Minister of Education and Science Givi Mikhanadze announced that minor adjustments have been made to the higher education reform document following consultations with state universities and the business sector. These changes mainly concern the second-cycle (master’s level) education process, ensuring that students aiming for doctoral studies can accumulate the required 120 credits. A 3+1+1 system will now allow students to complete a three-year bachelor’s, a one-year standard master’s, and an additional year for those continuing to doctoral programs.
The government approved the higher education reform concept today, establishing the legal framework for implementation over the next three to four years. A detailed action plan will be developed by the Ministry to guide the reform, while initial steps before the next academic year will require legislative amendments. Changes to relevant laws have already been prepared and will be submitted to Parliament for accelerated consideration.
From next year, the principle of “one city, one faculty” will be introduced. Through consultations, the government will define which state university is responsible for specific academic fields, aligning responsibilities with national priorities and market needs. The number of student seats in each faculty will also be determined based on market research.
Mikhanadze emphasized that these measures create a legal foundation for the reform and ensure its smooth and efficient implementation. With parliamentary support, the 3+1+1 system and other key reforms can proceed according to plan, allowing higher education in Georgia to meet international standards and better prepare students for advanced studies and the labor market.
