Georgia’s labor market study finds 14,400 students needed annually, PM

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday presented the results of a labor market study, revealing that Georgia’s higher education system should ideally enroll around 14,400 students annually to align with labor market demand.

Speaking at the presentation, Kobakhidze explained that current enrollment exceeded the optimal figure, reaching 21,300 students, meaning the system was producing 50% more graduates than immediately needed in some fields. 

He stressed that the government will implement gradual adjustments to better match student numbers with workforce requirements.

“Strictly following today’s labor market reality, 14,400 students should enroll annually. However, taking into account five-year projections and current conditions, we will gradually balance enrollments without causing sudden disruption for students,” Kobakhidze said.

He further claimed law and social sciences showed significant over-enrollment, with 2,920 law students unlikely to find employment in their profession. 

“Economics and business administration also face oversupply, though qualifications remain a concern.
Education, engineering and technical disciplines [including construction, chemical technology, metallurgy, energy, and transport], nursing, midwifery, and social work face critical shortages relative to labor demand”, the official said.

Kobakhidze stressed that the policy will focus on gradual alignment rather than abrupt reductions, aiming to ensure graduates can utilize their degrees effectively while meeting labor market needs.

“The goal is to prevent a mismatch where graduates cannot apply their skills professionally, and this labor market analysis provides the evidence needed to implement a structured, step-by-step adjustment,” he said.