Ilia State University

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.

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

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. Faculty of Arts & Sciences

2. Faculty of Natural Sciences & Medicine

3. Faculty of Business, Technology & Education

4. 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.

Special / International Programs

ISU is committed to international standards and offers a number of unique opportunities for foreign students:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. Submit Online Application

   • Complete the online application form for international students via the official ISU admissions portal.

   • Upload scanned copies of required documents.

3. Preliminary Review

   • ISU admissions officers review your application.

   • Applicants usually receive feedback within 7 business days.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Application Fee

   • A non-refundable application or processing fee may be required once your preliminary documents are approved.

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. 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.

1. Q: Is Ilia State University a public or private university? A: ISU is a public university, established by the Georgian government.

2. Q: When was Ilia State University founded? A: It was founded in 2006, via the merger of six institutions with diverse academic histories.

3. Q: How many students attend ISU? A: Approximately 16,000 students (undergraduates + graduates) are enrolled.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Q: Is medical insurance required? A: Yes, all international students at ISU are required to have medical insurance valid in Georgia.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.