Georgian education system

[01.04.2025]

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The Georgian education system consists of four main levels: early childhood education, general education, vocational education and higher education. It is regulated by national laws that provide opportunities for cooperation, mobility and knowledge sharing through the Erasmus+ program.

Early childhood and preschool education system

in Georgia Early education system Regulated "On Early and Preschool Education" By law. This system covers children from birth to preschool age and provides services divided into three main areas:

  1. Early childhood education (0-2 years): At this stage, services are provided for children and their parents/legal guardians, including:
  • Children's education institutions
  • healthcare
  • food
  • Hygiene and sanitary safety
  • Early childhood intervention
  • Inclusive education services
  • The goal of this stage is to support both parents and children in their early stages of development.

        2. Preschool education (2-6 years): This stage aims to Ensuring the comprehensive development of the child before entering the first grade of primary education. Kindergarten education includes a mandatory preschool program that meets state education standards and ensures children's readiness for formal education.

       3. School Readiness Program: An educational program prepared on the basis of the State Educational Standard for School Readiness, which contributes to the achievement of the outcomes established by this standard.

General education system

General education in Georgia lasts 12 years and is divided into three stages: primary, basic and secondary education. This system is regulated by According to the Law "On General Education" and the National Curriculum, which is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

Primary education (Grades I-VI): This stage lasts 6 years. Its mission is to develop basic academic and social skills.

Basic education (Grades VII-IX): This stage lasts 3 years and is a continuation of primary education, preparing students for secondary or vocational education.

Secondary education (Grades X-XII): The last 3 years of general education, which focuses on specialized academic knowledge and preparation for higher or vocational education. 

In Georgia, primary and basic education are compulsory, while secondary education is not. After completing basic education, students receive a document certifying basic education (certificate). After completing complete general education, students receive a document certifying general education (certificate), which allows them to continue higher education or vocational training.

Public and private institutions follow the national curriculum, and the state fully finances public education through a system of financial normative vouchers, which are calculated per student. As of 2020, there are 2,085 public and 224 private schools operating in Georgia.

Vocational education system

Vocational education is regulated in Georgia. According to the Law of Georgia "On Vocational Education", which offers a variety of educational programs to help students acquire practical skills. 

Key institutions and programs include:

Vocational educational institutions: 

These institutions provide vocational education, vocational training, retraining programs, and training in the state language. They are required to undergo an authorization procedure in order to issue state-recognized vocational diplomas. This process is managed by LEPL – National Center for Education Quality Development.

Vocational education is carried out:

a) Vocational education program, the types of which are:

a.a) Basic vocational education program, which is completed by granting a qualification corresponding to level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework;

a.b) Secondary vocational education program, which is completed by granting a qualification corresponding to level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework;

a.c) Higher vocational education program, which is completed by granting a qualification corresponding to level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework;

b) a vocational training program that prepares a person to perform specific tasks and duties related to a profession. The learning outcomes provided by a vocational training program may correspond to levels 2/3/4/5 of the National Qualifications Framework;

c) A vocational training program aimed at acquiring and/or developing competencies for professional activity in the same field. The learning outcomes of a vocational training program may correspond to levels 2/3/4/5 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Higher education system

Georgia's higher education system is regulated According to the Law of Georgia "On Higher Education" and includes bachelor's, master's and doctoral level programs that comply with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)

Bachelor's programs: Typically, 240 ECTS credits are required. These programs are available to those who have completed a full general education. Students must pass the Unified National Examinations to be admitted. Higher education institutions may also offer shorter programs (minimum 180 credits), and some programs (for example, teacher training and veterinary education) require a minimum of 60 credits.

Master's programs: To be admitted to a master's program, a student must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. These programs typically require a minimum of 120 credits, although some institutions may require a minimum of 60 credits. Admission to the master's program is through unified national and intra-university examinations. 

Doctoral programs: The prerequisite for admission to the program is a bachelor's degree or equivalent academic degree and proof of subject competence, based on passing a subject-specific exam organized by the National Examination Center.  The program usually lasts at least 3 years and requires a minimum of 60 credits.

The Georgian higher education system offers various opportunities for international cooperation, including Erasmus+ exchange programs for young people, students, education experts, and researchers.

The Georgian education system, which includes primary, general, vocational and higher education levels, provides a comprehensive framework for students and professionals. Legislation and regulations comply with international standards, which allows for cooperation with Erasmus+. These opportunities include student exchange programs and scientific projects, which benefit both local and international beneficiaries. 

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Georgia's Education System and Opportunities for Erasmus+ Participation

Georgia's education system is organized into four main levels: early education, general education, vocational education, and higher education. It is governed by national laws and regulations that define educational standards, with opportunities for cooperation, mobility, and knowledge exchange through Erasmus+.

Early and Preschool Education

In Georgia, early and preschool education is regulated by the "On Early and Preschool Education" law. This system covers children from birth to school age and provides services divided into three primary areas:

  1. Early Education and Training (0-2 years): This stage provides services for children and their parents/legal guardians, including:
    • Childcare institutions
    • Health care
    • Nutrition
    • Hygiene and sanitary safety
    • Early childhood intervention
    • Inclusive education services The goal is to support both parents and children in the foundational development stage.
  2. Preschool Education and Training (2-6 years): This stage is aimed at ensuring the overall development of children before entering primary school. Preschool education includes a mandatory school readiness program, aligning with state educational standards and ensuring children are prepared for formal schooling.
  3. School Readiness Program: A mandatory educational program that prepares children for the first grade, ensuring they meet the educational standards required for entry into primary education.

General Education System

Georgia's general education spans 12 years, structured into three stages: primary, basic, and secondary education. It is governed by the law "On General Education"  as well as the national curriculum overseen by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport.

  1. Primary Education (Grades I-VI): This stage lasts 6 years and focuses on foundational academic and social skills.
  2. Basic Education (Grades VII-IX): This stage covers 3 years and builds on primary education, preparing students for secondary education or vocational training.
  3. Secondary Education (Grades X-XII): The final 3 years of general education, focusing on specialized academic knowledge and preparation for higher education or professional paths.

In Georgia, primary and basic education are mandatory, while secondary education is not. Upon completion of basic education, students receive a Basic General Education Certificate. After full general education, students receive a certificate that allows them to pursue higher education or vocational training.

Public and private institutions follow the national curriculum, and the government fully funds public education through a financial norm voucher system, calculated per student. As of 2020, Georgia has 2,085 public schools and 224 private schools.

Vocational Education System

Vocational education in Georgia is regulated by the "LAW OF GEORGIA ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING" , offering multiple types of educational programs to help students acquire practical skills. The key types of institutions and programs include:

  • Vocational Educational Institutions: These institutions provide vocational education, professional preparation, retraining programs, and state language preparation. They must undergo an authorization procedure to issue state-recognized professional diplomas. The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement  administers this process.

Vocational Education is Delivered Through:

A) Vocational Educational Programs, which include:

  • Basic Vocational Educational Program: Leads to a qualification corresponding to Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework.

  • Secondary Vocational Educational Program: Leads to a qualification corresponding to Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework.

  • Higher Vocational Educational Program: Leads to a qualification corresponding to Level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework.

B) Vocational Training Programs:
These programs prepare individuals to perform specific tasks and duties related to a profession. The learning outcomes of these programs may correspond to Levels 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the National Qualifications Framework.

C) Vocational Retraining Programs:
The goal of these programs is to help individuals acquire or develop competencies necessary for professional activities in the same field. The learning outcomes may correspond to Levels 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Higher Education System

Georgia's higher education system is governed by the "Law of Georgia on Higher Education" and provides programs at the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels, all aligned with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

  1. Bachelor's Programs: Typically requiring 240 ECTS credits, these programs are open to students who have completed full general education. To enter, students must pass the Unified National Examinations. Institutions may also offer shorter programs (minimum 180 credits), and some programs (such as teacher training and veterinary studies) require at least 60 credits.
  2. Master's Programs: To enter a Master's program, students must hold a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. These programs generally require at least 120 credits, although some institutions offer programs with a minimum of 60 credits. Admission is based on entrance exams.
  3. Doctoral Programs: These programs are available to those holding a Master's degree or an equivalent qualification. The program typically lasts a minimum of 3 years, with a requirement for at least 60 credits.

Georgia's higher education system offers several avenues for international collaboration, including Erasmus+ exchanges, which allow students, educators, and researchers to engage in cross-border academic partnerships.

The education system in Georgia, which spans early education, general education, vocational education, and higher education, provides a comprehensive structure for students and professionals. Through laws and regulations aligned with international standards, Georgia's educational framework offers significant opportunities for Erasmus+ cooperation. These opportunities range from student exchanges, joint programs, and research initiatives, benefiting both local and international communities.