Georgia was not initially a preferred tourist and educational destination for Saudis. However, this perception has changed in recent years, witnessing a significant increase in the number of Saudi citizens visiting Tbilisi, Georgia. In 2019 alone, Georgia hosted 75,000 Saudis, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of Gulf countries in terms of the number of visits to Georgia.

The objectives of Gulf citizens, especially Saudis, for traveling to Georgia vary between tourism, education, and medical treatment. In this article, we will focus on studying in Georgia for Saudis, discussing the opportunities and challenges they may face, highlighting the important universities where they can study, and exploring the university life that Georgia offers to international students. Join us to learn more.

Overview of Georgia

Georgia is located in the South Caucasus region, between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey to the southwest, Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the southeast, and the Black Sea to the west. Approximately 3.7 million people live in Georgia, which covers an area of 69,700 square kilometers. The capital city, Tbilisi, is home to about one-third of the country’s population and is its largest city.

Georgia has a rich cultural and historical heritage. It also boasts some of the best universities in the world, making it an attractive destination for international students who prefer to study abroad after high school. Georgia has many accredited private universities and government universities, with over 60 officially recognized higher education institutions in the country. Therefore, studying in Georgia for Saudis and Arabs, in general, is considered one of the most important educational opportunities, offering excellent higher education in various disciplines and academic programs.

List of Major Georgian Universities:

• European University
• New Vision University
• Georgian American University
• Georgian Technical University
• University of Georgia
• International Black Sea University
• David Tvildiani Medical University
• European University
• Georgian American University
• Georgian Institute of Public Affairs
• Georgian Technical University
• Gori State Teaching University
• Ilya State University
• International Black Sea University
• Kutaisi University
• New Vision University
• Peter Shota Rustaveli Medical Academy
• Sulkan-Saba Orbeliani University
• Tbilisi State Medical University
• Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
• Georgia International Education University (Tbilisi Education University, Georgasali)

Georgian Universities Accredited in Saudi Arabia

When deciding to study in Georgia for Saudis, it is important to be aware of the universities accredited by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Students can choose from these universities and enroll in distinguished academic programs to ensure future job opportunities in Saudi Arabia after graduation. The following are the most important of these universities:

1. Georgian Technical University
2. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
3. Ilya State University

Study in Georgia for Saudis advatanges:

1. Wide range of universities and colleges: Georgia has a large number of universities and colleges offering a wide variety of academic programs, allowing students to choose their preferred fields of study. This includes specialized programs that enable Saudi students to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after completing their studies.
2. High-quality education: Georgia is known for its high standard of education. Universities prioritize the maintenance of infrastructure, well-equipped classrooms, research laboratories, and libraries that support students throughout their academic journey.
3. International accreditation: Georgian universities are internationally recognized, which is crucial for international students. This accreditation allows them to work in their home countries after completing their studies, which is an important consideration for Arab students who decide to study abroad. Therefore, studying in Georgia for Saudis and Gulf students is an excellent opportunity that should not be missed.
4. Student exchange programs: Students and academics studying in Georgia can participate in student exchange programs, which promote cultural openness and direct communication with students from different universities in other countries. This enriches the learning experience.
5. Competitive tuition fees: Georgian universities offer a competitive advantage over European universities by providing relatively affordable tuition fees. The cost of studying in Georgia is reasonable compared to other European countries.
6. Low cost of living: In addition to affordable tuition fees, Georgia is known for its low cost of living. The country provides affordable accommodation options, including university dormitories. Moreover, there is a variety of affordable halal food options, which is particularly important for Arab students.
7. Simple admission procedures: Admission procedures for Georgian universities do not require excessive bureaucratic processes. This simplicity is highly sought after by international students when choosing a university. Therefore, studying in Georgia for Saudis and other international students is a distinctive choice that offers a comfortable educational experience.
8. Easily find accommodation: It is easy to find accommodation in Georgia, including university dormitories provided by most Georgian universities.
9. Part-time work opportunities: Both international and local students can find part-time work opportunities alongside their studies. This helps them manage their living expenses and ensures a secure student life without financial worries regarding study and accommodation costs.
10. Unique natural attractions: In addition to the advantages of studying in Georgia for Saudis, Arabs, and international students from around the world, Georgia offers unparalleled natural beauty. Students can visit the country’s unique cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, and engage in various outdoor activities.
11. Medical education opportunities: Studying in Georgia provides Saudis with excellent academic opportunities in the field of medicine. Georgia is known for offering top-notch medical programs, with multiple medical universities and specialized training hospitals. This ensures the graduation of highly skilled doctors and medical professionals.

Cost of studying in Georgia:

• Annual tuition fees for medical and dental programs range from $3,850 to $8,000.
• Non-medical program costs range from $1,500 to $4,500.
• The cost of university engineering programs in Georgia is approximately $30,000 per year.
• International students can apply for various scholarships offered by Georgian colleges.
• Monthly living expenses in Georgia range from $500 to $900, depending on individual costs.

Student Life in Georgia

One of the main attractions for international students to study in Georgia is the lifestyle within the country. Georgia is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, with numerous distinctive historical landmarks, including 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Millions of people visit Georgia every year, making it one of the top tourist destinations. Additionally, Georgia boasts a wonderful climate and breathtaking natural landscapes, earning it the nickname “Land of the Four Seasons,” as all four seasons can occur in the same region on the same day. All these features make studying in Georgia an exceptional opportunity not only for education but also for leisure, sightseeing, and enjoying a pleasant stay.

Cities in Georgia offer a plethora of parks, resorts, museums, and theaters, providing students with diverse opportunities to spend their holidays and leisure time. One notable aspect is the Georgian people’s kindness and simplicity, which helps international students, including Saudi Arabian students, feel comfortable and safe in the country. This, of course, contributes to studying with ease and tranquility. Georgian cuisine is famous for its delicious and famous dishes, and the country has numerous popular markets alongside large malls, enabling students to shop at affordable prices that suit their budgets.

Challenges of Studying in Georgia for Saudi Arabian Students

Despite the many benefits and opportunities that studying in Georgia offers to Saudi Arabian students, there are some challenges they may face during their study period. While these challenges are relatively minor compared to the numerous advantages students can gain, it is essential to be aware of them and overcome them. Some of these challenges include:

• Difficulty in adapting to life in Georgia as a European country. However, students can overcome this issue with time due to the country’s simple way of life.
• Inability to transfer between universities in Georgia. Therefore, Saudi Arabian students must carefully choose the university and study program they wish to pursue before starting the visa application and travel procedures to Georgia.

Student Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabian Students in Georgia

• Valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• High school completion certificate
• Translated transcript of grades in English
• Letter of recommendation
• Visa application
• Proof of payment of application fees
• Recorded video interview
• Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the study
• Authorization letter from the Ministry of Georgia

In conclusion, there are numerous areas of cooperation between Georgia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the “Joint Georgian-Saudi Cooperation Committee,” the “Saudi-Georgian Committee,” and the “Georgia-GCC Business Forum.” These joint organizations between the two countries have facilitated the procedures for studying in Georgia for Saudi Arabian and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) students. In this article, we have covered various aspects of studying in Georgia for Saudi Arabian students, including accredited universities, accommodation and living opportunities within the country, Georgia’s visa requirements for Saudi Arabian students, and student life. Now, you can directly contact us to enroll in one of the accredited Georgian universities and benefit from the application facilitations provided by our international study website.

Source: 2021 Best Colleges in Georgia for Students from Saudi Arabia