Education minister announces university merger and school reforms

Education, science and youth minister Givi Mikanadze on Thursday announced a reform package that includes the merger of Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University, alongside wide-ranging changes to the general education system.

Speaking at a briefing at the ministry, Mikanadze said the decision to merge the two universities followed an “in-depth analysis” of academic programs, research areas, and infrastructure, as well as consultations with rectors. He said the move is intended to strengthen Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University as a leading academic and scientific center in the region and improve its international rankings.

To implement the merger, a temporary governing body, a council, will be established by ministerial order, and acting rectors and vice rectors will be appointed to manage the reorganization process.

As part of the higher education reform, a new senior professor academic position will be introduced. Those selected through open competition will provide strategic leadership in teaching and research, help raise academic standards, and support the development of young academic staff, the official claimed.

The minister stressed that no reductions in academic personnel are planned. Existing staff will be retained, student places will be preserved, and enrollment quotas will not be reduced.

Mikanadze also outlined reforms in general education. Under a new legislative initiative, the entry age for first grade will be set at six, meaning children may enroll only if they turn six by 15 September. The change will take effect from the 2026-2027 academic year.

Under a new framework, full general education will last 11 years, while the option of a 12th grade will remain for students who voluntarily choose an additional year to strengthen academic readiness.

From the 2026–2027 academic year, general education stages will be defined as primary, grades I–VI; basic, grades VII–IX; and secondary, grades X–XI from the 2027–2028 academic year. From that same year, schools will provide an in-school tutoring program in grade XI to help students prepare for national examinations.

The minister also announced the introduction of the single-textbook principle, under which the state will take responsibility for providing one standard textbook per subject per grade by September 2028. In addition, from the 2026–2027 academic year, school uniforms will become mandatory in public primary schools, grades I–VI, and schools will introduce rules governing the use of electronic communication devices to ensure a learning-focused educational environment.