If you’re considering studying in Georgia in 2025—whether you’re a local student planning your next steps or an international applicant exploring affordable degrees—there’s a lot to like about Georgia’s higher education system. The country has been investing heavily in universities, research, and international partnerships. Many programs are offered in English, tuition fees are reasonable, and the student lifestyle in cities like Tbilisi and Kutaisi is quite comfortable. To make things easier, I’ve broken down the 15 best universities in Georgia for 2025, focusing on the factors people actually care about: program quality, international recognition, tuition fees, campus life, and how these universities support students from abroad.
1. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU)
Founded in 1918, TSU is the oldest university in the region and still the one many students consider the “default” top choice. What makes TSU stand out is its academic depth—huge faculty options, strong research output, and a reputation that’s recognized across Europe. Many of Georgia’s top leaders, diplomats, scientists, and academics are TSU graduates.
Popular Programs
Economics & Business
Law
International Relations
Computer Science
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Tuition Fees
Fees vary depending on the program and whether you enroll in a Georgian- or English-taught track. On average:
Bachelor’s: $2,500–$4,000 per year
Master’s: $3,000–$5,000 per year
Why TSU is a top pick
- You get access to a massive academic network, good exchange programs, well-established departments, and strong career recognition both locally and abroad.
- Best for: Research, sciences, humanities, international recognition
- Official website: TSU official site
2. Ilia State University (ILIAUNI)
If you prefer a more modern, innovative university environment, Ilia State is usually the first recommendation. The university is known for high-quality teaching, organized student support services, and active research centers.
Popular Programs
Applied Sciences
Psychology
Computer Science
Business & Management
Social Sciences
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $3,000–$4,500 per year
Master’s: $3,500–$5,000 per year
What stands out
- Ilia State does a great job of supporting international applicants—clear admission steps, helpful English-speaking staff, and a smooth application process. The campus experience also feels more modern compared to older institutions.
- Best for: Modern learning environment, interdisciplinary programs, international students
- Official website: Ilia State University – International
3. Georgian Technical University (GTU)
GTU is the go-to university if you’re planning an engineering-focused career. It’s one of the largest technical universities in the Caucasus and has a long history of producing engineers, architects, and IT specialists who go straight into the industry.
Popular Programs
Civil & Mechanical Engineering
Architecture
Computer Engineering
Energy Engineering
Agricultural Technology
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $2,000–$4,000 per year
Master’s: $3,000–$5,000 per year
Why GTU is worth choosing
- The university maintains strong ties with engineering companies and public infrastructure bodies, which is helpful for internships and job opportunities.
- Best for: Engineering, architecture, technology, applied sciences
- Official website: Georgian Technical University
4. Caucasus University (CU)
Caucasus University is one of Georgia’s most respected private universities. It’s especially known for business and law programs, often partnering with European and American institutions. Many international students prefer CU because the classes feel globally oriented and the teaching quality is consistently high.
Popular Programs
Business Administration
Marketing
Law
Hospitality & Tourism
IT & Management
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $4,000–$6,000 per year
Master’s: $5,000–$7,000 per year
Why CU is a strong option
- If you want a private university with a strong international feel, modern facilities, and good English-taught programs, CU is one of the safest choices.
- Best for: Business, law, tourism, international programs
- Official website: Caucasus University – Programs
5. Top Medical Universities in Georgia (TSMU, DTMU, GAU)
Georgia has become a major destination for medical students, especially from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. These universities offer English-taught medical programs, recognized across multiple countries—but students must always check recognition with their home medical council before enrolling.
Popular Programs
General Medicine (MD/MBBS)
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Nursing
Tuition Fees
Medical programs are more expensive than most other degrees:
Medicine: $4,500–$10,000 per year
Dentistry: $4,000–$8,000 per year
Why medical students choose Georgia
English instruction
Comparatively affordable
Entry requirements are reasonable
Good student communities and support
Best for: MBBS/MD programs for international students
Popular official pages:- Tbilisi State Medical University
6. University of Georgia (UG) – Tbilisi
The University of Georgia is one of the largest private universities in the country and is especially popular among international students. Its modern campus, strong English-taught programs, and career-oriented curriculum make it a very reliable option.
Popular Programs
Business Administration
Computer Science & IT
US-accredited style Nursing programs
Dentistry & Medicine
International Relations
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $3,500–$5,000
Master’s: $4,000–$6,000
Medicine/Dentistry: $6,000–$8,000
Why students choose UG
- The university has one of the best digital learning environments in Georgia, and the administration is generally very responsive. Many foreign students find it easy to settle here because of the English-speaking staff.
- Best for: Business, IT, Social Sciences, Medicine
- Official website: University of Georgia
7. European University (EU) – Tbilisi
European University has become a well-known option for medical students, especially from Asia and Africa. It offers fully English-taught MD and Dentistry programs and has expanded its medical facilities over the last few years.
Popular Programs
General Medicine (MD)
Dentistry
Business Management
IT & Computer Science
Tuition Fees
Medicine: $5,000–$8,000
Dentistry: $4,500–$7,000
Other programs: $3,000–$5,000
Why EU is notable
- The university provides updated labs, simulation centers for medical training, and a very international student environment.
- Best for: Medicine, Dentistry, Business
- Official website: European University
8. Georgian National University (SEU)
SEU is one of the fastest-growing private universities in Georgia. Over the past decade, it has become particularly attractive for medical and business students due to upgraded campuses and strong faculty recruitment.
Popular Programs
Medicine
Dentistry
Business Administration
Law
Computer Science
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s/Master’s: $3,000–$5,000
Medicine & Dentistry: $5,000–$8,000
Why SEU is a strong choice
- SEU invests heavily in modern facilities and teaching labs. It also has some of the largest student clubs and extracurricular activities in Georgia.
- Best for: Medicine, Business, Law
- Official website: SEU – Georgian National University
9. Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (BSU)
Located in the coastal city of Batumi, BSU attracts students who prefer a quieter lifestyle with access to the sea. It’s a major state university with both English and Georgian study tracks.
Popular Programs
General Medicine
Tourism & Hospitality
Marine Engineering
Economics
Humanities
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $2,000–$3,500
Medicine: $4,000–$7,000
Why BSU is worth considering
- The seaside location, lower living costs compared to Tbilisi, and a more relaxed environment make it a good choice for students who don’t want a busy capital-city lifestyle.
- Best for: Medicine, Tourism, Maritime Studies
10. Caucasus International University (CIU)
CIU is another private university with strong medical and business schools. It’s known for offering English-taught degrees and consistent administrative support for foreign students.
Popular Programs
Medicine
Dentistry
Business & Management
Agriculture
Journalism
Tuition Fees
Medicine: $5,000–$8,000
Other programs: $3,000–$5,000
Why CIU stands out
- The university focuses on practical learning and regularly updates its labs and teaching equipment. Many students also appreciate its straightforward admission steps.
- Best for: Medicine, Agriculture, Business
- Official website: CIU – Caucasus International University
11. Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) – Kutaisi
Akaki Tsereteli State University is one of Georgia’s major public universities located in Kutaisi, the country’s second-largest city. ATSU is especially respected for its medical faculty and engineering programs. Students often praise the university for offering a calm, affordable environment compared to Tbilisi.
Popular Programs
Medicine (English-taught available)
Mechanical & Civil Engineering
Business Administration
Humanities & Social Sciences
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $2,000–$3,500
Medicine: $4,000–$6,000
Why ATSU is a good option
- Living costs in Kutaisi are significantly lower than in Tbilisi, making ATSU attractive for students looking for an affordable study-and-living combination.
- Best for: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Humanities
- Official website: https://atsu.edu.ge/
12. Kutaisi International University (KIU)
Kutaisi International University is one of the newest and most modern universities in Georgia. It was developed with support from international institutions, including the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The campus is state-of-the-art, fully modern, and designed for future-focused programs.
Popular Programs
Computer Science
Mathematics
Management & STEM-related fields
Engineering (expanding yearly)
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s: $3,000–$5,000
Why KIU stands out
- If you want a tech-forward university with European-level facilities and a quiet, highly academic environment, KIU is one of the best upcoming institutions in the region.
13. Grigol Robakidze University (GRU) – Tbilisi
Grigol Robakidze University—also known as “Alma Mater”—is a respected private university in Tbilisi known for business, law, media, and social sciences. It attracts students who prefer smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning experience.
Popular Programs
Business Administration
Law
Journalism & Media
Psychology
Public Health
Tuition Fees
Bachelor’s/Master’s: $3,000–$5,000
Why students choose GRU
- The university emphasizes communication, leadership skills, and practical education. It’s a good fit if you’re planning to work in business, media, or law.
- Best for: Business, Law, Media, Social Sciences
14. Ivane Javakhishvili Batumi Medical Institute (BMG/BAU International University Batumi)
BAU (Batumi International University) is part of the BAU Global Education Network, which includes institutions in Turkey, Germany, and the USA. Many international students choose BAU because it uses modern medical teaching equipment and follows international standards.
Popular Programs
Medicine (MD)
Health Sciences
Pre-med Foundation Programs
Tuition Fees
Medicine: $5,000–$8,000
Why BAU is notable
- Students appreciate the modern building, interactive labs, and well-structured English-taught MD program. The seaside location is another plus.
- Best for: Medicine, Health Sciences
- Official website: https://bauinternational.edu.ge/
15. David Tvildiani Medical University – AIETI Medical School (DTMU)
David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) is one of Georgia’s most respected private medical schools. It’s well-known among international students because the curriculum is designed to prepare students for international exams like USMLE.
Popular Programs
General Medicine (MD)
USMLE-focused medical training
Pre-med programs
Tuition Fees
Medicine: $6,000–$8,000
Why DTMU is different
- If you’re planning a medical career abroad (especially in the U.S.), DTMU’s curriculum and exam-oriented teaching style make it one of the strongest choices in Georgia.
- Best for: Advanced medical education, USMLE-friendly curriculum
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right university in Georgia really comes down to understanding what you want out of your education—your program, your budget, and the kind of environment you’d feel comfortable in. Georgia offers a surprisingly wide range of options, from well-established public universities like TSU and Ilia State to fast-growing private institutions and modern medical schools with international partnerships.
Whether you’re aiming for engineering, business, IT, medicine, or social sciences, there’s a university that fits your goals. What makes Georgia even more attractive is its affordability, availability of English-taught programs, and the friendly student atmosphere across cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are universities in Georgia recognized internationally?
Yes. Many Georgian universities—especially TSU, Ilia State, GTU, and major medical universities—hold international partnerships and accreditations. However, for programs like medicine, you should always check whether the degree is recognized by your home country’s medical or licensing authority.
2. Is it expensive to study in Georgia?
Compared to Western Europe or the U.S., Georgia is very affordable. Tuition fees typically range from $2,000–$6,000 for most programs and $4,500–$10,000 for medical degrees. Living costs are also quite reasonable, especially outside Tbilisi.
3. Do universities in Georgia offer programs in English?
Yes. Many universities offer full English-taught programs, especially in medicine, business, IT, and management. The most international-friendly universities include UG, CIU, Ilia State, Caucasus University, European University, and several medical schools.
4. What is student life like in Georgia?
Student life is relaxed, multicultural, and affordable. Tbilisi offers a modern urban lifestyle, while Kutaisi and Batumi provide quieter environments. Students usually enjoy easy transportation, low-cost food, affordable accommodation, and a strong community of international students.
5. How do I apply to universities in Georgia as an international student?
Most universities allow online applications. You typically need:
A valid passport
Educational documents (high school/college transcripts)
English proficiency (not always required)
Application form + fee
For medicine: science background recommended
Once accepted, the university helps you with the enrollment and visa process.
