Georgia to stop accepting foreign students in state universities as of next academic year

Published on: 26 December 2025

Foreign students will no longer be admitted to state-run universities in Georgia beginning with the next academic year, under a controversial new higher education policy announced by the Georgian government.

According to Education Minister Givi Mikanadze, the reform aims to reorient state universities toward serving national interests and prioritizing Georgian citizens in public higher education institutions.

The policy was first introduced in October as part of a broader higher education reform package, and the Education Ministry confirmed this week that it will take effect with the next student intake.

Why Is Georgia Making This Change?

Officials argue that too many seats at state universities are being occupied by foreign applicants — particularly in fields like medicine — which they say reduces opportunities for Georgian students. For example, at Tbilisi State Medical University, about 45% of students are foreigners, according to government figures cited by Mikanadze.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also spoke in Parliament about how a significant share of teaching resources and infrastructure intended to serve future domestic professionals is being used by international students.

Georgia’s government says the move will help ensure state universities focus on training professionals for the Georgian labor market and public sector priorities.

What Will Change Under the New Rule?

State universities will no longer enroll foreign students as regular new admissions starting next academic year — with only rare exceptions allowed by law.
Private universities will continue to accept international students freely, meaning foreign students who want to study in Georgia will still have options outside the public system.
Officials stated that private institutions could focus on recruiting and educating foreign students if they wish.

Financial and Economic Impact

The ban is expected to affect the finances of some public universities, many of which rely on higher tuition fees paid by international students. For instance, authorities acknowledged that withdrawing foreign students from some programs could cost institutions millions in lost revenue, particularly at popular schools like medical colleges.The ban is expected to affect the finances of some public universities, many of which rely on higher tuition fees paid by international students. For instance, authorities acknowledged that withdrawing foreign students from some programs could cost institutions millions in lost revenue, particularly at popular schools like medical colleges.

Despite this, the government insists that financial challenges can be managed and that funds will be shifted in ways that support domestic students and national priorities.

Reactions and Concerns

The decision has sparked concern among prospective international students planning to join Georgian universities — especially those from countries such as India, Jordan, Israel, and Sudan, which together make up a large proportion of non-resident students.

Many students on social platforms are uncertain about how the new rules will affect admissions and visas, with some worried that seats at public universities like Tbilisi State Medical University could be limited or subject to new eligibility criteria.

Education analysts also warn that excluding international students from state institutions might reduce global academic exchange, decrease cultural diversity on campuses, and potentially weaken Georgia’s attractiveness as an international study destination. Critics note that revenue from international students previously helped subsidize lower tuition fees for local students — a benefit that could be lost if enrollment numbers shrink.

What It Means for International Students