The publication of Georgia’s “Applicant Handbook” has been delayed, raising concerns among prospective students who now have less time to make informed choices for the 2026 Unified National Examinations, according to education policy researcher Vano Gomurashvili.
Speaking on BMGTV, Gomurashvili said the handbook, which traditionally contains all relevant information about university programs, accreditation, and exam procedures, is essential for applicants. In previous years, it was typically released in early March, but this year it has yet to be published. The Ministry of Education has announced that it will be made public in April. Officials, however, have confirmed that the 2026 UNE schedule will not change, and exams will still begin in July.
The handbook is more than a technical document; it helps students clarify critical details such as which programs are accredited, the duration of accreditation, minimum competency requirements, special admission conditions, and exam subject coefficients used to calculate competitive scores. Gomurashvili emphasized that many practical questions remain unanswered, including how many universities a student can select, whether law program applicants can choose private universities alongside state institutions, and what restrictions apply to the selection process.
Gomurashvili also criticized recent reforms that eliminated the grant system, noting that free education is now limited to state universities. “Applicants will face a difficult choice: study at a state university with a grant or at a private university without financial support. This artificially limits competition and restricts student freedom. Last year, nearly half of all applicants chose private universities. Essentially, future students are being denied the right to choose,” he said.
