Ilia State University
If you've been looking at Georgia as a study destination - and more students are, every year - Ilia State University is probably the name that keeps coming up. And for good reason. ISU isn't just another name in the list of Georgian universities. It actually holds the top ranking in Georgia according to both Times Higher Education and SCImago Institutions Rankings, which puts it in a different category from most of the other options you'll find when researching the country.
So here's a proper, honest breakdown of what Ilia State University offers in 2026, what you'll pay, and what you should know before applying.
Ilia State University: Background and What Makes It Different
ISU was established in 2006 through a merger of six distinct academic institutions, each with its own long history and disciplinary tradition. That origin matters because unlike universities built from scratch around a single discipline, ISU inherited a genuinely diverse academic culture across sciences, arts, law, medicine, and business from the very beginning.
Today the university enrolls more than 16,000 students and employs around 1,200 academic and research staff, including 275 professors and over 1,000 researchers and teachers. There are 30 research institutes and centers operating under ISU, which is a significant research infrastructure for a university of its size, particularly in the South Caucasus region.
Its main campus is in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, a city of roughly 1.2 million people that sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Tbilisi is compact, walkable, and genuinely affordable by almost any international standard, which directly affects the total cost of studying here.
Rankings in 2026: Georgia's #1 University
This is where ISU stands out clearly from other Georgian institutions.
According to both Times Higher Education and SCImago Institutions Rankings, Ilia State University holds the number one position among universities in Georgia. It isn't just ranked top nationally - its SCImago performance in research is particularly strong, placing it above all other Georgian institutions in research output and impact categories.
Globally, ISU sits around the 1,200-1,300 range in Webometrics international listings. The medical school specifically is ranked around 2,656th globally and 2nd in Georgia according to specialized medical university tracking platforms. The acceptance rate is estimated in the 30-39% range, making it a genuinely selective institution rather than an open-access university, which matters for the value of the degree you earn.
ISU is also the first Georgian university to gain full partner status in the Erasmus+ program, giving its students access to 125 university partners within ERASMUS+ ICM and participation in 26 Erasmus+ CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education) projects. That level of Erasmus engagement puts it ahead of most universities in the wider Caucasus and Central Asian region.
Programs and Faculties for the 2026 Intake
ISU is organized around four main academic schools:
School of Natural Sciences and Medicine: The most internationally recognized faculty, housing the MD (MBBS equivalent) program, public health, life sciences, computer science, and engineering disciplines. The 6-year MD program is taught fully in English and is recognized by WHO, NMC (India's National Medical Commission), WFME (World Federation for Medical Education), and Georgia's Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement. Medical students complete a full 360 ECTS credit curriculum leading to the title of Medical Doctor, and one year of internship is built into the program.
School of Arts and Sciences: Natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and psychology programs at bachelor's and master's level.
School of Business, Technology and Education: Business administration (BBA), MBA, technology-related programs, international relations, and education. The BBA and MBA are among the most popular choices for international students from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
School of Law: Georgian law and programs relevant to students who plan to practice or study law in the region.
At graduate level, master's programs run across business, medicine (MPH, MSc tracks), social sciences, and natural sciences. Doctoral programs are available in select research fields, with access to ISU's 30+ research centers.
Ilia State University Tuition Fees 2026-2027
Here are the current fee ranges for international students:
Business Administration, Social Sciences, Law: approximately $3,500 to $4,000 per year
Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering: around $4,000 to $5,000 per year
Medicine (MD / MBBS program): approximately $6,200 per year, taught entirely in English. This is among the most affordable English-medium medical degrees available to international students anywhere in Europe or Eurasia.
Dentistry: roughly $5,500 to $6,000 per year
Nursing: around $3,500 per year
Tuition can be paid annually or split across two semesters, which makes budget planning more flexible. Living costs in Tbilisi add another layer to the total picture, but they're genuinely low. Students report comfortable monthly budgets of $400 to $700 covering rent, food, and transport, which is well below what you'd spend in Istanbul, Kyiv, or any Western European city.
For Indian students specifically, qualifying for NEET is a prerequisite for the MD program, and an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry plus an interview is part of the selection process. The fall intake application deadline for the September 2026 intake is June 30, 2026.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
The application is completed online, and most documents can be submitted digitally. Here's what's needed:
For bachelor's programs: high school diploma with official transcripts, passport copy, English proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, or ISU's internal test).
For master's programs: bachelor's degree with transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language proficiency proof.
For PhD programs: a research proposal, academic references, and relevant master's degree.
For medicine and dentistry specifically: science background from secondary school is required, and the entrance exam plus interview are part of the process.
Application deadlines:
Fall intake (September 2026): June 30, 2026
Spring intake (February/March): November 30, 2026
A small, non-refundable application fee applies. The international office at ISU supports foreign students through the visa application process, residence permit requirements, and initial adaptation on arrival.
Accreditation and International Recognition
ISU's accreditation comes from Georgia's National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement. Its programs follow Bologna Process standards with ECTS credits, so degrees are transferable within European higher education systems.
The medical school carries WHO recognition, NMC approval, and WFME accreditation - the key international recognition bodies that determine whether your medical degree is accepted for licensing in India, the UK, the US (via USMLE pathway), and other countries. These aren't token affiliations - they're the bodies that medical graduates need when applying for licensing exams and professional registration abroad.
Engineering and business programs are internationally accredited through relevant professional bodies and partnerships, and ISU's growing position in SCImago and THE reflects genuine research quality rather than just marketing visibility.
Campus Life and Student Environment
The Tbilisi campus has modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and student support centers. ISU regularly hosts international workshops, hackathons, public lectures, and academic conferences, giving students exposure to global academic conversations beyond their own program.
Student life in Tbilisi itself is a genuine draw. The city has a very low cost of living, a vibrant food and arts scene, easy access to the Caucasus mountains, and a historical depth that you simply don't get in many other study destinations. Students from over 60 countries are currently enrolled at ISU, and the campus has 700+ international students in the medical program alone. That diversity creates a natural support network for new arrivals.
There are student clubs covering academic, cultural, and social interests, and the university actively encourages participation in international academic events.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships are available in select programs at ISU, particularly for high-performing students. The university also participates in ERASMUS+ mobility grants, which provide funding for students spending exchange semesters at partner universities in Europe. Given that ISU holds full partner status in ERASMUS+ - the first Georgian university to do so - the access to European institutions is more direct than at most universities in the region.
Students should contact the ISU international office directly for the most current scholarship eligibility for their specific program and nationality.
Who Should Seriously Consider Ilia State University?
ISU is the right choice for students who want the top-ranked university in Georgia with genuine research credentials, an affordable English-taught medical program recognized by WHO and NMC, access to European exchange programs through ERASMUS+, and a low total cost of living in Tbilisi.
It's particularly strong for medicine, computer science, business administration, and civil engineering. If you're comparing Georgia to Turkey, Eastern Europe, or other affordable study destinations, ISU's combination of ranking position, accreditation depth, and Tbilisi's low living costs is hard to match at the same price point. The 2026 fall intake deadline is June 30, so if this is on your list, start your documents now.
Key Takeaways
Medicine (MD/MBBS): ≈ USD 6,200/year
Engineering & Tech (e.g., Computer Engineering): ≈ USD 4,000 to 5,000/year
Computer Science: ≈ USD 4,500/year
Business & related fields: ≈ USD 3,500/year
Internationally accredited bachelor programs (e.g., SDSU-Georgia): ≈ USD 7,500/year
Typical Master’s: ≈ USD 3,200 to 4,000/year
PhD (varies by field): from ≈ USD 3,000/year
Scholarships: STEM and partner scholarships available for eligible students
Extra costs: medical insurance (mandatory), living expenses, translation/notarization, visa
Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) Tuition, Program by Program
Fees below refer to international (non-Georgian) students. Durations reflect typical full-time study.
Faculty / Program | Duration | Approx. Tuition (per year) | Notes for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
Medicine (MBBS / one-cycle) | 6 years | USD 6,200 | English-taught; professional program with higher clinical requirements. |
Computer Engineering | 4 years | ~USD 5,000 | Tech programs can sit at the upper end of non-medical fees. |
Computer Science | 4 years | ~USD 4,500 | Popular pathway; fees typically mid-range for STEM. |
Civil Engineering | 4 years | ~USD 4,000 | Core engineering discipline with lab/field components. |
Electrical & Electronic Engineering | 4 years | ~USD 4,000 | May qualify for STEM scholarship schemes. |
Business Administration (e.g., Management, Tourism) | 4 years | ~USD 3,500 | Business & social science tracks generally cost less than STEM/Medicine. |
Internationally Accredited Bachelor’s (e.g., SDSU-Georgia partnership)
Tuition: ≈ USD 7,500/year
Why higher? International accreditation, enhanced labs/standards, and partner university quality assurance.
Scholarships: Competitive STEM scholarships (e.g., with banking/industry partners) can reduce total cost for top performers.
Scholarships & Tuition Reductions (Undergraduate)
STEM Scholarships: Available for high-scoring applicants in programs such as Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
Merit-based Reductions: Some faculties offer competitive tuition support based on academic performance and entrance results.
Partner-Program Aid: Internationally accredited programs may have dedicated scholarship pools or employer-sponsored awards.
Tip: Submit a strong application early (grades, motivation letter, references) to maximize scholarship consideration.
Master’s (Graduate) Tuition, Representative Programs
Master’s Program | Typical Duration | Approx. Tuition (per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
MBA (Master of Business Administration) | 1–2 years | ~USD 4,000 | Fees vary by track and whether it’s a joint/double degree. |
Applied Genetics | 2 years | ~USD 3,200 | Life sciences program; check lab fees if applicable. |
Public Health & Health Policy | 2 years | ~USD 3,200 | May include practicum/field components. |
Atmospheric & Near Space Sciences | 2 years | ~USD 3,200 | Specialized science with research pathways. |
Graduate funding: department/PI scholarships, teaching/research assistantships, and external grants may be available for strong candidates.
Doctoral / PhD Tuition By Research Area
Starting point: from ~USD 3,000/year, varies by faculty, supervisor, and project resources.
Funding: Competitive scholarships, assistantships, or grants may offset tuition and research costs.
Requirements: Research proposal, faculty supervisor alignment, and method/ethics approvals where relevant.
Tip: Contact prospective supervisors early with a concise proposal (problem, method, fit with the lab) to discuss funding options.
Mandatory & Additional Costs (Plan Your Budget)
Medical Insurance (Required): All international students must hold valid coverage in Georgia (not included in tuition).
Living Expenses (Tbilisi): Budget ~USD 200 to 400+/month for basic living (shared accommodation, utilities, food, local transport). Private flats and central locations cost more.
One-time / Administrative:
Application fee (program-dependent)
Document translation & notarization (if originals aren’t in English/Georgian)
Academic recognition via the Georgian National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement
Visa/residence permit fees (country-specific)
How to Pay, Accepted Payment Methods
From within Georgia: Tuition is typically paid in GEL (Georgian Lari) through local banking channels.
From abroad: Many programs accept international bank transfers (SWIFT/IBAN). Some accept USD-denominated payments; always follow the official invoice and payment instructions issued by ISU.
Best practice: Pay only to official university accounts shown on your offer/invoice. Keep bank receipts for visa and enrollment.
Practical Tips to Reduce Costs
Target scholarships tied to your faculty (especially STEM).
Compare tracks: If you don’t need international accreditation, standard English-taught programs are usually cheaper than partner-accredited ones.
Apply early: Merit awards and program places are limited.
Share housing: Joint rentals significantly lower monthly living costs.
Prepare documents correctly: Accurate translations/notarizations avoid delays and repeat fees.
Quick FAQ (Fees & Payments)
Are tuition figures fixed? They’re subject to change each year; confirm the current rate in your offer letter.
Can I pay in installments? Some programs/faculties allow staged payments; check your specific offer.
Are there hidden fees? Expect insurance, translations, recognition, visa, and possible lab/material fees depending on your course.
Do scholarships cover living expenses? Usually tuition-focused; a few competitive awards may include stipends ask your faculty.
Ilia State University (ISU) in Tbilisi, Georgia, is widely recognized as one of the country’s top public universities. For international students, understanding ISU’s position in national, regional, and global rankings is crucial when comparing higher education options. Below is a detailed, search-engine-optimized breakdown of ISU’s performance across ranking systems, highlighting its strengths, global visibility, and areas for improvement.
Local and National Rankings
Top Position in Georgia: Ilia State University is consistently ranked among the top 2 universities in Georgia, reflecting its strong reputation for academic quality, student satisfaction, and research capacity.
Research Leadership in Georgia: ISU is recognized as one of the country’s leading public research universities, with a reputation for modern infrastructure, scientific output, and international collaborations.
Strong Regional Impact: Within the South Caucasus, Iliauni stands out for its advanced labs, innovative teaching methods, and research centers that drive education quality and graduate employability.
Regional and International Rankings
UniRanks / Uniranks Rankings: In international university directories such as UniRanks/Uniranks, Ilia State University typically appears in the top 1200–1300 universities worldwide. For example, one Uniranks assessment placed ISU around #1161 globally with a performance score of ~74.9, a solid result for a Georgian institution.
Research and Citation Rankings: In metrics that assess scientific publications, research citations, and international collaboration, ISU performs competitively within the South Caucasus region, often appearing among the leading universities for research output.
International Presence: ISU’s growing participation in Erasmus+ projects, global double-degree partnerships, and international research networks contributes to its visibility and enhances its global reputation.
Strengths in Ranking Performance
Research Infrastructure
ISU operates 30+ research institutes and centers across Georgia, supporting both students and faculty.
Strong focus on STEM, social sciences, medicine, and law research, boosting publication volume and citation visibility.
Diverse Program Portfolio
ISU offers degrees in Natural Sciences & Medicine, Business, Technology & Education, Arts & Sciences, and Law.
The wide program range attracts students from Georgia and abroad.
International Collaborations
Partnerships with Erasmus Mundus, European universities, and double-degree programs strengthen ISU’s global profile.
Internationally accredited programs (such as SDSU-Georgia) position ISU as a globally connected institution.
Challenges and Limitations
Global Rankings: While ISU performs well nationally and regionally, its global position remains modest compared to larger research-intensive universities in Western Europe or North America. This is largely due to lower citation impact, publication volume, and global brand recognition.
Accreditation in Professional Fields: Some programs, especially in medicine and law, may have limited recognition in specific countries depending on local licensing bodies. Prospective students should verify whether an ISU degree meets requirements in their home country.
Research Visibility: Expanding publication in high-impact journals and boosting international research collaborations will further improve ISU’s standing in world university rankings.
Ilia State University (ISU) in Tbilisi, Georgia, offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across multiple faculties. The university emphasizes academic diversity, research-driven learning, and internationalization, making it an attractive choice for both local and international students. Below is a comprehensive, search-friendly overview of ISU’s faculties, programs, and unique features.
Faculties / Schools at Ilia State University
Ilia State University is structured into four main faculties, each hosting specialized programs and research centers:
Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences & Medicine
Faculty of Business, Technology & Education
School of Law
These faculties cover a broad academic spectrum, from humanities and social sciences to medicine, engineering, and legal studies. ISU also operates 30+ research institutes and centers that support advanced studies and innovation.
Programs by Faculty
Here is a detailed breakdown of undergraduate and graduate offerings, including English-taught programs suitable for international students.
Faculty | Sample Undergraduate Programs | Sample Graduate / Master’s / Doctoral Programs |
|---|---|---|
Faculty of Arts & Sciences | English Studies, Literature, Social Sciences, Humanities courses (availability may vary) | Master’s in Humanities and Social Sciences, Creative Research Master’s, Doctoral programs in related fields |
Faculty of Natural Sciences & Medicine | Medicine (MBBS, one-cycle program), Biology, Genetics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences | Master of Public Health & Health Policy, Master in Applied Genetics, Master in Atmospheric & Near Space Sciences, PhD in Life Sciences and Physical Sciences |
Faculty of Business, Technology & Education | Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE), Tourism, and Education tracks | MBA, Double-Degree Programs (with international partners), Master’s in Engineering and IT Management, Master’s in Education, Research-oriented Graduate Programs |
School of Law | Undergraduate Law Programs (various specializations) | Advanced Master’s in Law (Comparative Law, Civil Law, International Law), PhD in Legal Research |
Special / International Programs
ISU is committed to international standards and offers a number of unique opportunities for foreign students:
Internationally Accredited Bachelor’s Programs
Offered in partnership with San Diego State University Georgia (SDSU-Georgia).
Fully English-taught, designed according to international accreditation standards.
Tuition ≈ USD 7,500/year, with strong industry recognition.
STEM Scholarships
Targeted funding for top-performing students in engineering and technology disciplines (e.g., Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering).
Reduces overall tuition cost and makes STEM programs more accessible.
Joint / Double Degree Programs
ISU collaborates with several European and U.S. universities to offer joint degree programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels.
Students may study part of the program in Georgia and part abroad, receiving diplomas from both institutions.
Why Choose Ilia State University Programs?
Diverse Program Portfolio: From MBBS in Medicine to advanced IT and Law, ISU offers programs that match global demand.
International Recognition: Accredited programs and double-degree opportunities enhance degree portability.
Strong Research Foundation: 30+ research centers provide resources for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
English-Taught Options: Multiple programs are designed specifically for international students who prefer English instruction.
Scholarship Opportunities: Especially strong in STEM fields, reducing tuition costs for top international candidates.
Applying to Ilia State University (ISU) in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a straightforward process, but international applicants must follow specific steps and prepare the right documents. Below is a comprehensive, SEO-friendly guide on the application process, required documents, language requirements, and deadlines for foreign students.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Choose Your Program
Review all available programs on the ISU website.
Check if your chosen program is English-taught or requires Georgian language proficiency.
Select the faculty and level (Bachelor, Master, PhD) that suits your academic background.
Submit Online Application
Complete the online application form for international students via the official ISU admissions portal.
Upload scanned copies of required documents.
Preliminary Review
ISU admissions officers review your application.
Applicants usually receive feedback within 7 business days.
Entrance Exams / Interview (if applicable)
Some programs, especially Medicine and Engineering, may require subject-specific exams (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Math).
Certain programs may instead require an online interview to assess readiness and language skills.
Document Submission & Recognition
Academic diplomas and transcripts must be notarized and translated if not in Georgian or English.
All international qualifications must be recognized by the National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) in Georgia.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application or processing fee may be required once your preliminary documents are approved.
Acceptance & Tuition Payment
Successful candidates receive an official acceptance letter.
Students must sign an enrollment agreement and pay the first tuition installment (or full amount, depending on program policy).
Invitation Letter & Visa Application
ISU provides an invitation letter to support your student visa application.
Students must also apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Georgia.
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Tbilisi before the semester begins.
Complete on-campus registration, orientation, and finalize course selection.
Required Documents for International Students
Applicants should prepare the following documents for admission:
Valid Passport Copy (ID page).
High School Diploma (for Bachelor applicants) or Bachelor’s Degree Diploma (for Master’s programs).
Full Academic Transcripts showing subjects and grades.
Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent at CEFR B2 level).
Some programs accept proof of previous education in English.
Alternatively, ISU may offer its own English placement test.
Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose (required for many Master’s and PhD programs).
Letters of Recommendation (commonly required for graduate-level applicants).
Recent Passport-Size Photographs.
Medical Insurance valid for the duration of your studies (mandatory in Georgia).
Notarized & Translated Documents (if original documents are not in English or Georgian).
Language & Test Requirements
English-Taught Programs: Minimum proficiency at CEFR B2 level.
Accepted Certificates: IELTS, TOEFL, or similar internationally recognized tests.
Alternative Proof:
A certificate stating your previous education was conducted in English.
ISU’s internal English placement test (for those without IELTS/TOEFL).
Deadlines & Application Timeline
ISU offers two main intakes per year:
Fall Semester (September start)
Application deadline: August (exact date varies).
Spring Semester (February/March start)
Application deadline: November–December (or earlier depending on program).
Processing Timeline:
Preliminary decision: ~7 business days after submission.
Entrance exams/interviews: Scheduled shortly after positive review.
Here are 20 frequently asked questions (with answers) about Ilia State University, covering tuition, rankings, programmes, admission, etc.
Q: Is Ilia State University a public or private university? A: ISU is a public university, established by the Georgian government.
Q: When was Ilia State University founded? A: It was founded in 2006, via the merger of six institutions with diverse academic histories.
Q: How many students attend ISU? A: Approximately 16,000 students (undergraduates + graduates) are enrolled.
Q: What are the main faculties (schools) at ISU? A: The four main faculties are: Arts & Sciences; Natural Sciences & Medicine; Business, Technology & Education; and Law.
Q: What is the annual tuition for the MBBS (Medicine) programme (international students)? A: ≈ USD 6,200 per year for the English-taught Medicine programme.
Q: What are the fees for engineering programmes (e.g. Computer Engineering) for international students? A: Roughly USD 5,000/year for Computer Engineering. Other engineering programmes like EEE, Civil Engineering may be around USD 4,000/year depending on the field.
Q: Are there internationally accredited programmes at ISU, and what do they cost? A: Yes — for example, the SDSU-Georgia-accredited Bachelor programmes. These cost USD 7,500/year for international students.
Q: Are scholarships or grants available for international students at ISU? A: Yes. ISU and its partners offer scholarships; e.g. STEM scholarships for high performers, partial or full funding in some SDSU-Georgia programmes.
Q: What are the language requirements for English-taught programmes? A: Applicants typically need to show CEFR B2 level English — via IELTS / TOEFL / other recognized test; or in some cases, internal ISU test; or proof that previous study was in English.
Q: Do international students need to take entrance exams / interviews? A: Yes, for some programmes (especially medicine, engineering) there are entrance exams (subject-specific) and/or interviews. Some other programmes may waive such tests depending on background.
Q: What is the recognition / accreditation status of ISU’s medical programme? A: The medical degree (MBBS) is recognized by international bodies (WHO, etc.), though specific recognition in each country depends on local licensing authorities. Prospective students should verify recognition for their intended destination.
Q: What are the deadlines for applying to ISU (fall / spring)? A: Fall programme applications are usually due in August, spring ones in November/December, depending on the programme.
Q: What documents do I need to apply as an international student? A: Generally: passport; high school diploma or bachelor’s diploma; transcripts; proof of English proficiency; motivation letter; letters of recommendation (for grad/PhD); translations & notarization if necessary; sometimes entrance exam / interview.
Q: Is medical insurance required? A: Yes, all international students at ISU are required to have medical insurance valid in Georgia.
Q: How much does living in Tbilisi cost for a student? A: Accommodation costs are variable—shared apartments or less expensive accommodation might cost USD 200-400/month, food, transportation etc extra.
Q: How is ISU ranked globally and within Georgia? A: Within Georgia, ISU is one of the top universities (often #2). Globally, ISU appears in ranking systems like Uniranks/UniRanks etc, often mid-thousands globally, stronger regionally.
Q: Are there PhD / Doctoral programmes at ISU? A: Yes. PhD or doctoral level research programmes are offered in several faculties. The selection is competitive, and applicants must often submit research proposals.
Q: What is the process after being accepted? A: After acceptance, you pay tuition/enrolment fee, receive invitation letter, apply for student visa (if needed), then arrive, complete enrollment and registration.
Q: How flexible is ISU for international students in terms of adapting foreign credentials? A: ISU requires recognition of foreign educational certificates (via translation / notarization; recognition through Georgian National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement). If not in English or Georgian, translation is required.
Q: What kind of support / student life / research infrastructure does ISU offer? A: ISU has many research institutes and centres (~30), modern infrastructure, international partnerships, student services. Student life is active, though dormitory options are limited or accommodation is often arranged privately.
