Caucasus University
Caucasus University in Tbilisi, Georgia is one of the most respected private universities in the region, known for its modern teaching approach, global outlook, and diverse student body. Originally established as the Caucasus School of Business in 1998 and expanded into a full university in 2004, it has developed into a hub for higher education with programs that meet both local needs and international standards. For many students searching for opportunities in Georgia, this institution has become a top destination because of its academic reputation, affordable tuition, and strong links with global universities.
History and Vision
From the start, the university’s motto, “Studium Pretium Libertatis” (“Study is the price of freedom”), reflected its belief in education as the path to independence and growth. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive institution with more than 57 accredited study programs across bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and one-cycle medical degrees. Its goal is clear: prepare graduates for leadership roles not just in Georgia, but in the global market.
Ranking and Global Reputation
For students checking Caucasus University ranking, the numbers tell a positive story.
Nationally: It is consistently among the top 10 universities in Georgia and is considered one of the best private universities.
Regionally: The Caucasus School of Business is repeatedly ranked first in the Caucasus for MBA programs by Eduniversal.
Globally: According to UniRank, it holds a place around #6945 worldwide and #8 within Georgia.
Impact Rankings: It is recognized in the Times Higher Education rankings for sustainability and quality education, placed in the 1001–1500 band globally.
These results may not yet place CU among the oldest European giants, but the consistent rise in Caucasus University Georgia ranking shows strong development year by year.
Programs and Faculties
CU offers wide academic options, with instruction in both Georgian and English. For international students, the availability of Caucasus University English programs is one of the main attractions.
Business and Economics
The flagship school offers Caucasus University business administration, Caucasus University BBA, finance, accounting, and marketing. Tuition for the Caucasus University BBA fees is affordable compared to Western schools, and the MBA programs hold strong regional rankings.
Engineering and Technology
For those aiming at technical careers, CU has programs in Caucasus University engineering, Caucasus University computer science, cybersecurity, and IT management.
Architecture and Design
Students interested in creative fields can study Caucasus University architecture, communication, journalism, and media.
International Relations and Law
CU offers programs in diplomacy, governance, and Caucasus University international relations, ideal for those who want careers in NGOs, government, or multinational companies.
Medicine and Health Sciences
A big attraction is the Caucasus International University Faculty of Medicine. The 6-year MD program, taught fully in English, is very popular among international applicants. For those exploring Caucasus University MBBS fees, tuition is around $5,500 per year, making it much cheaper than many Western medical schools. The Caucasus University medicine ranking is also improving, thanks to strong hospital partnerships and clinical training. Dentistry, pharmacy, and Caucasus University BSc nursing are also offered.
Tuition Fees and Cost Structure
For many students, the first question is about the Caucasus University tuition fees for international students.
Undergraduate programs: $5,000 to $5,500 per year, depending on program.
Medical Doctor (MBBS/MD): $5,500 annually for six years.
Dentistry: $6,000 per year.
Caucasus University BBA fees: around $5,000 annually.
Caucasus University MBA: roughly 8,950 GEL (≈$3,200), with discounts available.
Master’s programs: $3,000 to $4,500 per year, depending on specialization.
Some students prefer to check the Caucasus University fee structure in detail or use the Caucasus University fees per semester option. CU also offers scholarships, state grants, and financial aid to make tuition easier.
Application Process
International applicants can Caucasus University apply through the Caucasus University online application portal. The steps usually include:
Fill the form and pay the Caucasus University application fee.
Submit academic transcripts, diploma, and English test results (TOEFL/IELTS or CU’s internal test).
Provide passport copy, CV, photo, and sometimes a motivation letter.
For special fields like architecture, a portfolio might be required.
The Caucasus University application deadline for international students is usually mid-August for fall intake and late October for spring intake.
Accreditation and Recognition
CU holds national accreditation from Georgia’s Ministry of Education. Internationally, it has partnerships with over 150 universities worldwide, including double degree agreements with Grenoble Ecole de Management in France. The Caucasus University accreditation ensures degrees are recognized across Europe under the Bologna Process.
Acceptance Rate
The Caucasus University acceptance rate is generally favorable for international applicants, especially in bachelor’s programs. Medicine and dentistry are more competitive, but still more accessible than Western Europe or the US.
Campus Life and Student Support
Located in the capital, Caucasus University Tbilisi Georgia campus is modern and student-friendly. Facilities include digital libraries, computer labs, clinical simulation centers, and sports grounds. For many international students, CU’s multicultural environment is a big reason to apply. There are active clubs, cultural festivals, and opportunities to join Erasmus+ or Mevlana exchange programs.
Why International Students Choose CU
For many international applicants, the choice comes down to three things:
Affordable Caucasus University tuition fees for international students compared to Western universities.
English-medium programs in medicine, business, IT, and law.
Strong partnerships and mobility programs with Europe and beyond.
The balance between quality and Caucasus University cost makes it one of the best universities in Georgia for international students.
In 2026, Caucasus University tbilisi Georgia continues to rise as a regional leader in higher education. Whether you’re planning to study medicine, architecture, computer science, or business, CU offers programs aligned with global standards at affordable costs. The combination of recognized degrees, strong Caucasus University ranking, international exposure, and a welcoming environment in Tbilisi makes it an ideal choice for students seeking both academic and personal growth.
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 2024-2025 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.
