While Georgia has made notable progress in facilitating visa processes for international students, a critical issue remains unresolved, the entry of their parents. This concern was highlighted by Kakha Shengelia, President of Caucasus University, in a recent interview with BMG.
According to TBC Capital, the number of foreign students studying in Georgia has doubled over the past four years. Between 2024 and 2025 academic year, 37,100 foreign students enrolled in Georgian universities, a 21% annual increase. Of these, 15% were pursuing bachelor’s degrees, while a significant 85% were enrolled in master’s and medical programs.
Shengelia noted that while the university continues to attract students from Asian markets, interest is also growing from European countries, and not only in medical fields. Increasingly, international students are choosing programs in IT, business, and psychology, which is a sign of diversification and growth in Georgia’s higher education sector.
“Our university currently has about 1,500 international students. Around 30% are Indian, and the rest come from various countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia,” said Shengelia. “This year, we are proud to welcome 300 foreign students in non-medical fields, such as IT, business, and psychology.”
He emphasized the economic impact of international education. With nearly 40,000 foreign students in Georgia, the country earns an estimated USD 400 million annually from tuition and living expenses.
“With the right support, this number could rise to 50,000–70,000. Why should we lose such a significant source of revenue to neighboring countries? All it takes is a bit more flexibility, especially from the government,” Shengelia stated.
While the visa process for students has largely been streamlined, a major hurdle remains: visa issuance for their parents, particularly during key moments such as graduation ceremonies.
“We are hosting a graduation ceremony tomorrow, and dozens of students’ parents were denied visas. This issue is not limited to India, we’re seeing similar cases from Africa and Asia,” he added. “The government needs to provide clarity. We need to understand under what conditions these visitors can or cannot enter the country. This is not just about family visits, it's about positioning Georgia as a welcoming destination for students and tourists alike.”
Shengelia stressed that resolving this issue would enhance Georgia’s reputation in international education and tourism, sectors with high potential for long-term growth.
Top Countries Sending Students to Georgia in 2025:
- India – 55%
- Jordan – 7%
- Israel – 6%
