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Meta description: Universities in Georgia for international students: 64 institutions, state vs private, entry without national exams, $4,200–8,000 fees, accreditation checks.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Universities in Georgia for International Students: How to Choose and How to Check Their Status

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Georgia has 64 higher education institutions — 19 state and 45 private — and almost two-thirds of them are in Tbilisi (National Statistics Office of Georgia, 2025/26). International applicants do not sit Georgia's Unified National Exams: the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) recognises your school certificate and grants the right to study. State universities still admit foreigners, but only within the number of places the government approves for each academic year. English-taught programmes at the larger universities cost roughly $4,200–8,000 a year, and Tbilisi State Medical University is the only one that teaches medicine in Russian ($5,000 a year).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Institutions | 64: 19 state, 45 private; 64.1% in Tbilisi |
| International students | 44,440 of 195,400 students; 39,033 of them in health programmes |
| Admission route | no Unified National Exams; NCEQE recognises your education and grants the right to study |
| Enrolment windows | 1 Feb–15 Mar and 15 Aug–31 Oct |
| Languages | Georgian and English; Russian in a few programmes (medicine and dentistry at TSMU) |
| English-taught tuition | bachelor's $4,200–5,500, medicine $5,900–8,000 a year (examples below) |
| Entry for citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan | visa-free stay of up to one year |

The main building of Tbilisi State University. Photo: Patrik Kunec / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tbilisi,_Georgia_-_Building_of_the_Tbilisi_State_University_-_2023.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## How many universities Georgia has and which accept foreigners {#section-1}

Geostat counted 64 institutions and 195,400 students at the start of 2025/26. International students numbered 44,440, up 19.7% on the previous year. Nearly nine in ten of them — 39,033 — study health and welfare subjects.

Private does not mean second-rate in Georgia. Private universities run most of the English-taught programmes and handle international applicants routinely: they publish dollar prices, answer in English and set clear deadlines. The main state universities — Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), Ilia State University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi — are cheaper for Georgian-taught study and host strong medical schools.

The education minister had said that state universities would admit foreigners only in exceptional cases. The rule in force is different: Government Resolution No. 437 of 8 September 2026 sets out how state universities admit international students: the rector's consent is issued within the number of places the government approves for each programme and academic year. In practice, a state university's places for foreigners are capped by that quota, while a private university works within the student limit fixed in its authorisation.

## University or college: what the status means {#section-2}

The Georgian system has two types of higher education institution. A college offers bachelor's programmes only. A university can run all three levels — bachelor's, master's and doctoral — plus six-year medical programmes and five-year dentistry and veterinary programmes. If you want medicine or a master's, a college is not an option.

Two more terms are worth separating:

- Authorisation is the institution's licence to teach and issue state-recognised diplomas. Without it, the diploma is not recognised even in Georgia.
- Accreditation applies to each programme. It is mandatory for every higher education programme and is granted for seven years, conditional accreditation for no more than four. Since 2022 related programmes have been accredited in groups (clusters), so two programmes at the same university can have different expiry dates.

Georgia issues study residence permits only to students of authorised institutions, so the wrong choice affects both your degree and your right to stay. The NCEQE register (reestri.eqe.ge) shows an institution's authorisation and each programme's status and accreditation period.

## Universities international students shortlist most often {#section-3}

These universities publish separate terms or prices for international students on their official websites. The order reflects the type of institution, not quality.

| University | City, type | What international students can take | International tuition, 2026/27 intake (university website, checked 30 Sep 2026) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) | Tbilisi, state | English-taught medicine and dentistry, English-taught Master of Public Health, Georgian language preparation | medicine and dentistry in English $8,000 a year; standard fee $430 (GEL 1,125) per semester |
| Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) | Tbilisi, state | medicine and dentistry in English, Russian and Georgian, an American MD track, a preparatory course | medicine: English $8,000, Russian $5,000, Georgian $4,000 a year; American MD $13,500; preparatory course $2,000 a year |
| Ilia State University | Tbilisi, state | English-taught medicine and master's programmes | ask the admissions office |
| Caucasus University (CU) | Tbilisi, private | English-taught bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes, medicine | bachelor's $5,000–5,500, medicine $6,000, master's $5,000 a year |
| Georgian American University (GAU) | Tbilisi, private | business, IT and medicine in English | business $4,500, IT $4,200, medicine $6,480 a year |
| Black Sea International University (formerly IBSU) | Tbilisi, private | 26 English-taught programmes at three levels, medicine | bachelor's $4,900 (scholarship up to $1,000), medicine $5,900 (up to $500) a year |
| Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy | Tbilisi, private | medicine in English and Georgian | English-taught medicine $7,000 a year plus a one-off $300 registration fee |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | Batumi, state | medicine in English and Georgian | ask the admissions office |
| Akaki Tsereteli State University | Kutaisi, state | medicine in English and Georgian | ask the admissions office |

Another fifteen institutions teach medicine in English, including the University of Georgia, David Tvildiani Medical University, New Vision University, European University, Alte University, Caucasus International University, Ken Walker International University, Geomedi, East European University, SEU, Grigol Robakidze University, BAU International University Batumi, Avicenna Batumi Medical University, East-West Teaching University and Kutaisi University (as named in the NCEQE list). All of them appear on NCEQE's list of medical programmes; see our guide to [studying medicine in Georgia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-in-georgia).

The figures above are tuition only. For the full bill — fees, insurance, residence permit and living costs — see [the cost of studying in Georgia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-georgia).

## State or private: how to decide {#section-4}

| Criterion | State university | Private university |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Places for foreigners | within a government-approved quota | within the student limit in its authorisation |
| Georgian-taught tuition | low: TSU charges $430 (GEL 1,125) per semester | usually higher |
| English-taught tuition | medicine $8,000 at TSU and TSMU | $4,200–7,000 in the examples above |
| Russian-taught programmes | medicine and dentistry at TSMU | none on NCEQE's medical list |
| Speed and communication | slower, much information only in Georgian | dedicated English pages and admissions teams |
| Clinical base for medics | TSMU runs its own university clinics | varies; ask for the list of teaching hospitals |

Two questions usually decide it: which language you can study in and where you plan to work afterwards. If you need Russian, the only realistic option is TSMU. If you intend to practise or work in Russia, plan for recognition before you apply; the rules are the same for state and private Georgian universities. Without an international mutual recognition treaty, Rosobrnadzor assesses the degree (application via Gosuslugi, 6,500-rouble fee, up to 30 working days), and doctors then also need a Roszdravnadzor decision and accreditation, as our guide to [medicine in Georgia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-in-georgia) explains.

## Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi {#section-5}

Tbilisi offers the widest choice: 64.1% of Georgia's institutions, most English-taught programmes and the largest hospitals. Batumi suits students who prefer a smaller seaside city; it has Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, BAU International University and Avicenna Batumi Medical University. Kutaisi has Akaki Tsereteli State University with English-taught medicine.

Outside Tbilisi there are fewer English-taught programmes and fewer jobs after graduation, but also fewer distractions. Before choosing a city, ask where the teaching buildings and the hospitals used for practical classes are located.

## Language of instruction {#section-6}

Georgian is the main language of the system. Most universities that recruit internationally also teach in English. Russian is rare: on NCEQE's list of medical programmes, only TSMU has a Russian-language stream.

From the 2027/28 academic year, applicants must prove the language of their programme: at least B1 for bachelor's and medical programmes and at least B2 for master's. Accepted evidence is a certificate from the government's list (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Scale or PTE for English; TORFL for Russian; German and French exams as well) or an exam by the National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC). Applicants to Georgian-taught programmes take NAEC's exam in Georgian instead. Until then, universities confirm the level themselves, and some already ask for more than the minimum: TSU requires B2 and an interview for English-taught medicine.

If you want the lower Georgian-taught fees, plan a preparatory year: TSU runs a Georgian language preparation programme, and TSMU offers a preparatory course for $2,000 a year.

## How to check a university and programme before you pay {#section-7}

1. Find the institution in the NCEQE register and confirm its authorisation is valid.
2. Check the accreditation of your specific programme and its expiry date. For example, all 38 medical programmes on NCEQE's list (March 2024 edition) are accredited until 31 December 2027 and will then be reassessed.
3. Match the language: the programme name in the register and on the university website should be the same.
4. Get written terms: annual fee, payment schedule, refund conditions and the number of places for international students.
5. Ask who files your documents with NCEQE — you or the university. Caucasus University, for instance, does it under a power of attorney after a video interview.
6. For medicine, ask where clinical training takes place and in which language residency is taught: at TSMU, residency is in Georgian only.

The step-by-step procedure is in our guide to [applying to Georgian universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-georgian-universities); graduate options are covered in [master's degrees in Georgia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-georgia).

## What changed for international students in 2026 {#section-8}

- Resolution No. 437 of 8 September 2026 fixed two enrolment windows: 1 February–15 March and 15 August–31 October.
- From 2027/28, a certified B1 or B2 level in the programme language is mandatory.
- A university must suspend a foreign student who earns no more than one-third of the year's credits. If 90 days pass after suspension, the Public Service Development Agency may end a study-based residence permit.
- Since 1 January 2026, tourists entering Georgia must hold health and accident insurance for their whole stay with cover of at least $11,520 (GEL 30,000).
- Since 1 March 2026, foreigners need a separate work permit to work in Georgia, including remote work; only narrow categories such as diplomats and refugees are exempt. A study residence permit does not replace it.

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Choosing by the university's overall reputation instead of the programme's status. Accreditation belongs to the programme and can differ between programmes of the same university.
- Assuming state universities are closed to foreigners. Resolution No. 437 expressly provides for such admission, but places are capped by a quota.
- Confusing a college with a university. Colleges do not offer master's degrees or medicine.
- Trusting "no language test" promises. From 2027/28 the language requirement is set by law, and many universities already test it at interview.
- Planning to pay for studies with part-time work. Work needs a separate permit, and a student with poor results risks the residence permit.
- Comparing prices without asking what they include. At Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy, a one-off $300 registration fee and a $2,100 place reservation payment are due before enrolment is confirmed; ask how the reservation counts towards the annual fee.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Which universities in Georgia accept international students?

Both state and private authorised institutions accept them. State universities admit foreigners within a government-approved quota for each academic year; private universities work within their own student limit. Private universities offer the most English-taught programmes, while strong medical schools exist in both sectors.

### Can I study in Russian in Georgia?

Only in a few programmes. According to NCEQE's list of medical programmes, Tbilisi State Medical University is the only institution with a Russian-language medical stream; medicine and dentistry in Russian cost $5,000 a year. Some non-medical Russian-taught programmes exist elsewhere and should be checked in the NCEQE register.

### Do I need to take Georgia's national exams?

No. A foreign citizen who finished school abroad receives the right to study without the Unified National Exams once NCEQE recognises the certificate and the university gives written consent to a place. Universities may still hold their own interview or test, and from 2027/28 a certified level in the programme language is also required.

### How much does it cost to study at a Georgian university?

For the 2026/27 intake, English-taught bachelor's programmes at private universities cost about $4,200–5,500 a year and medicine $5,900–8,000. Georgian-taught programmes at state universities are the cheapest: TSU's standard fee is $430 (GEL 1,125) per semester. Living costs, insurance and document fees come on top.

### How do I check that a Georgian degree will be recognised?

Start with the NCEQE register: the institution must be authorised and the programme accredited. For medicine, it also matters that NCEQE holds recognition status from the World Federation for Medical Education until October 2028. Recognition in your home country follows that country's own procedure, so check it before you enrol.

### Can I transfer from a university abroad to a Georgian one?

Yes. The rules allow foreign students who studied at a recognised foreign university and earned credits to enrol without national exams; NCEQE then recognises the credits or qualification instead of a school certificate. The receiving university decides how many courses to credit, so ask it to compare curricula before you move.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [National Statistics Office of Georgia: higher education indicators 2025/26 (PDF, 27 Feb 2026)](https://www.geostat.ge/media/77120/Indicators-of-Higher-Education-Institutions---%282025-2026-ACADEMIC-YEAR%29.pdf) and [foreign students by programme (XLSX)](https://geostat.ge/media/77173/04Number-of-Foreign-Students-In-Institutions-by-Programmes-and-Sex.xlsx) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Government of Georgia Resolution No. 437 of 8 Sep 2026 on admitting foreign students](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6997462) and [Resolution No. 435 of 8 Sep 2026 on language certificates](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6997353) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [NCEQE: Georgia's education system](https://eqe.ge/en/page/parent/7/ganatlebis-sistema), [programme accreditation](https://eqe.ge/en/page/parent/519/akreditatsia), [institutional authorisation](https://eqe.ge/en/page/parent/517/avtorizatsia), [list of MD programmes (March 2024)](https://www.eqe.ge/res/MD%20Programmes%20List%202024%20Mar.docx), [register of institutions and programmes](https://reestri.eqe.ge/ka/search) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [WFME: recognised accrediting agencies, NCEQE entry](https://wfme.org/recognition/bme-recognition/accrediting-agencies-status-bme/) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- University fees: [TSU tuition](https://www.tsu.ge/en/page/საფასურის-გადახდის-წესი), [TSU English-taught medicine](https://www.tsu.ge/en/programs/434), [TSMU programmes and fees](https://tsmu.edu/ts/content.php?id=7&aid=220&bid=313&cid=0&did=0&eid=0&lang=en), [Caucasus University bachelor's](https://www.cu.edu.ge/en/cu-international-students/programs-english/ba-international-students) and [master's](https://www.cu.edu.ge/en/cu-international-students/programs-english/ma-international-students), [GAU](https://www.gau.edu.ge/en/for-foreign-students/programs), [Black Sea International University](https://ibsu.edu.ge/en/entrant/tuition-fees/), [Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy](https://tma.edu.ge/en/international-student-tuition) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Government of Georgia Resolution No. 255 of 5 Jun 2015: visa-free countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2867361) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Government of Georgia Decree No. 602 of 26 Dec 2025 on compulsory insurance for arrivals](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6728816), [Embassy of Georgia to Norway: insurance for arrivals from 1 Jan 2026](https://norway.mfa.gov.ge/news/628587-inphormatsia-saqartveloshi-shemomsvleli-turistebistvis-savaldebulo-dazghvevis-shesakheb), [Embassy of Georgia to Japan: labour migration changes from 1 Mar 2026](https://japan.mfa.gov.ge/en/news/850987-tsvlileba-shromiti-migratsiis-kanonmdeblobashi) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Glavexpertcentr treaty list](https://nic.gov.ru/ru/docs/foreign/confirmation); [recognition fee, Tax Code Art. 333.33](https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_28165/7f6aa2a30ed6c4b39a5890e07c7494d9c278b8ea/)
- Conversions from lari use the official National Bank of Georgia rate set on 29 Sep 2026 (valid from 30 Sep 2026), $1 = GEL 2.6051 (under $100 rounded to the dollar, otherwise to $10). Most universities quote international fees in US dollars, and we left those unchanged.

University and programme selection, status checks, and document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The university decides on admission, NCEQE grants the right to study without national exams, and Georgia's Public Service Development Agency issues study residence permits.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Master's Degrees in Georgia for International Students: English-Taught Programmes, Requirements and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-georgia)
- [Studying Medicine in Georgia: Medical Universities, Fees, Language and Recognition](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-in-georgia)
- [Applying to Georgian Universities as an International Student: the 2026/27 and 2027/28 Procedure](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-georgian-universities)
- [Cost of Studying in Georgia for International Students: Tuition, Fees and Living Costs in 2026/27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-georgia)

Updated: September 2026