Shifting Educational Landscape: Georgia’s Universities as a New Center of Attraction

The 2024–25 academic year marks the beginning of a new chapter for Georgia’s higher education system. Official figures show that 187,800 students are now enrolled in universities across the country, significantly expanding the sector’s scale and setting new trends both domestically and internationally.

Undergraduate students make up the majority — 67% — while one in three continues at the master’s level. This balance reflects the country’s evolving approach to preparing skilled professionals. Private universities now account for 42% of the student market and continue to grow, reshaping Georgia’s traditionally state-centered academic environment and creating a more competitive landscape.

The potential to attract international students has also risen sharply. In the 2024–25 academic year, 37,100 non-resident students were enrolled, with 85% studying at private institutions. Particularly noteworthy is the dominance of students from India, who make up 55% of all foreign enrollees. This trend positions Georgia as an emerging regional education hub, offering programs tailored to international demand and competitive tuition rates that are becoming a new source of economic momentum.

Pricing remains one of the sector’s clear advantages. The average annual tuition for a bachelor’s program at private universities is GEL 4,909. The market displays a dual structure: 56% of programs cost up to GEL 4,000, 22% fall between GEL 4,001 and GEL 6,000, and more than 22% exceed GEL 6,000. This pricing diversity provides students with both financial and academic choice, fostering flexible competition and further increasing the sector’s appeal.

In this context, it is evident that Georgia’s higher education system is undergoing dynamic transformation. The rise of private universities, growing international interest, and a pricing strategy aligned with global market expectations are consolidating Georgia’s role as a genuine educational center for the region — while also shaping a new economic reality at home.