Requiring foreign students to present an international language certificate or pass a language exam during university admission in Georgia is expected to initially reduce the number of incoming international students, according to Kakha Shengelia, President of Caucasus University. He commented on proposed legislative changes regulating the entry, study, residence, and migration procedures for foreign and stateless persons in Georgia.
The draft amendments, introduced by the Interior Ministry, were presented to members of the Rectors’ Council and include stricter admission rules for foreign students. Under the proposal, applicants to both higher and vocational education institutions will need to present an international language certificate or pass an exam administered by Georgia’s National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC). The changes also introduce potential quotas for foreign student admissions.
Shengelia noted that the issue of quotas was not discussed at the meeting, but confirmed that the new language requirement and stricter residency rules could affect student numbers. He also said that Caucasus University currently hosts around 1,500–1,700 foreign students, accounting for roughly 10% of its total enrollment.
While acknowledging that the language requirement may initially reduce foreign student inflows, he expressed confidence that most students would eventually meet the criteria. He added that the impact would likely be limited overall, though some short-term decline is expected.
