If you have kids and will be spending significant time in Georgia (the country), you’ll want to learn how to get your kids the best possible education here. From primary education to university, schools in Georgia offer both internationally recognized certification and international standards of schooling.
Education Standards In The Republic Of Georgia
Georgia is a part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and Bologna Process, and therefore, the Georgian public education system (general, vocational, and higher education) is fully compatible with international standards of education. Diplomas issued by Georgian public high schools, colleges, and higher education institutions offering BA, MA, and Ph.D. programs, are recognized by European countries and the USA.
Most expats, however, will likely choose to place their children in private international schools. So, we’ll cover those options first. More information about the public school system can be found at the end of this article.
Private schools in Georgia (country)
There are a number of private schools in Georgia that are not under the Georgian education system and instead follow American, British, Finnish, and Russian curriculums. They ensure that the children of expats can continue their education onwards to world-leading international universities, or switch to schools in other countries without issues.
Here is the list of the main private schools in Tbilisi, Georgia:
QSI International School
Language: English
This is the Georgian branch of a chain of schools across Europe, China, Central and South America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Caucasus. As they follow standard American curriculum, the learning process is conducted in English. QSI International school is located in The American Village, Zurgovani, in the Didi Dighomi district of Tbilisi.
British International School of Tbilisi (BIST)
Language: English
This school supports the British curriculum with International Early Years, Primary, and Middle Years Curriculums (accepted in 60 countries around the world). BIST is located near the Lisi Lake region in Tbilisi.
Finnish International School Georgia
Language: English
The first school in the South Caucasus region that follows the Finnish education system (which is acknowledged as one of the best education systems in the world). The Finnish International School is authorized in both Finland and Georgia. They conduct their learning process fully in English and prepare their students for the higher education system in Europe. The Finnish International School is located in the Digomi 7 area of Tbilisi.
Projector School
Language: Russian
This private Russian school, accredited by a Moscow school, makes it possible to switch to any school in Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, or the EU without issues, or to proceed with the higher education in those countries. Projector School is located in the Saburtalo area of Tbilisi.
New School, International School of Georgia
Language: Georgian, English
New School has two sections, Georgian and English, and three International Baccalaureate programs. The school is authorized by International Baccalaureate (IBO.org). New School is located in Tskneti, in the Bagebi area of Tbilisi.
Batumi
Unfortunately, there are (at this time of writing) no international schools in Batumi. The only option for expats which may work is private schools with more complex English courses. There are two private schools in Batumi with this type of offering: “Georgian-American School of Batumi“, located on Bagrationi street, and “Batumi American School Progress“, located on T. Abuseridze street.
Georgia’s Public Education System
The public education system in Georgia is divided into the following stages:
- General education (schools). Public schools in Georgia have 12 grades: starting primary to high school (6 to 17-18 years old). It is compulsory for Georgian citizens to complete grade I to IX, with X to XII being optional. Public schools typically conduct the learning process in Georgian language, with very few exceptions of mixed Georgian-Russian, Georgian-Azeri, and Georgian-Armenian schools in the regions populated by national minorities. Public schools are free of charge for Georgian citizens (and for foreigners up through the high-school level).
- Vocational education (colleges). A mediator stage between schools and universities can be skipped if a student has completed the general education stage (12 grades).
- Higher education (universities). Public and private universities in Georgia offer the following programs: Bachelor’s degree (4 academic years), Master’s degree (2 years), and Ph.D. degree (2-3 years). An exception is the Medical education system, which contains more stages. Many universities have programs for English-speaking students.
Grades & Ages In The Georgian School System
| Education | School/Level | Grades | Age | Years |
| Primary | Elementary | 1–6 | 6–12 | 6 |
| Middle | Basic Education | 7–9 | 13–15 | 3 |
| Secondary | Secondary | 10–12 | 16–18 | 3 |
| Secondary | Vocational Secondary | 15–18 | 3 | |
| Post-secondary | Technical Vocational Education | 2 | ||
| Tertiary | Tertiary – University | |||
| Tertiary | Bachelor | 4 | ||
| Tertiary | Master | 2 | ||
| Tertiary | Doctorate | 3 |
Everything else you need to know about moving to Georgia
Our free eBook covers the essentials of living in, or relocating to, Georgia. Our 100 page guide includes:
- Accommodation and where to live in Georgia
- Visas & residency
- Business, banking, & tax
- Everyday life: from social life to transportation, internet, restaurants, and much more.
Download your free copy of our eBook:
