For the Georgian Technical University (GTU), retaining only engineering and technical disciplines under the new higher education reform is welcomed by the university’s rector, David Gurgenidze. Speaking to BM.GE, Gurgenidze said he had been informed about the decision.
“Of course, I was aware of the information. For me, it’s not just acceptable - it’s welcome,” Gurgenidze stated, noting that discussions about student quotas and other details would follow the Education Minister’s ongoing press conference.
According to the Education Minister, student quotas at state universities were allocated based on the “one city – one faculty” principle, essentially reflecting each university’s traditional profile. Following earlier plans to merge TSU and GTU, meetings with both universities and government officials led to a revised decision: the merger will no longer proceed. GTU will remain a purely technical university, offering only disciplines that were part of its curriculum prior to the 1990s. Programs outside this technical focus will be phased out over the next two academic years.
Minister Givi Mikanadze added that unused university buildings may be privatized. A special working group, led by the Minister’s deputy and including GTU representatives, will start on February 10 to ensure maximum retention of academic staff and efficient resource allocation. The group will oversee the phased transition in alignment with the higher education reform concept.
