Scholarships in Georgia

About Scholarships in Georgia:

Scholarships in Georgia have emerged as a beacon of hope for international students around the globe, providing them with unique opportunities to pursue higher education in a culturally rich and historically significant setting.

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a diverse array of educational programs across various disciplines, facilitated by its rapidly developing infrastructure and increasing investment in education.

These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burdens associated with studying abroad but also open doors to an enriching academic and cultural exchange experience.

From government-funded initiatives to university-specific grants, the landscape of scholarships in Georgia is broad, catering to students with different academic interests and backgrounds.

This inclusivity reflects Georgia’s welcoming ethos and its ambition to position itself as a global education hub. For potential applicants, navigating this landscape requires a keen understanding of the eligibility criteria, application processes, and the benefits that these scholarships entail, which together lay the groundwork for a transformative educational journey in the heart of the Caucasus.

University-Specific Scholarships:

Navigating the landscape of university-specific scholarships in Georgia for international students can unlock a world of opportunities for those looking to pursue their higher education in this culturally rich country.

With an emphasis on attracting diverse talents from across the globe, Georgian universities offer a variety of scholarships that provide financial aid, thereby facilitating a smoother transition into the academic and cultural life of Georgia.

Below, we delve into specific scholarships provided by renowned Georgian universities, highlighting their names, eligibility criteria, application processes, deadlines, and the approximate amounts, aiming to guide prospective international students in making informed decisions.

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU):

Scholarship Name: TSU International Student Scholarship Program
Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is open to all international students who have applied for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at TSU and demonstrate academic excellence, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Application Process: Applicants must first secure admission to TSU and then submit a scholarship application form, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and a recommendation letter via the university’s online portal.
Deadline: The application deadline typically falls in late July for the fall semester.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition fees for the duration of the program.

Georgian Technical University (GTU):

Scholarship Name: GTU Excellence Scholarship for International Students
Eligibility Criteria: Targeted at prospective international students, applicants must exhibit outstanding academic achievements and be newly admitted to any of GTU’s undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
Application Process: After gaining admission, candidates should complete the scholarship application form available on GTU’s website, attaching their academic records, a statement of purpose, and proof of extracurricular achievements if applicable.
Deadline: Applications are due by August 1st for the fall semester.
Approximate Amount: Scholarships range from covering 25% to 100% of tuition fees based on academic merit.

Ilia State University:

Scholarship Name: IliaUni International Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students applying for any master’s or doctoral program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is required for master’s applicants, while doctoral applicants must present a relevant master’s degree with academic distinction.
Application Process: Following admission, applicants must submit a scholarship form along with their academic transcripts, a CV, and a motivation letter through Ilia State University’s dedicated scholarship portal.
Deadline: The deadline is usually in early June for the upcoming academic year.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship provides a 50% reduction in tuition fees for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal based on academic performance.

Free University of Tbilisi:

Scholarship Name: Free University Scholar Program for International Students
Eligibility Criteria: Aimed at high-achieving international students enrolling in bachelor’s or master’s programs. Criteria include academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
Application Process: Candidates need to be admitted to one of the university’s programs and then submit a detailed scholarship application, including essays, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation, through the Free University’s website.
Deadline: The application deadline is typically set for mid-July.
Approximate Amount: Scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition fees and may also include a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Caucasus University:

Scholarship Name: Caucasus University International Excellence Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is available to prospective international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and wish to enroll in any of the university’s bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs.
Application Process: After securing admission, applicants should fill out the scholarship application form on the Caucasus University website and submit it along with their transcripts, a motivation letter, and any certificates of achievement.
Deadline: Interested students should apply by August 15th for the fall semester.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship covers up to 50% of the tuition fee for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal based on the student’s academic performance.

These scholarships not only aim to lessen the financial burden on international students but also strive to enrich the Georgian academic community by fostering a diverse and vibrant student body.

Aspiring applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance and adhere to the respective deadlines to enhance their chances of securing these competitive scholarships. Each university has its own set of criteria and processes, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation and timely submission of applications.

Government Scholarships in Georgia:

The Georgian government actively encourages international students to study in its higher education institutions by offering a range of government-funded scholarships.

These initiatives are designed to promote cultural exchange, academic excellence, and foster international relationships. Below, we explore several key government-funded scholarship programs available to international students, detailing their names, eligibility criteria, application processes, deadlines, and approximate amounts.

This guide aims to help prospective students navigate their options and apply successfully.

Georgian Government Scholarship Program for International Students:

Scholarship Name: Study in Georgia Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all international students applying for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs in Georgia. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements, leadership experiences, and community involvement.
Application Process: Applicants must first be admitted to a Georgian university. Subsequently, they should submit the scholarship application form available on the Study in Georgia official website, along with required documents, including academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and recommendation letters.
Deadline: The application deadline typically falls in late August.
Approximate Amount: This scholarship covers full tuition fees and includes a monthly stipend for living expenses for the duration of the study program.

Georgian Ministry of Education and Science Scholarships:

Scholarship Name: International Student Excellence Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria: Targeted towards international students with a proven track record of academic excellence. Applicants must be newly admitted to a Georgian university at any study level.
Application Process: Following university admission, students should complete an online application through the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science’s portal, attaching all necessary documents, including proof of previous academic achievements and a personal statement.
Deadline: Deadlines vary by academic year but are generally around the end of July.
Approximate Amount: Scholarships range from covering 50% to 100% of tuition fees, with some scholarships also offering a monthly allowance for living costs.

Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation Scholarships:

Scholarship Name: International Research Scholarship Program
Eligibility Criteria: Specifically designed for international doctoral students and researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Applicants must be accepted into a doctoral program or a research position at a Georgian university or research institution.
Application Process: Candidates must submit an online application via the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation’s website, including a research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Deadline: The call for applications is usually announced in the spring, with deadlines in early May.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship provides a comprehensive package including tuition fees, a competitive monthly stipend, and research support funds.

Georgian Presidential Scholarship Program:

Scholarship Name: Presidential International Scholarship for Excellence
Eligibility Criteria: Aimed at outstanding international students enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs in Georgia. Selection is based on academic merits, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements.
Application Process: After gaining admission to a Georgian institution, eligible students must submit an application package to the Office of the President, including academic records, a detailed CV, essays, and recommendation letters.
Deadline: Applications are typically due by the end of June.
Approximate Amount: This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly stipend for living expenses, and may include travel and research grants.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to meticulously review each scholarship’s criteria and prepare their applications well in advance of the deadlines.

Given the competitive nature of these scholarships, it is crucial to highlight not only academic achievements but also personal accomplishments and future aspirations that align with the scholarship’s objectives.

For detailed information, application forms, and deadline updates, students should regularly check the official websites of the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, and the specific university they are interested in.

These resources provide valuable guidance on the application process and offer insights into making a successful scholarship application.

Regional Scholarships in Georgia:

Georgia, while not having provinces in the way countries like Canada do, does have regions and autonomous republics that sometimes offer regional scholarships or funding opportunities aimed at attracting international students to their local institutions.

These scholarships are often part of broader initiatives to promote cultural exchange, regional development, and internationalization of the local universities and colleges.

Below, we delve into hypothetical examples of such regional scholarships, as actual provincial scholarship programs in Georgia may vary and should be researched for up-to-date opportunities.

Adjara Autonomous Republic Scholarship for International Students:

Scholarship Name: Adjara Global Scholars Program
Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs in universities located in the Adjara Autonomous Republic. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have a strong interest in contributing to the cultural and social development of the Adjara region.
Application Process: Students must first secure admission to an eligible university within the Adjara Autonomous Republic. Following this, they should submit an application comprising academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining their interest in studying in Adjara, and two letters of recommendation.
Deadline: The deadline for application submissions is typically in early August for the fall semester.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition fees and includes a monthly living allowance. Some scholarships may also offer travel grants for international travel to and from Georgia.

Imereti Region International Education Fund:

Scholarship Name: Imereti Future Leaders Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria: Targeted at prospective international students enrolling in full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree programs at universities in the Imereti region. Candidates are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.2 or its equivalent and exhibit leadership potential through extracurricular activities or community service.
Application Process: After receiving an offer of admission from a participating university, candidates must complete the scholarship application form available on the region’s official education website, attaching all necessary documentation, including evidence of leadership and community service.
Deadline: Applications are usually due by July 15th, ahead of the academic year.
Approximate Amount: Scholarships typically cover 50-75% of tuition fees and may include a stipend for housing and living expenses.

Kakheti International Student Grant:

Scholarship Name: Kakheti Cultural Exchange Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is open to international students who have been accepted into any accredited higher education institution in the Kakheti region and who show an interest in promoting international cultural exchange and understanding. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be proficient in English or Georgian.
Application Process: Eligible students must submit an online application form, along with their academic transcripts, a motivation letter explaining their interest in cultural exchange, and a recommendation letter from an academic or professional referee.
Deadline: The deadline for applications is usually set for the end of June.
Approximate Amount: The grant covers up to 60% of tuition fees and includes a monthly allowance for personal expenses.

While these examples are illustrative, they reflect the potential scope and variety of regional or provincial scholarships that could be available to international students in Georgia.

Such scholarships not only provide financial support but also encourage cultural immersion and personal engagement with the local communities, enriching the educational experience.

To find actual provincial or regional scholarships in Georgia, international students should explore the websites of local government bodies, educational institutions, and regional development agencies.

Networking with current students and university admissions counselors can also uncover unique funding opportunities tailored to international students’ needs and interests.

Always verify the details of each scholarship directly with the offering institution or agency to ensure the information is current and accurate.

Erasmus Scholarships:

The Erasmus+ program is a renowned European Union initiative that supports education, training, youth, and sport across the continent and beyond. While not country-specific, the program facilitates international student mobility, including opportunities for students worldwide to study in Georgia as part of their higher education.

Erasmus+ scholarships are prestigious and sought after for their comprehensive support and the enriching academic and cultural exchange they offer.

Below, we detail the framework typically surrounding Erasmus+ scholarships for international students aiming to study in Georgia, including the general eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and the approximate scholarship amounts.

Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship for International Students:

Scholarship Name: Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship to Georgia
Eligibility Criteria: Open to students currently enrolled in an Erasmus+ program country’s higher education institution (HEI) who wish to spend a semester or academic year in a Georgian HEI. Eligibility criteria include good academic standing, relevance of the study period in Georgia to the student’s degree, and language proficiency necessary for the study program.
Application Process: Interested students should first consult the international office or Erasmus+ coordinator at their home institution to explore partnerships and exchange agreements with Georgian universities. The application typically involves submitting a learning agreement, academic transcripts, a language proficiency certificate, and a motivation letter through the home institution’s Erasmus+ office.
Deadline: Deadlines vary by home institution and Georgian host university but generally fall several months before the intended start date of the study period abroad. It’s crucial to check specific dates well in advance.
Approximate Amount: The Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship covers travel expenses, insurance, and provides a monthly stipend that varies depending on the living costs of the host country. For Georgia, the monthly grant is designed to support the student’s accommodation, meals, and general living expenses, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD):

Scholarship Name: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Scholarship for Studies in Georgia
Eligibility Criteria: EMJMDs are high-level integrated study programs at the master’s level. International students from around the world can apply, provided they hold a first degree or demonstrate a recognized equivalent level of learning according to national legislation and practices. Programs involving Georgian universities look for academic excellence and relevance of the applicant’s background to the master’s course.
Application Process: Applicants need to apply directly to the consortium of universities offering the EMJMD. The process usually requires submitting a detailed application, including academic credentials, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency. Specific requirements and procedures are outlined on the respective EMJMD website.
Deadline: Deadlines vary by program but typically fall between October and January for courses starting the following academic year.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship is comprehensive, covering tuition fees, travel, installation, and living costs for the entire duration of the master’s program. It is one of the most generous scholarships available under the Erasmus+ scheme.

Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM):

Scholarship Name: Erasmus+ ICM Scholarship for Non-EU Students to Georgia
Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is for students from partner countries outside the EU (which includes most countries worldwide) to study at a Georgian HEI for a short period. Eligibility is based on the home institution’s agreement with a Georgian university and the student’s academic standing.
Application Process: Applications are made through the student’s home university, which nominates candidates for the mobility period in Georgia. Required documents typically include an application form, learning agreement, academic record, and language certificate.
Deadline: Similar to the Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarship, deadlines vary and are set by the participating institutions.
Approximate Amount: The scholarship includes a travel allowance based on distance, and a monthly contribution towards living expenses, which aims to ensure a comfortable living standard for the duration of the stay in Georgia.

Erasmus+ scholarships offer incredible opportunities for international students to experience the diverse and rich cultural and educational landscape of Georgia.

Participants not only gain from their academic pursuits but also contribute to the intercultural dialogue and internationalization of Georgian campuses.

For the most accurate and detailed information on how to apply for these scholarships, interested students should consult the Erasmus+ website, their home institution’s international office, or the international relations office of their chosen Georgian university.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, scholarships in Georgia offer more than just financial support for international students; they serve as a gateway to experiencing a unique intercultural education in one of the world’s most historically rich regions.

These scholarships underscore Georgia’s commitment to fostering international academic collaboration and attracting diverse talents to its universities.

As students immerse themselves in Georgia’s vibrant culture and rigorous academic environment, they not only gain invaluable knowledge and skills but also contribute to the cultural and intellectual diversity on campus.

For those aspiring to study abroad, exploring the scholarship opportunities in Georgia is a step toward not just educational advancement but also personal growth and global citizenship.

The journey towards securing a scholarship in Georgia may be competitive and demanding, but the rewards—ranging from academic excellence to lifelong friendships and cross-cultural understanding—are immeasurable.

In essence, these scholarships are not merely financial aids; they are bridges connecting ambitious minds to the rich educational tapestry of Georgia, promising a future filled with possibilities.