Webster University Tbilisi

When planning to study at Webster University Tbilisi, understanding the full breakdown of tuition fees and related costs is essential for international applicants. Below is the most comprehensive guide available online, designed to provide accurate and detailed information about tuition fees, additional charges, and overall cost considerations for the academic year 2026.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees for International Students

• Annual Tuition Fee: For the 2026 academic year, the undergraduate tuition fee for international students at Webster University Tbilisi is USD $8,900.

• Programs Covered: This flat tuition rate applies equally across all bachelor’s degree programs offered at the Tbilisi campus, including:

  • BS in Business Administration

  • BA in International Relations

  • BA in Media Studies

  • BS in Computer Science

• Payment Structure: Students may pay the annual tuition in two installments — one at the beginning of the Fall semester and the second at the beginning of the Spring semester. This flexible plan makes studying in Georgia more affordable compared to U.S. or Western European campuses.

Graduate Tuition Fees for International Students

For postgraduate students, tuition remains competitive:

• International Graduate Fee: The graduate tuition fee for international students is USD $9,600 per year.

• Local Graduate Fee: Georgian citizens pay USD $8,600 per year for graduate studies.

• Programs Covered: The graduate tuition fee applies to all master’s programs at Webster University Tbilisi, including:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Master of Arts in International Relations (MA IR)

This consistent pricing model makes Webster Tbilisi transparent and predictable for students evaluating program affordability.

Application Fee for International Students

All non-Georgian applicants are required to pay a one-time application fee of USD $170 at the time of submitting their online admission form. This covers application processing and admission evaluation.

Program-Specific Tuition Fees

At present, Webster University Tbilisi does not publish separate tuition rates for different majors or faculties. Instead, tuition is set as a flat fee based on the level of study (undergraduate or graduate). This means that:

• All bachelor’s programs (Business Administration, International Relations, Media Studies, Computer Science) share the same annual tuition fee of USD $8,900 for international students.

• All master’s programs (MBA, MA International Relations) share the same graduate fee of USD $9,600 for international students.

This flat structure ensures clarity and simplicity for students planning their educational budget.

Additional Costs to Consider Beyond Tuition

In addition to the base tuition fees, international students at Webster University Tbilisi should plan for several secondary and hidden costs associated with studying abroad:

1. Application Fee – USD $170, payable upon applying.

2. Credential Recognition – If diplomas or transcripts were earned outside Georgia, they must be formally recognized by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), often involving notarized translations.

3. Translation and Notarization Costs – Official documents not in English or Georgian may need certified translations.

4. English Language Proficiency Exams – If not already completed, students must take standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo English Test. Exam registration fees typically range from USD $150 to $250 depending on the test.

5. Cost of Living in Tbilisi – While tuition is fixed, living expenses can vary depending on lifestyle. Students should expect:

   • Accommodation: USD $250–$400 per month (shared apartment or dorms).

   • Food and groceries: USD $150–$250 per month.

   • Public transportation: about USD $20–$30 per month.

   • Books, supplies, and personal expenses: USD $50–$100 per month.

   • Total monthly living cost: around USD $450–$700.

6. Health Insurance – International students are advised (and sometimes required) to carry health insurance. Costs vary from USD $200–$500 per year.

7. Visa and Residence Permit Fees – Students from outside Georgia must apply for a residence permit after arrival. Processing costs can range from USD $50–$150 depending on duration and type.

Why Webster University Tbilisi Fees Are Competitive

Compared to studying in the United States or Western Europe, tuition fees at Webster Tbilisi are substantially lower while still awarding a U.S.-accredited degree. At the St. Louis (main) campus, annual undergraduate tuition exceeds USD $29,000 per year, making the Tbilisi campus nearly three times more affordable. Students thus gain access to the same global curriculum, faculty standards, and degree recognition at a fraction of the cost.

Summary of International Student Fees at Webster Tbilisi (2026)

👉 In conclusion, Webster University Tbilisi fees for international students are among the most affordable options for earning an American-accredited degree in Europe and the Caucasus. With transparent tuition structures, no hidden program surcharges, and predictable annual costs, international students can confidently plan their education and living expenses while benefiting from global recognition of their degree.

Since Webster University Tbilisi is a relatively new campus, officially launched in 2022, it has not yet established a long track record of independent rankings in global league tables. However, the Tbilisi campus inherits the strong academic reputation, U.S. accreditation, and international recognition of the Webster University system. By analyzing both the parent institution’s rankings and the Tbilisi branch’s accreditations and regional role, students can understand the academic quality and prestige of pursuing an American degree in Georgia.

Institutional Accreditations and Quality Assurance

Accreditation is the cornerstone of any university’s ranking and recognition. Webster University Tbilisi holds the following prestigious accreditations:

• U.S. Accreditation: Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in the United States, ensuring that all degrees offered including those at the Tbilisi campus meet the same standards of quality and global recognition.

• Business Program Accreditation: The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited Webster’s business and management programs, making its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and MBA programs internationally respected.

• Georgian National Accreditation: In Georgia, Webster University Tbilisi is authorized by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), which is the official higher education quality assurance body in the country. This means that degrees awarded in Tbilisi are legally recognized both locally and abroad.

These combined accreditations give Webster University Tbilisi legitimacy and a strong academic foundation, even as a young institution in the region.

Global Rankings of Webster University (Parent Institution)

While the Tbilisi campus itself does not yet appear as a separate entity in most global ranking tables, the wider Webster University has been ranked and recognized in multiple respected international listings:

• U.S. News & World Report (2025): Ranked #16 among Regional Universities – Midwest (USA). This recognition highlights Webster’s position as one of the strongest midwestern private universities.

• Best Colleges for International Students: Webster has been recognized by the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report, consistently ranking among U.S. universities with a highly diverse and globally representative student body.

• Top Performer in Social Mobility: In several rankings, Webster has been acknowledged for offering opportunities to students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, helping them achieve successful academic and career outcomes.

• International Student Body: Data from SEVIS and other global higher education monitors show Webster as one of the leading U.S. institutions in terms of international student enrollment. This directly benefits students in Tbilisi, as they become part of this globally diverse community.

By being part of the Webster system, Tbilisi students earn degrees that carry the same weight and prestige as those awarded in the United States or other Webster campuses worldwide.

Local and Regional Standing in Georgia and the Caucasus

In the South Caucasus region, Webster University Tbilisi has a unique and prestigious role:

• It is one of the few universities in Georgia to grant American-accredited degrees, filling a major gap in the local higher education market.

• Compared with long-established Georgian universities like Tbilisi State University or Ilia State University, Webster Tbilisi stands out by offering a fully international curriculum taught in English, an advantage for students seeking global careers.

• Although rankings that directly compare Georgian private and public universities are still developing, Webster Tbilisi is already recognized as a top-tier private option for students who value international accreditation and career mobility.

• Local education directories such as Study in Georgia highlight Webster as a leading choice for international students in the region, particularly in Business, International Relations, and Computer Science.

Other Recognition and Comparative Strengths

Beyond numerical rankings, Webster University Tbilisi is associated with several unique strengths that enhance its international reputation:

• Global Citizenship Program (GCP): This distinctive curriculum framework is designed to prepare students for international leadership, multicultural understanding, and cross-border problem-solving elements highly valued in global education rankings.

• Study Abroad Opportunities: Students at Webster Tbilisi can transfer or spend semesters at other Webster campuses, such as St. Louis, Vienna, Geneva, Leiden, or Bangkok, ensuring exposure to a global learning environment.

• Faculty Credentials: The university employs a combination of international and local professors with advanced degrees, contributing to a rich learning experience comparable to leading European and U.S. institutions.

• International Recognition: Webster’s inclusion in American and global ranking systems automatically transfers credibility to the Tbilisi branch, which is still building its own record of alumni success, research output, and reputation.

Why Rankings Matter for International Students

For prospective international students, rankings are often the first indicator of a university’s quality. Webster University Tbilisi offers a rare combination:

• American accreditation (HLC + ACBSP)

• Local Georgian recognition (NCEQE)

• Strong U.S. News rankings for its parent university

• Growing regional prestige in the Caucasus

This makes it one of the most strategically positioned universities for students who want a globally recognized degree without paying the extremely high tuition fees of studying in the United States or Western Europe.

Rankings and Recognitions Table

This section details which faculties / schools are present, what programs (undergraduate / graduate) are offered, plus program requirements and structure where available.

Faculties / Academic Schools

• School of Business & Technology: offering Business programs (undergraduate BS in Business Administration)

• School of Social and Political Sciences / International Relations: offering BA in International Relations and MA in International Relations

• Media Studies / Communications: BA in Media Studies is offered.

• Computer Science: BS in Computer Science is offered.

Undergraduate Programs

Here are the undergraduate degree programs currently offered at Webster University Tbilisi:

Graduate Programs

Currently, Webster Tbilisi offers at least these graduate (master’s) level programs:

• MBA (Master of Business Administration) – through the Business & Technology faculty; for working professionals; global accreditation via ACBSP applies.

• MA in International Relations – for those interested in politics, diplomacy, global affairs and related fields.

Program Structure & Academic Requirements

Some features common to all programs:

• Undergraduate degrees generally require 120 credit hours for completion.

• For undergraduate majors, there is often a global citizenship program (GCP) or some requirement for international exposure or language.

• The University Academic Calendar is semester‐based, with two main semesters (Fall, Spring), with some shorter/summer terms depending on program.

Below is a detailed guide to what international students must do and provide in order to apply to Webster University Tbilisi, both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate Admission Conditions

To be considered for a Bachelor’s degree at Webster Tbilisi, international students must satisfy:

1. School Completion / Diploma

   • A high school diploma or equivalent (general education diploma, “Attestat,” or other) from an accredited institution.

   • If education completed abroad, recognition by Georgia’s National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (or relevant authority) may be required.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA)

   • A minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for undergraduate admission.

3. National / Unified Exam (for Georgia citizens or required by Georgian regulations)

   • Applicants in Georgia must pass the Unified National Exam using the relevant program code (for Business, Media Studies, or International Relations).

4. English Language Proficiency

   • Minimum acceptable test scores include IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, Duolingo ~110, or equivalent.

   • Some conditional admission possible if scores slightly lower (e.g., IELTS 5.5–5.9), with required ESL (English as a Second Language) courses during early semesters.

5. Other Requirements

   • Passport or some valid identification document.

   • If documents are not in English (or English/Georgian), they must be translated and notarized as necessary.

   • For male Georgian citizens, proof of military registration (or other country equivalent if applicable) may be required.

Graduate Admission Conditions

For Master’s programs, international students must meet:

1. Bachelor’s Degree Completion

   • A recognized undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree, with transcript(s) showing academic performance.

2. Minimum GPA

   • Usually 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent in other systems.

3. English Proficiency

   • Similarly to undergraduate requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.). Some flexibility may be possible depending on background.

4. Documents

   • Diploma & transcript from undergraduate studies

   • Proof of degree recognition if granted outside Georgia

   • Passport / ID

   • English test score

   • Any other materials specified per program (e.g., CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation) – although specific programs in Tbilisi seem to require more basic academic credentials than highly specialized documents, given recent establishment. (Note: check program page for any program‐specific requirements.)

How & When to Apply

• Rolling admissions: Webster Tbilisi allows applications four times a year, so prospective students can apply in one of several cycles rather than just one annual deadline.

• Deadlines: For Georgian citizens using the Unified National Exam, the application deadline is typically September 15 for Fall intake.

• Procedure:

  1. Check eligibility (academic credentials, English proficiency, etc.).

  2. Prepare required documents (diplomas, transcripts, test scores, passport, translations if needed).

  3. Complete the online application via Webster Tbilisi’s admission portal.

  4. Pay the application fee (international students USD $170).

  5. Await decision; upon acceptance sign contract, pay tuition or deposit as required.

Here are 20 frequently asked questions (and answers) that prospective international students often have, especially about tuition, ranking, programs, and applications.

1. Q: What is Webster University Tbilisi? A: It is a branch campus of Webster University (USA), offering U.S.-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in Georgia (Tbilisi), opened in 2022.

2. Q: Are the degrees awarded by Webster Tbilisi recognized internationally? A: Yes. Degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (USA) and recognized in Georgia via NCEQE. Business programs have ACBSP accreditation.

3. Q: What tuition do international undergraduate students pay per year at Webster Tbilisi? A: Approximately USD $8,900 per year.

4. Q: What about tuition for international graduate students (master’s)? A: Around USD $9,600 per year.

5. Q: What is the application fee for international students? A: USD 170.

6. Q: Do fees vary by program or faculty (e.g. Business vs Media vs CS)? A: As of the latest published data, Webster Tbilisi uses a flat fee for all undergraduate international students and a flat fee for all graduate international students. No published program-specific surcharge.

7. Q: What local Georgian citizens pay vs international students? A: Georgian citizens pay less: undergrad is USD $7,900 vs $8,900 for internationals; graduate is USD $8,600 vs $9,600 for internationals.

8. Q: Is financial aid or scholarships available for international students? A: Webster offers some scholarship opportunities, though specific amounts/details (for Tbilisi campus) may vary. Checking with Webster’s financial aid office is advised.

9. Q: Which undergraduate programs are offered at Webster Tbilisi? A: Business Administration (BS), International Relations (BA), Media Studies (BA), Computer Science (BS).

10. Q: Which graduate programs exist? A: At least Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations.

11. Q: What are the English language requirements? A: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, Duolingo ~110, SAT Reading & Writing, ACT or taking the university’s own test; in some cases conditional admission with ESL courses if lower scores.

12. Q: Is the Unified National Exam required for international students? A: Primarily Georgian citizens must take it; international students may have alternative evaluation paths depending on origin. But Georgian regulatory compliance often involves the Unified Exam for those participating in the Georgian university system.

13. Q: What grades / GPA are required for admission? A: Undergrad: minimum ~2.5/4.0; Graduate: ~3.0/4.0 or equivalent.

14. Q: What other documents are needed? A: Passport or ID, high school diploma/transcripts or bachelor’s degree (for graduate), proof of English proficiency, translations/notarizations if required, possibly proof of overseas credential recognition, for Georgian male students proof of military registration.

15. Q: What is the credit/syllabus requirement for BA in International Relations? A: 120 total credit hours; specific departmental requirements including methods, research requirement, senior seminar or thesis, study abroad residency, language credits, electives.

16. Q: Can students transfer between Webster campuses internationally? A: Yes. Students at the Tbilisi campus may have the opportunity to spend one or more semesters at other Webster campuses globally (as part of global network).

17. Q: When do academic semesters begin? A: Fall and Spring semesters; also there are shorter or summer sessions in some years. Exact dates are published in the Academic Calendar.

18. Q: How does Webster Tbilisi rank among Georgian universities? A: While there is not yet a formal ranking isolating Webster Tbilisi in many local ranking systems, its accreditation, international recognition, and offerings position it favourably among private / international‐orientation universities in Georgia. Comparative research output, student satisfaction, and alumni success over time will help clarify further.

19. Q: What is the cost of living in Tbilisi for an international student? A: Specific numbers not always published, but students should budget for housing, meals, books, transportation, insurance etc. Tbilisi generally has lower living costs compared to most US / Western Europe locations.

20. Q: How do I verify my foreign education credentials in Georgia? A: If your diploma/transcripts are from outside Georgia, you must obtain recognition via the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (or relevant Georgian authority) to ensure your credentials are accepted. Also translation / notarization may be required.