Georgia is a distinctive educational destination for international students who decide to study abroad after high school and pursue their higher education in an excellent international academic environment at reasonable costs. public universities in Georgia are known for offering diverse academic programs and high-quality education at a lower cost compared to some private Georgian universities. Generally, studying in Georgia costs much less than studying in any other European country.

In this article, we will present 3 of the top public universities in Georgia that excel in higher education and the most important academic programs they offer to local and international students. We will also discuss the advantages of studying in Georgia in general and how you can enroll in one of these universities to obtain high-quality education, as well as experience life in Georgia with its rich history, diverse cultures, and friendly people. Let’s continue.

Overview of Georgia

Georgia is located in the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the east, and the Black Sea to the west. The history of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, dates back to the 5th century. It is interesting to note that there is a legend about the history of Georgia and Tbilisi, which is logical when you think about it, as Tbilisi is a truly enchanting city that could be inspired by fairy tales. According to the legend, the city of Tbilisi was founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali when he hunted down the king’s falcon, a pheasant, and the birds fell into one of the numerous hot springs there and died. King Vakhtang was so fascinated by this discovery that he decided to remove the trees and build a city at the location where the birds fell.

Georgia is known as the “land of four seasons” since it can experience all four seasons in different geographical areas at the same time of the year. The geographical location and climate affect the living requirements and life in Georgia, such as obtaining food, services, and choosing suitable clothing for the prevailing climate in that region.

When making the decision to study at one of the government universities in Georgia, you need to have complete knowledge about accommodation and resolving your residence during the study period. Some universities provide university housing for students, and there are also multiple choices for accommodation within the city, including apartments and properties for rent. In addition, rural houses with lower prices are available. As for transportation within Georgia, the country is characterized by easy movement within the city as it has a metro network that covers most parts of the city and is one of the cheapest means of transportation in the country. Public transportation such as buses, cable cars, metro, taxis, and trains are also available, including electric trains and diesel trains.

Key Cities in Georgia

• Batumi: A coastal city on the Black Sea known for its golden sandy beaches and modern architecture.
• Kutaisi: The second-largest city in Georgia, it is an important economic and cultural center located in the Imereti region and enjoys a moderate climate.
• Gori: A historic city located in the Mtskheta region. Gori is the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The city is famous for Gori Fortress and Gori Monastery.
• Tbilisi: The capital and largest city in Georgia, located on the banks of the Kura River. The city offers a wide range of opportunities for living, working, and entertainment.
• Kutaisi: An ancient city located in the Kakheti region. Kuchaisi is an ideal destination for history and nature lovers, as it is famous for its historical sites, including Kutaisi Castle, Didi Bartoli Monastery, and Jvari Monastery.

public Universities in Georgia

Within the country of Georgia, there are many government and private universities that provide excellent higher education experiences for both local and international students in various academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other scientific degrees. Below, we will talk in detail about 3 of the most important government universities in Georgia, how to enroll in them, and the key academic programs offered by these universities.

1- Ivane Government University

Ivane University is one of the public universities in Georgia, located in Ivane Javakhishvili in the capital city of Tbilisi. It ranks first among local universities in Georgia and includes the Faculty of Human Medicine and Dentistry, making it one of the most important universities in Georgia for studying medicine programs. It also offers study opportunities in Tbilisi, Georgia in the fields of humanities, political science, psychology and educational sciences, economics and business, and law. The university also provides student exchange programs in partnership with many countries, allowing students and academics to exchange experiences and cultures.

The university has over 23,500 students from more than 100 countries. The campus includes modern facilities, including libraries, research centers, and sports facilities to meet the needs of students. Studying in Tbilisi, Georgia at Ivane University also provides student accommodation near the university. Additionally, the university offers student exchange programs, allowing students to exchange experiences and cultures.

Accreditations of Ivane public University in Georgia include:

• European University Association (EUA)
• Black Sea University Network (BSU)
• Francophone University Agency (AUF)

You can study in the following colleges at Ivane public University:

• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Human Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Economics and Business
• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
• Faculty of Social and Political Sciences

2- Ilia Government University

Ilia State University is one of the newest public universities in Georgia, established in 2006. It ranks first among local government and private universities in Georgia. Ilia Government University offers programs in various fields such as business administration, engineering, and humanities for international students. It has approximately 6,000 students, including more than 500 international students from over 50 countries. The university has a good reputation in scientific research and sustainable development. It offers 56 undergraduate programs and over 60 master’s and doctoral programs. Students can pursue studies in journalism, dentistry, or business organization and management in the Russian language.

Ilia Government University is located at Kakutsa Cholokashvili Street 3/5, Tbilisi, 0162, in the heart of the capital city. This allows students to commute from their accommodations to the university and explore the city, visit famous historical sites, and immerse themselves in Georgian culture.

Ilia University, as one of the leading public universities in Georgia, contributes significantly to environmental preservation and supervises the implementation of community and sustainable projects. It has the highest competition rate for doctoral programs among government universities in Georgia. Ilia University has strong international relations due to student exchange programs and a high number of international students. It has approximately 16,000 students and over 1,500 faculty members and researchers. The university is known for its quality infrastructure, providing study halls, libraries, and advanced research laboratories.

Accreditations of the university include:

• Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN)
• Compostela Group of Universities (CGU)
• EUA Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE)
• European Science Events Association (EUSEA)
• European University Association (EUA)
• International Medical Education Association (EMEE)
• International Association of Universities (IAU)
• International Step by Step Association (ISSA)
• Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics (SCOSTEP)

Programs offered at Ilia Government University include:

• Liberal Arts
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Psychology
• Sociology
• European Studies
• History and Foreign Languages
• Archaeology
• Physics
• Astronomy
• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Genetics
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Green Architecture
• Software Engineering
• Business Administration
• Public Law
• Criminal Law

3- Tbilisi State Medical University

Tbilisi State Medical University is one of the oldest public universities in Georgia, with a history dating back over a hundred years. It is one of the leading medical universities in Tbilisi, Georgia. The campus of Tbilisi State Medical University is located at 33 Vazha-Pshavela Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia. Thousands of local and international students graduate from the university to pursue their professional careers in various leading hospitals and medical institutions in Georgia, Europe, and around the world.

The classrooms within Tbilisi State University are equipped with the latest teaching techniques, making it one of the most prominent government universities in Georgia offering medical programs. The university is also equipped with advanced libraries and scientific nursing laboratories to assist students during their study period. Students also have the opportunity for practical training alongside academic studies within the hospitals and clinics associated with the university. The duration of the medical program at Tbilisi State Medical University is six years, divided into five years of academic study and one year of training upon completing the study. The first two years are devoted to basic theoretical or academic medical education, and one year is dedicated to the pre-clinical training phase, while the last three years are focused on clinical courses.

Tbilisi State University is one of the first public universities in Georgia to be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. It is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (TSMU WDOMS) under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, the university has obtained international accreditation for its Foreign Language Center. Tbilisi State Medical University is recognized by major international organizations and has obtained the following accreditations:

• NMC (National Medical Commission)
• European Commission for Accreditation
• International Directory of Medical Education
• WFME (World Federation for Medical Education)
• ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)

Advantages of studying at public universities in Georgia:

1. The study at government universities in Georgia is characterized by low tuition fees compared to universities in other European countries.
2. No need to worry about traveling to Georgia for studying, as the country provides a safe and comfortable stay with affordable living costs. In addition to university dormitories, there are affordable accommodations available for international students.
3. Georgia has an easy transportation system, including inexpensive public transportation that can take you from your residence to the university. It also allows you to explore and enjoy various parts of Georgia.
4. Georgia offers a diverse cultural environment that combines Eastern and Western cultures foreign students can learn about Georgia’s rich heritage, interact, and integrate with students from different nationalities, making their study period in Georgia a wonderful experience.
5. All study programs taught at government universities in Georgia are accredited by the Higher Education Accreditation Council of Georgia and recognized in many Arab and Western countries, allowing students to work with their degrees in any country worldwide.
6. Universities provide student exchange opportunities with other universities, enriching students’ culture, knowledge, and giving them the chance to interact with international students from different countries.

How to obtain a visa for foreign students:

To obtain a study visa at one of the public universities in Georgia, foreign students must follow the following procedures:

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the student.
• Valid passport.
• Ensure that all information in the passport matches the rest of the documents.
• Students must be at least 17 years old at the time of application.
• High school completion certificate and academic transcripts translated into English.
• English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL or IELTS).
• Medical certificate stating that the student is free from infectious diseases, translated, and authenticated.
• Online personal interviews may be conducted to evaluate English language proficiency and verify personal information.

In conclusion, in this article, we discussed three of the most important public universities in Georgia, where you can enroll as an international student to pursue your higher education after completing secondary school. If you are interested in studying at an accredited European university, we provided some details about life in Georgia to help you make a decision about traveling to Georgia for education. You can now contact us to obtain more information about studying in Georgia or to proceed with the registration process to join one of the Georgian universities. The International Study Team is always at your service.

Source: List of 43 best universities in Tbilisi