PM Kobakhidze: Georgia to introduce 3+1 higher education model

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday announced that the Government planned to transition to a 3+1 higher education system, under which undergraduate studies would last three years and master’s programmes one year, except for a few specialised fields.

Kobakhidze made the statement during the presentation of the Government’s education reform.

“We conducted an in-depth analysis and believe that, apart from exceptional programmes, we should move to a 3+1 model, where three years are dedicated to the bachelor’s degree and one year to the master’s degree,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze added both the bachelor’s and master’s levels must have clearly defined objectives, something that is currently lacking in the system.

“Three years are entirely sufficient for almost all specialisations. Of course, medicine and certain other fields will remain exceptions. In all other cases, it is feasible to obtain a bachelor’s education in three years and a master’s degree in one,” he explained.

Kobakhidze also mentioned that further updates in the education sector are forthcoming, including potential changes to the school system, with discussions underway about moving to an 11-year general education programme.

“The Ministry of Education is actively working in this direction as well,” he added.