How Many Young Georgians Study Abroad?

In recent years, the number of Georgian students seeking higher education abroad has been steadily increasing. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, 1,020 students left the country to study abroad during the 2024-2025 academic year, reflecting a 16% increase compared to the previous year, when 879 students pursued international education. This trend highlights the growing demand for higher-quality education and better career prospects among Georgian youth.

Preferred Institutions and Study Destinations

Among these students, 748 enrolled in public universities, while 401 chose private institutions abroad. This data indicates that state universities remain the primary choice, although private universities are also gaining traction.

Regarding destination countries, Germany is the top choice, hosting 172 Georgian students, followed by Italy (107), Poland (102), and France (101). European countries dominate the list of preferred destinations, likely due to their diverse academic programs, affordable tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities. Germany’s popularity may be attributed to its strong higher education system and tuition-free public universities for international students. Other notable destinations include Spain, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Austria, Portugal, and Lithuania.

Comparing Local and International Enrollment

At the same time, Georgia’s higher education sector is also evolving. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 54,200 students enrolled in Georgian universities—30,500 in public institutions and 23,700 in private universities. However, total university enrollment in Georgia decreased by 0.2% compared to the previous year. This slight decline suggests that more students may be opting for foreign universities, possibly due to concerns over local education quality, employment opportunities, and international recognition of degrees.

Challenges and Opportunities

The increasing number of Georgian students studying abroad presents both opportunities and challenges for the country’s education sector. While international exposure can enhance students’ skills and global networks, it also raises concerns about brain drain if these graduates do not return to Georgia.

To retain more students and remain competitive, Georgian universities must enhance the quality of their programs, strengthen research opportunities, and expand international collaborations. By doing so, they can ensure that more talented young people choose to pursue higher education within Georgia, ultimately benefiting the country’s long-term development.