Education researcher Lela Chakhaia says Georgia’s national education concept and recent reforms are unlikely to improve the quality of higher education, while declaring state university programs “free” is largely a PR message rather than a major expansion of access.
Speaking to BMGTV, Chakhaia said the national concept does not directly set improving education quality as a goal. Instead, it focuses on addressing unequal quality and optimizing resources, which Chakhaia argues cannot by itself improve academic standards.
According to Chakhaia, the concept does not outline measures to improve study programs, academic staff, learning environments or other factors that determine educational quality. Chakhaia said the “one city – one faculty” principle is instead aimed at consolidating resources and retaining stronger academic programs and staff.
Chakhaia also questioned claims that the new funding model significantly expands access to higher education. Chakhaia noted that free programs, full state grants and partial scholarships already existed, allowing many students to study at public universities without paying tuition. While the number of fully funded students has increased somewhat, Chakhaia said presenting the policy as the first-ever introduction of free education is misleading.
