Growth of Foreign Student Enrollment in Georgia

Georgia’s higher education sector is undergoing a significant internationalization process, as evidenced by the sharp increase in foreign student enrollment. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, 37,125 international students enrolled in Georgian universities for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a 20.9% increase compared to the previous year. This surge highlights Georgia’s growing appeal as an educational hub, impacting both the country’s economy and higher education landscape.

University Preferences: Public vs. Private

Georgia currently hosts 63 higher education institutions, including 19 public and 44 private universities, most of which are located in Tbilisi. Public universities continue to attract the majority of international students, with 29,857 enrolled in state institutions, while 7,268 chose private universities. While public universities remain the dominant choice, private institutions are gradually expanding their presence in the international education market.

Dominant Student Demographics

One of the most striking trends is the dominance of Indian students, who now account for 55% of Georgia’s total international student population. Their numbers have reached 20,319, significantly outpacing students from other countries. Additionally, large numbers of students come from Jordan, Israel, Pakistan, Sudan, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria, further strengthening Georgia’s position in the global education market.

Why is Georgia Attracting So Many Foreign Students?

Several factors contribute to Georgia’s rising popularity as a study destination:

• Affordable Tuition Fees – Compared to universities in Western Europe and North America, Georgian institutions offer quality education at significantly lower costs, making them particularly attractive to students from developing countries.
• Medical Education Programs – One of the main draws for international students is medicine, as Georgian universities offer internationally accredited medical degrees at relatively affordable prices.
• Geographical Advantage – Proximity to Europe makes Georgia an attractive option for students who want to study in a country close to the EU while still benefiting from lower tuition fees.
• Easier Visa Process – Georgia’s simplified visa procedures make it easier for international students to obtain study permits compared to other European destinations.
• Growing Number of English-Taught Programs – Many Georgian universities are expanding their English-language programs, removing the language barrier and increasing accessibility for foreign students.