The Georgian government will determine the maximum number of foreign students that both public and private universities can admit, according to a draft amendment to the Law on Education submitted to Parliament by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The proposal introduces a state-defined quota system that will regulate foreign citizen admissions, enrollment frequency, and study conditions through government decrees.
The bill’s explanatory note confirms that the new rules will apply to both public and private higher education institutions, despite earlier clarification from the Ministry of Education suggesting otherwise. It states that limiting foreign student intake could directly affect university revenues, particularly for institutions where international students make up a significant share of enrollment.
According to official statistics, a total of 37,125 foreign students were enrolled in Georgian universities and colleges in 2024–2025. Of these, 31,486 were master’s students, 5,621 were enrolled in bachelor’s programs, and 18 were in vocational education.
The government will set specific quotas only after the law is adopted. Until then, it remains unclear whether current levels of foreign student admissions will be maintained or reduced, and how significantly the new system will impact the financial structure of higher education institutions.
