Deputy Education Minister: state will fully cover tuition fees for first-year students at public universities

Georgia will fully cover tuition fees for all first-year students enrolled at public universities during their first two semesters, Deputy Education Minister Zviad Gabisonia has said, outlining how students can retain full state funding in subsequent years.

According to Gabisonia, the policy applies to students admitted in the 2026–2027 academic year, with the state providing unconditional full funding for the first academic year.

From the third semester onwards, students will retain 100 per cent state funding if they earn more than 80 per cent of the required academic credits each semester. This means a student may fail to earn credits in only one course while remaining eligible for full funding.

Students who do not meet the 80 per cent threshold will receive 50 per cent state funding for their tuition. However, Gabisonia said full funding can be restored if they later achieve the required credit threshold.

He stressed that the scheme is based solely on the number of credits earned rather than grades or academic performance. A student who passes a course by meeting the minimum passing mark is considered to have earned the corresponding credits.

Gabisonia said the model reflects international practice and is in line with recommendations from the World Bank.