Studying in the Republic of Georgia as an international student

If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality education, it might be worth considering studying in the Republic of Georgia.

Located in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia in situated where Europe meets Middle East. It left the Soviet Union in 1991 and is fast becoming a popular tourist destination.

Despite its small size, this country has a lot to offer international students, from beautiful scenery and historical landmarks to low cost of living and tuition fees.

Here are 4 reasons why Georgia should be on your list: 

1. Good quality universities

Georgia has over 60 universities (some with international connections) with the highest rated all located in the capital city Tibisil. According to the 2022 Georgian University Ranking, these are the top 5 universities in Georgia:

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Tbilisi State University (TSU) is the oldest university in Georgia with 18,000 students, 5 campuses and over 60 research labs and is ranked in the top 1.5 % of universities in the world.

Ilia State University

Ilia State University is a newer institution with 15,000 students and is a number one destination in Georgia for students studying business.

The University of Georgia

University of Geogia (UG) is one of the largest private universities in the country with over 6,000 students. It offers tuition in both English and Georgian.

Georgian Technical University

Georgian Technical University is a large university that was founded 100 years ago. It has 11 faculties and offers tuition in English, Russian and Georgian.

International Black Sea University

International Black Sea University is a small (2000-3000 students) university that offers tuition in both English and Georgian.

Instruction in Georgian universities is generally carried out in the native language of Georgian, although as you may have noticed with the top 5 universities we listed, some offer courses in English or Russian as well. The good news is that universities in Georgia are catering more and more for international students and the education system is steadily improving.

2. Tuition fees are affordable

Compared to other European countries, tuition fees and the cost of living in Georgia are reasonable.

However, prices are quickly rising with annual inflation at 11.5% in 2022. With the conflict in Ukraine, there has been an increase in Russian migrants to Georgia. This increased demand and caused prices to go up.

Living costs per month for a single international student without rent are roughly $550 USD. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Tibilisi costs around $750 a month, so total living expenses are $1300 a month if you include rent.

Although living costs are low compared to other European countries, salaries are low, too, with the average Georgian making $470 a month. So while it may be a cost-effective place to study, working in Georgia after graduation may not be financially viable unless you are receiving a foreign income. 

3. Beautiful natural landscape

Perhaps the biggest drawcard for this small country is its beautiful natural landscapes with 5 UNESCO heritage sites that attract millions of tourists each year. Being situated in the Caucasus Mountains makes it one of the highest countries in the world. Here are just a few of the most stunning places to explore in Georgia:

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the largest city in Georgia. Almost one third of Georgia’s 3.7 million inhabitants live in Tibisli, with the rest living in towns, villages and farming communities dotted throughout the countryside. It is situated on the banks of the Mtkvari River and is known for its diverse architecture and vibrant nightlife. Be sure to wander the colourful streets of Old Tbilisi, which is full of narrow alleyways and traditional Georgian houses, then take the cable car to Narikala Fortress and enjoy views of the city.

Svaneti

Svaneti is a region in northwestern Georgia that is home to some of the highest mountains in Europe. The scenery is breathtaking, with alpine meadows and picturesque villages. Be sure to visit Ushguli, which is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe.

Mtskheta

Mtskheta is the spiritual centre of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It used to be the capital before it was moved to Tibisili. It’s probably Georgia’s most important historical and cultural centre with many churches and monasteries that are well worth visiting, like the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.

Just be sure to dress appropriately when you enter churches. Women are required to wear a long skirt and a head scarf and men should avoid wearing shorts or hats.

And for those wondering about safety when traveling around the country, you shouldn’t be concerned. Georgia is a safe country with a stable democracy – in recent years it has made significant improvements in its levels of peace according to the 2022 Global Peace Index.

4. Experience Georgian Hospitality

Georgians are known for their hospitality. They will often put on a feast, a supra, when a guest comes to visit. Locals believe a guest is a gift from God, and they do everything they can to make you feel welcome, from offering you food and drink in their homes to introducing you to their friends. And it’s not uncommon to be taken on a personal tour of the sights when you ask for directions. 

Georgians are also known for their wine and even have a festival to celebrate it, the New Wine Festival. It’s considered bad form to refuse a drink if offered (unless you don’t drink alcohol or have another good excuse). 

With local hospitality and over 50, 000 international students studying in Georgia, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy a community life while you are studying.

If you’re planning on travelling to Georgia, it’s worth brushing up on your knowledge of local culture before you arrive. For example, Georgia is a hierarchical society so elders are respected and generally greeted first. It’s polite to accept invitations to events or dinners and bring flowers or chocolates with you to give to your host. You’ll also need to get used to toasting at the dinner table, and be sure to toast your host before you leave the table.

Do I need a visa to study in Georgia?

Georgia allows some international students to enter the country and stay for one year without a visa if they are a citizen of one of these 94 countries (unless noted below):

If you don’t make the list of visa-free countries, you’ll need to apply for a Georgia Study Visa (D3 Visa). The D3 Study visa is issued for 90 days, during which you’ll need to apply for a student residence permit at the Public Hall Office to finalise your visa application so that you can stay the length of your course. The official website is here.

How to apply for a student visa in Georgia

First you need to apply for a visa at your nearest Georgia embassy or consulate. You can do this online: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/register/visit

Submit the required documents. Once you apply for your visa, you are asked to submit documents to support your visa application.

• Letter of enrolment from the Georgian university
• Proof of financial means, such as:
  • Bank statements from the past 6 months
• Proof you have obtained a scholarship
• Proof of sponsorship
• Proof you have paid the tuition fee
• Proof of previous academic qualifications

Pay the visa fee. Once you pay the fee, you need to submit the documents to your nearest Georgian embassy or consulate either in person or by mail.

There are many reasons to study in this small country of quaint old villages and stunning mountain landscapes, whether it’s affordable tuition and living costs, unique heritage sites or the generous local hospitality.If you’re considering studying abroad, be sure to add Georgia to your list. 

We do our best to provide the most accurate and helpful information, but rules and procedures can change at short notice. Your experience could be different depending on your country of origin and the locality and office you attend. For the most current information check official government sources and speak to a local attorney or immigration professional. 

Grace Hillier

I’m an educator and writer living abroad. I love languages, experiencing different cultures and going on adventures with my family.