Studying in Georgia: A Guide for International Students

In this section

Universities in Georgia: Higher Education for International Students Georgian higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle system and is overseen by the NCEQE, which authorises institutions and accredits programmes. Many universities teach degrees in English — especially medicine, dentistry, business and IT — but international recognition depends on a university holding authorisation and your programme being accredited.
University Admissions & Enrolment in Georgia for International Students Applying to a Georgian university as an international student means choosing an authorised institution and accredited programme, having your prior qualification recognised by the NCEQE, and preparing apostilled or legalised documents with certified translations. English-taught programmes set their own language requirements.
Recognition of Foreign Diplomas in Georgia (NCEQE) The NCEQE is Georgia's official body for recognising foreign qualifications and for legalising or apostilling Georgian educational documents. Recognition verifies a document's authenticity and compares the qualification with Georgian standards — and it is also the route to using a Georgian degree abroad.
Student Visa & Residence in Georgia (D3) International students enter Georgia on the D3 immigration visa, issued for study or research at an authorised institution, and then convert it into a study (temporary) residence permit to stay for the length of their programme. The study residence permit is issued by the Public Service Development Agency, usually for 6 months to 1 year and renewable for the duration of the studies. Applicants must show enrolment at an authorised institution and legal income or bank funds of at least twice the subsistence minimum per month. Many nationalities can also enter visa-free first and arrange status from within Georgia.
Tuition Fees & Cost of Studying in Georgia Studying in Georgia is affordable by international standards. English-taught degrees commonly cost around USD 3,000–8,000 a year, with medicine at the higher end, and students typically budget another USD 400–700 a month for living. Figures vary by university and city — always confirm current fees directly.
Scholarships for Studying in Georgia Funding for international students in Georgia comes mainly from EU Erasmus+ programmes, a limited number of Georgian government and bilateral scholarships, and university-level tuition discounts. Most international students still largely self-fund, helped by Georgia's low tuition and living costs.
Working While Studying in Georgia Holding a study residence permit does not by itself give the right to work in Georgia. Since 1 March 2026, most foreign nationals — students included — need a separate 'Right to Labour Activity' work permit to take paid employment or run a business, on top of their study status.

Studying in Georgia is an increasingly popular route for international students: degrees taught in English, affordable tuition, low living costs, and a straightforward student-visa path. Whatever you plan to study, the journey follows the same few steps — and each one has a detailed guide in this section.

The essentials are simple. You choose an authorised university and an accredited programme, get admitted (having your previous diploma recognised where required), arrange funding, and obtain the D3 student visa, which you convert into a study residence permit after you arrive.

Then: arrive, study — and check the rules before working Every step below links to a detailed, source-based guide. Medicine (MD/MBBS) has its own guide.

What to explore further

Choosing where to study

Universities in Georgia — the higher-education system, the Bologna cycles and how to check that an institution and programme are authorised.
University Admissions & Enrolment — how to apply as an international student, documents and deadlines.
Recognition of Foreign Diplomas (NCEQE) — getting a previous qualification recognised, and apostille/legalisation.

Paying for it

Tuition Fees & Cost of Studying — typical fees by field and the cost of living.
Scholarships for Studying in Georgia — Erasmus+, government and bilateral funding.

Visa, staying and working

Student Visa & Residence (D3) — the D3 visa and converting it into a study residence permit.
Working While Studying — what the study permit does and does not allow, after the 2026 labour-migration reform.

Looking specifically at medicine? See the dedicated Studying Medicine in Georgia (MD/MBBS) guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students study in Georgia in English?

Yes. Many Georgian universities run full degree programmes taught in English, especially in medicine, business and IT. Programmes must be offered by an authorised institution and be accredited; you can verify this through the NCEQE before you apply.

What are the main steps to study in Georgia?

Choose an authorised university and an accredited programme; apply and get admitted (having your previous qualification recognised where required); secure funding through tuition payment or a scholarship; obtain a D3 student visa; and after arrival convert it into a study residence permit. Each step has its own detailed guide linked below.

Do I need a visa to study in Georgia?

International students normally enter on the D3 immigration visa, issued for study at an authorised institution, and then apply for a study residence permit after arrival. Citizens of some countries can enter visa-free but still need the study residence permit to stay for the full course. See the Student Visa & Residence guide for details.

How much does it cost to study in Georgia?

English-taught degrees commonly cost around USD 3,000–8,000 per year, with medicine at the higher end. Living costs are low by international standards. The Tuition & Cost guide breaks down fees, and the Scholarships guide covers the funding that is available.

Can I work while studying in Georgia?

A study residence permit does not by itself grant the right to work. Since 1 March 2026 most foreign nationals — students included — need separate authorisation to work. The Working While Studying guide explains what is and is not allowed.

Sources

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