The government of Georgia has approved new rules for admission of foreign citizens and stateless persons to higher educational institutions, reports Georgia Online.
Now, foreigners will be able to enroll in Georgian bachelor's and master's programs without passing national and unified exams. At the same time, the authorities tightened the requirements for confirmation of language proficiency and linked the maintenance of student status with the right of a foreigner to stay in the country.
The main part of the decision signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze entered into force immediately after its publication. The new norms apply to legal relations arising from September 1, 2026. Mandatory language proficiency testing and certification requirements will begin in the 2027-2028 school year.
From that moment on, the foreign applicant must submit to the university a valid international certificate of language proficiency or pass the exam organized by the National Assessment and Examination Center. For teaching in Georgian, it will be necessary to confirm knowledge of the state language.
A minimum language proficiency level of B1 has been set for undergraduate, veterinary programs, as well as medical and dental diploma programs. A B2 level will be required for admission to the master's program.
The certificate must be valid. If its validity period is not indicated in the document, no more than three years must have passed from the moment of issue.
The application for a study permit can be submitted to the National Center for Quality Assurance of Education both by the applicant and the university. After a positive decision, the rector will be able to formalize admission in one of two periods: from February 1 to March 15 or from August 15 to October 31.
At the same time, the new rules establish a direct connection between the foreign student's progress and his right to stay in Georgia. If a student accumulates up to one-third of the maximum possible number of credits during the academic year, the university is obliged to suspend his/her student status.
After that, the migration mechanism is activated. If 90 days have passed since the suspension of status, or the student voluntarily discontinues studies or completes the educational program, the State Agency for the Development of State Services has the right to revoke his or her D6 immigrant visa or residence permit.
If a foreigner's right to stay in Georgia ends or a decision is made to deport him, the university will be able to terminate his student status.
In addition, universities are obliged to timely enter data on foreign students into the Higher Education Management Information System. Failure to register the data within three working days may result in liability under the Code of Administrative Offenses.
