"We have begun work on a unified bill—a Law on Education and Science—intended to replace seven existing laws," Givi Mikanadze, the Minister of Education, stated on the TV channel Imedi.

The Minister explained that the bill would address various areas, including regulations concerning the third level of education—doctoral studies.

He also noted that, starting next year, Italian will be added to the list of elective subjects for the Unified National Exams.

"We have started working on a unified bill—a Law on Education and Science—designed to replace seven existing laws. Our goal is to submit the initiative during the spring session. It will outline provisions for many areas, including the third level of education—doctoral studies.

Regarding the third level, we may have a preliminary vision ready to present by the end of the year; we will discuss this with the academic community, align our positions, and then proceed with the process," Givi Mikanadze noted.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the government would submit a legislative initiative to Parliament during the autumn session; this initiative would allow for the recognition and credit transfer of specific vocational training programs toward corresponding fields of study in higher education.

"Regarding vocational training, this marks the third year since we introduced an integrated program in the final grades of general education schools. To date, this integrated program has been implemented in 83 schools across the country. Starting this academic year, six additional schools will be included, bringing the total to 89. We saw our first graduating class this past May, when 12th-grade students received both their school leaving certificates and diplomas certifying their specific vocational qualifications. At the same time, the vocational sector remains a key priority for us.

To be frank, ever since I was elected Chair of the Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs... One of the key priorities I declared was combating the "groom-without-a-diploma" syndrome—the notion that a university degree is the only measure of worth. In reality, the issue of a diploma is not as critical as, first and foremost, personal character, followed by professionalism. Whether that professionalism is acquired through a vocational college or a university should be a matter of personal choice; we must not disparage vocational colleges or treat them as second- or tenth-rate institutions. This is especially important given the growing interest in this sector year by year, as it offers young people—and anyone else interested—the opportunity to acquire a specific profession within a relatively short timeframe”, said Givi Mikanadze.