historically been ranked 1st by Eduniversal in years from 2011-2017 among business schools in the Caucasus region.
Regional and International Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE): In THE’s Impact Rankings for 2025, CU appears in categories such as Quality Education, Good Health and Wellbeing, Decent Work & Economic Growth, Partnership for the Goals. In these, its ranking falls into the 1001-1500 range for many categories.
TopUniversities / QS / GoAbroad etc.: Profiles on TopUniversities report CU among institutions offering robust English-taught programs, with strong international partnerships, and a high employability rate (graduates’ employment) reported around 98%, with large numbers of partner institutions (162 partner universities in 54 countries).
Eduniversal: CU’s master’s & MBA programmes (especially joint ones) have been placed in Eduniversal’s rankings of best programmes globally/regional, especially for MBA and related fields.
Strengths in Ranking Metrics
From the ranking sources, the strengths for CU are:
Strong employability of graduates: high percentages of students find jobs in private/public sectors and international companies.
Internationalization: number of partner institutions, joint degree programs, exchange mobility.
Quality of business programmes, especially with accreditation or association with recognized bodies (such as AACSB, Eduniversal).
Challenges / Areas with lower rankings
In global rank lists which heavily weigh research output, publication citations, and high impact research, CU is not among top globally; its ranking scores show moderate visibility. (For example, Uniranks global rank ~6945).
In THE and other large aggregators, its positions in certain categories (e.g., research volume, global reputation) are modest. So international students whose priority is research-intensive universities may weigh this factor.
Here is a detailed breakdown of faculties and programs offered by CU, to help students see what is available and align with their interests.
Faculties / Schools at Caucasus University
CU is organized into multiple schools (also called faculties), each delivering undergraduate, graduate, and in some cases doctoral / one-cycle MD degrees. Major schools include:
School of Business (Caucasus School of Business, CSB)
School of Law
School of Media
School of Technology
School of Governance
School of Humanities & Social Sciences
School of Tourism
School of Architecture & Design
School of Medicine / Healthcare Management
School of Education
Sample Programs by School
Below are common programmes (both in Georgian and English) offered under each school, for undergraduate and graduate levels.
School / Faculty | Key Undergraduate Programs | Key Graduate / One-Cycle / Doctoral Programs |
|---|---|---|
Business | Business Administration (specializations: Finance, Marketing, Management, Accounting), Business Administration in English, Joint BBA programs (e.g. Rennes School of Business), Healthcare Management. | MBA / Master in Business Administration, Master in Management, Master specializations (Finance, etc.), PhD in Management / Economics, etc. |
Technology / Computer Science | Computer Science; Computer Science & AI; Cybersecurity; Electronics & Computer Engineering. | Master's in IT Management and related fields; possibly special certificate/post-graduate modules. |
Law | Undergraduate Law programs; Comparative Contract Law; Law in Tbilisi; etc. | Graduate Law specializations; joint law programmes; possibly doctoral in law. |
Medicine / Healthcare | One-cycle MD program (6 years, English; possibly Georgian) | Graduate / MD specialization, possibly residencies or advanced medical training; health care management programs. |
Media / Communication & Design | Journalism & Mass Communication; PR and Communication; Digital Communication & Media Arts; Graphic Design. | Advanced media programs; strategic communication; etc. |
Humanities, Social Sciences | Psychology; Sociology; European Studies; English Philology; History; Georgian Philology; Art Studies; Tourism; Philology. | Master’s degrees in various humanities/social science disciplines. |
Architecture & Design | Architecture; Architecture (in English); Graphic Design; Design-related programmes. | Advanced architecture / design postgraduate work, research. |
English-Taught Programs
CU has a number of programs where instruction is fully or partially in English. These are particularly attractive to international students. Some examples:
Business Administration in English
Computer Science & AI in English
Cybersecurity in English
Joint degree programs (with partner universities) often deliver parts or all in English.
The MD program in English.
For international students wishing to apply to CU, the following is a detailed description of requirements, steps, deadlines, etc.
Application Process – Step by Step
Online Registration & Submission of Scanned Documents Applicants fill in the online application form on CU’s website, and send required scanned copies of documents to the prescribed email for international students.
Document Review The university reviews the application, checks whether documents are in order, whether they are translated/notarized (if required). The review typically takes 3-5 working days.
Video Interview In many cases, a video interview is organized with the Admission Officer.
Payment of Application Fee After the document review passes, an application fee is required (non-refundable), which includes costs of translation/notarization and the fee for the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
Recognition of Foreign Credentials If academic credentials are from outside Georgia, they need to be notarized, translated into Georgian (if required), and submitted to the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, which reviews and recognizes them.
Enrollment / Tuition Payment Once acceptance is confirmed, the student must pay the full tuition fee (or first instalment, depending) via bank into the CU’s bank account, receive enrollment letter.
Visa / Immigration / Arrival After getting the enrollment letter, international students apply for student visa, if required, arrange travel, accommodation, and arrive at CU campus per academic calendar. (CU provides information about visa process as part of the “How to Apply” for international students page.)
Required Documents
Valid passport, notarized copy.
High School / Secondary School diploma (for Bachelor’s) or Bachelor’s degree diploma (for Master’s), properly notarized. If not in Georgian or English, translated.
Transcripts / detailed grade reports.
Photo, typically 3×4.
Language Proficiency Certificate: for English-taught programmes, IELTS (often 6.0) or TOEFL (e.g. 78) or equivalent; or internal testing.
CV / Resume.
Any other documents required by specific programmes (e.g. portfolio for architecture/design; prior study in relevant field; for MD program possibly prior science background).
For Master’s programmes: sometimes proof of entrance exam or passing specific national/master’s examination, or interview.
Deadlines
Fall Semester (September – January): Application deadline usually August 20.
Spring Semester (February – mid-July): Application deadline around October 20.
Miscellaneous Requirements
Notarization / translation of foreign academic documents.
If applying for grants (CU or state), meeting academic performance thresholds. E.g., for Master’s, sometimes need certain GPA or score on Unified Master’s Exam.
Here are 20 frequently asked questions, with detailed answers, focusing on common concerns international students often have: tuition, ranking, programs, etc.
Q: Is Caucasus University a recognized university internationally? A: Yes. It is accredited in Georgia. Several of its programmes, especially in business and law, have international partnerships, and its degrees are recognized. Also, it participates in international ranking systems and has multiple accreditations or memberships (e.g. Eduniversal, business school networks).
Q: What is the annual tuition fee for international students for an English-taught BA business administration programme? A: Approximately USD 5,500/year for many English-taught business programmes. Without grants, that is the common full fee.
Q: Are there grants or scholarships available for international students? A: Yes, CU offers CU grants, sometimes combined with state grants for eligible students. These grants can reduce tuition (sometimes by ~50% or more) for Master’s programmes; for undergraduate programmes it depends on specific programme eligibility.
Q: How much is the fee for the MD (Medical Doctor) one-cycle programme for international students? A: The MD programme in English for international students is approximately USD 5,500/year.
Q: What are the language requirements? A: For English-taught programmes, usually IELTS score around 6.0 or TOEFL around (e.g.) 78, or equivalent. Internal testing may also be accepted. Translations of documents into English or Georgian may be required.
Q: Can international high school diplomas be recognized? A: Yes, but they must be notarized, translated if not in English or Georgian, and submitted to the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement for recognition.
Q: What is the deadline for undergraduate international admission? A: Fall semester deadline is around August 20, and Spring semester around October 20.
Q: What is the duration of Bachelor’s programmes? A: Usually 3 years for Humanities, Business (for certain tracks), 4 years for programmes with higher credit/technical content (e.g., Computer Science, Architecture).
Q: What is the duration of the MD (Medical Doctor) programme? A: 6 years (one cycle).
Q: Does the university offer joint / dual degrees with foreign universities? A: Yes. Examples: joint BBA with Rennes School of Business (France), joint Cybersecurity with New Jersey City University, joint Computer Science with Farleigh Dickinson University, etc. These programmes often entail higher fees.
Q: How strong is CU in terms of international rankings? A: CU is recognized in various rankings — Eduniversal for business programmes, Uniranks (global and Georgia-level), Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, etc. But in global metrics that emphasize large research output, CU is not among the very top.
Q: Will an English-taught degree from CU help for working internationally? A: Yes, English-taught programmes plus joint degrees help. Many students go on to work in international companies. The presence of partner universities and international accreditations helps. However, recognition always depends on employer, country, and whether required licensing (in fields like medicine, law) is met.
Q: What are the required documents for Master’s programmes? A: Bachelor’s diploma, transcripts, passport copy, language proficiency, CV, possibly entrance exam scores, sometimes interview. Diplomas from foreign universities must be recognized by Georgian authorities.
Q: What is the cost of living for students in Tbilisi? A: Varies depending on lifestyle, accommodation type. On average, monthly expenses including accommodation, food, utilities, transport might be a few hundreds to ~US$600-1000 per month. (CU's English-program tuition fees are separate from these living costs.) Specific numbers are not always published, so applicants should budget carefully.
Q: Is knowledge of Georgian required? A: Not for English-taught programs. But for Georgian-language programmes, or for daily life, learning some Georgian helps. Translating documents into Georgian may be required.
Q: How is employment after graduation from CU? A: CU reports a high employability rate; for many programs, about 98% of graduates find positions. The university claims strong links with private/public sectors.
Q: Are there doctoral / PhD programmes? A: Yes. CU offers PhD programmes in fields such as management, economics, law, etc.
Q: What is the approximate cost of Master’s programmes (international) if I don’t get a grant? A: Sample costs: ~8,950 GEL for MBA; ~5,950 GEL for other Master’s such as Management; Law; etc. Without grants applied.
Q: Are there separate quotas or different fees for local vs international students? A: Yes. Local students may have lower fees, possibility of state grants; for international students, tuition tends to be higher and state grants may not apply unless there are special provisions.
Q: How do I verify whether my degree will be recognized in my country after graduating CU (especially for MD / Law)? A: You should check with your country’s licensing authority (for medicine/law etc.), whether the CU MD / law degree is recognized; check CU’s accreditation, curriculum, and whether CU has recognition by international or national medical or legal councils relevant to your destination country. CU publishes information about recognition for many programs. Also joint degree programmes may have better recognition.
