University Admissions & Enrolment in Georgia for International Students

Getting into a Georgian university as an international student is relatively straightforward once you understand the process. The key is to follow the correct sequence: choose a properly recognised institution and programme, obtain recognition of your existing qualification where required, prepare your documents in the correct legal form, and satisfy the programme’s language requirements. Completing these steps in the right order helps avoid the most common delays.

Step 1 — Choose an authorised institution and, where required, an accredited programme

Before anything else, confirm that the university holds current NCEQE institutional authorisation and that your chosen programme is accredited, where accreditation is required by Georgian law. This is more than a formality. Studying at an unauthorised institution—or, where accreditation is legally required, on an unaccredited programme—may affect the recognition of your qualification and your future professional opportunities.

The Universities in Georgia Guide explains these checks in more detail.

Step 2 — Obtain recognition of your previous qualification

Depending on the programme and your previous education, international applicants will generally need to have their existing qualification recognised by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). This may involve a secondary school qualification for admission to a bachelor’s programme, or a university degree for admission to a master’s programme.

During the recognition process, the NCEQE verifies the authenticity of the qualification and assesses its equivalence under the Georgian education system. Because this procedure may take some time and is often required before enrolment, it is advisable to begin it as early as possible.

Step 3 — Prepare your documents: apostille, legalisation and translation

Foreign public documents generally need to be made legally valid for use in Georgia. If your country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents will normally require an apostille. If not, they will generally require consular legalisation.

You will also usually need certified translations into Georgian or another language accepted by the receiving institution or the relevant authority.

Depending on the university and programme, the required documents commonly include:

• your academic certificates and transcripts;

• your passport;

• proof of financial means; and

• a medical certificate or other health documentation, where required.

Step 4 — Meet the language requirements

Language requirements depend on the programme you choose. Many programmes in medicine, business and information technology are taught entirely in English.

Each university establishes its own admission requirements, which may include an English-language proficiency test, previous education completed in English, or another form of evidence accepted by the institution. Programmes taught in Georgian generally require applicants to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Georgian language.

Always review the specific admission requirements published by your chosen university.

Step 5 — Apply, then arrange your entry and stay

Most Georgian universities have an autumn intake, while many also offer a spring intake. Application deadlines vary between institutions, so it is advisable to apply well in advance.

Once you have been admitted, you should arrange your lawful entry and stay in Georgia through the Student Visa and Residence Guide and ensure that you comply with the applicable health insurance requirements for entering and studying in Georgia. Further information is available in our Health Insurance in Georgia for Foreigners guide.

A note on changing requirements

Admission requirements, application procedures and deadlines may change between academic intakes. Before applying, always confirm the current requirements directly with the university and, where relevant, the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE).

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically your school-leaving certificate or prior degree and transcripts, a valid passport, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate. Foreign documents usually need an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation into Georgian or English.

Does my previous diploma need to be recognised?

Yes. Foreign qualifications generally must be recognised by the NCEQE, which verifies authenticity and compares your qualification with Georgian standards before you can enrol.

What are the language requirements?

It depends on the programme. English-taught programmes set their own English requirements (often an English test or equivalent); Georgian-taught programmes require Georgian. Check the specific programme.

What is an apostille and do I need one?

An apostille certifies a public document for international use. Documents from countries party to the Apostille Convention need an apostille; others need consular legalisation. Most universities require this for your prior qualifications.

When are the intakes?

Most programmes have an autumn intake, and many universities also offer a spring intake. Deadlines vary by university — apply well ahead to allow time for document recognition and the visa or residence-permit process.