We will provide all students already enrolled in public or private universities with the same funding mechanism that was offered to them until now. Starting from 2026, all students enrolled in state universities will have their studies fully funded by the state, that is, their studies will be free of charge, - said Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia.

According to the Minister, the fact that the higher education reform is more focused on supporting and strengthening state universities is not new and has been known to the public, including university representatives, since the day the reform was announced.

“Since the announcement of the national reform of the higher education system, we have repeatedly noted that the main emphasis of the reform would be on state universities. It is state universities that must fulfill state orders based on market research and needs. Accordingly, the mobilization of the main funding resources will be carried out considering this principle. This is not new. It was known from the very beginning for private universities that the new funding model would be directed entirely at state universities.

As for private universities, students who will enroll in private universities in the next academic year will no longer receive grant support from the state. We would like to clarify once again that this restriction will not apply to the already enrolled students - second, third, fourth year, as well as master's students - and the existing component of funding for them will remain in force,'' the Minister noted.

Givi Mikanadze also spoke about foreign students. According to him, certain restrictions will be imposed by the state. They will also be affected when enrolling in universities.

“Regarding foreign students, certain restrictions will be imposed in state universities from the next academic year. For this purpose, it is planned to introduce legislative amendments, according to which, the admission of foreign students to state universities, except for exceptional cases, will be impossible. Bilateral agreements, exchange and special programs that specific universities have in different formats will be considered exceptions.

It is noteworthy that all foreign students who want to study in Georgia will be able to study at private universities. As you know, out of 64 higher educational institutions operating today, only 19 are state, and 45 are private. Accordingly, they will be able to freely make a choice and continue their studies in the desired private higher educational institution, in the desired program,’’ the Minister said, whose comments were disseminated by the Ministry.