Study in Tbilisi, Georgia

About Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, in the Caucasus. Georgia as a whole had about 3.94 million inhabitants on 1 January 2026, according to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). The official language is Georgian, which has its own alphabet.

The city is home to the first university in the Caucasus and to several private universities that teach some programmes in English. Programmes for international students include medicine, business and law.

Studying in Tbilisi

Georgia has been a full member of the Bologna Process since 2005. Degrees use ECTS credits, about 60 per academic year, and the one-level programme in medicine has 360 ECTS and leads to the degree of Medical Doctor. According to the official Study in Georgia portal, the country has 64 higher education institutions. Our directory lists three universities in Tbilisi:

• Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) opened on 26 January 1918 as the first university in the Caucasus and took its founder's name in 1989. It has about 22,000 students in seven faculties. English-taught programmes require an English level certificate.
• Caucasus School of Business (CSB) was set up in 1998 with funding from the US government. In 2004 it became private and Caucasus University was founded on its basis. The university now has schools of business, law, media, technology, architecture and design, governance, humanities and social sciences, tourism and medicine, and partnerships with 390 universities in 75 countries. Since 2004 CSB has hosted an offsite campus of Grenoble Graduate School of Business (GEM), which offers its MBA in Georgia.
• Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) publishes programmes for international students, including medicine, dentistry, nursing and English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees in information technology, computer science and digital marketing.

Foreign applicants apply to the university, which may set an exam or interview. Their school documents must then be recognised through the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) before enrolment.

Cost of living for students

• Tuition: TSU states that tuition for its programmes is 1,125 GEL per semester; international applicants should confirm the fee for their programme. GRUNI's admission page lists these fees for international students: US$5,520 for the MD programme (six years), €3,600 for English-taught bachelor's degrees such as information technology (three years) and €4,000 for the master's in computer science (two years); it does not say whether the fees are per year. GRUNI's admission process costs a non-refundable US$300.
• Housing: the Study in Georgia portal lists the GRUNI dormitory at US$150 to 200 a month and another Tbilisi university dormitory at US$100 to 150 a month.

Getting around and daily life

The Tbilisi Transport Company runs the city's buses, metro, cable car and minibuses, with a standard fare, the Metromoney card and preferential fares for some groups.

Foreign citizens coming for long-term study at an authorised institution receive an immigration visa of category D3, valid for 90 days with multiple entries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides within 30 calendar days. Applicants need, among other documents, an acceptance letter, proof of funds, proof of accommodation and health insurance. Border officials may ask for health or accident insurance covering the whole stay.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Tbilisi?

Our directory lists Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, opened in 1918, Caucasus University with its Caucasus School of Business, and Grigol Robakidze University.

Can I study in English in Tbilisi?

Yes, at some universities. GRUNI lists English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees, and TSU asks for an English level certificate for its English-language programmes.

Which visa do I need to study in Tbilisi?

For long-term study at an authorised institution, a D3 immigration visa, valid for 90 days with multiple entries. The decision is made within 30 calendar days.

How much does a degree cost in Tbilisi?

TSU gives a fee of 1,125 GEL per semester. GRUNI lists €3,600 for its English-taught IT bachelor's degree and US$5,520 for medicine; check with the university whether these are annual fees.