Education Export – Can Georgian Universities Attract Students from the Region?

Education export — the attraction of foreign students to local universities — is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. Often referred to as “invisible export,” it brings foreign revenue into the country without requiring the physical export of goods. Countries like Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands have built strong revenue streams from international education. But how realistic is it for Georgia to become part of this trend?

Georgia already holds several strategic advantages. First, its geographical location is ideal — sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, easily accessible for students from Eastern Partnership countries, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Second, tuition fees are relatively low — for instance, annual medical program costs typically range between $5,000 and $6,000, far more affordable than Western or even Turkish universities. Third, English-language programs are expanding across undergraduate and graduate levels, improving accessibility.

Other advantages include Georgia’s relaxed visa regime, visa-free entry for many countries, and relatively low living costs, all of which position it as an affordable, mid-tier education destination. Students from India, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria already form a significant share of the international student population. This trend contributes to the financial sustainability of universities, diversifies income sources, and stimulates the local economy through increased demand for housing, transport, food, and other services.

However, Georgia’s progress is also hindered by notable disadvantages. One of the most pressing concerns is insufficient quality control mechanisms. When universities focus primarily on increasing enrollment rather than academic standards, the country’s educational reputation suffers. 

Moreover, academic and social integration systems remain underdeveloped. There is a lack of nationally regulated dormitories, limited student mentoring programs, and inconsistent communication across university platforms. Most universities still lack research-oriented graduate and doctoral programs, preventing Georgia from attracting high-performing students in advanced academic tracks — unlike countries such as Hungary and Latvia, which invest in internationally competitive, research-driven programs.

Another limitation is Georgia’s weak global positioning in higher education. The country is underrepresented in major international rankings and lacks strategic academic partnerships. As a result, many students choose Georgia based mainly on affordability and visa access — rather than institutional prestige or academic rigor.

Despite these weaknesses, Georgia holds untapped potential to develop education export into a robust economic pillar. But realizing that vision requires structural reform, clear quality standards, international collaborations, and a student experience that is both professionally credible and personally supportive. The country now faces a strategic crossroads: will it remain a segmented, price-driven option for a few markets, or evolve into a reputable regional education hub?