Georgia separated from the Soviet Union in 1991 and is now a
member of the Council of Europe.
Till 2003 it was considered to be a mismanaged state – since
then the country has made great strides at all levels, and many reforms have
been made, specifically, in the Georgian education system. Today, education is
mandatory for children ages 6-14. Once the students finish secondary school
they have the option to undertake higher education. However, students must pass
the Unified National Examinations before getting enrolled at state accredited
education institutions. There is intense competition and seats are limited.
A degree program is usually 4-5 years and one may continue
towards a masters degree (2 years) or a doctorate (3 years) program. Georgia
has more than 20 higher education institutions that are accredited by the
Ministry of Education & Science. Enrollment at all levels of higher
education is one of the highest in Eurasia.
The main center for higher learning is Tbilisi, which is
home to several major universities, of which the most well known is DavidTvildiani Medical University. Today this medical school is teaching syllabus
based on USMLE Program which is known internationally. Other renowned
universities in Tbilisi include Georgian Technical University, Caucasus
University and Free University of Tbilisi.
During the Soviet era university education was not enforced
and it was a privilege. Many older Georgians never received any university
education but now that Georgia has become an independent country, it has
heavily invested in education for younger people. With advances in technology
permeating every facet of life, Georgians are fully aware that life without
education is not an option. As Georgia starts to integrate with the Europe it
is slowly changing its education curriculum so that it can bring it to the
levels of the European standards - this also provides a major advantage for
students as their education can be accepted anywhere in Europe, where they will
be free to work.
Today, Georgia universities offer degrees in over 300
specialties. While most of these are in Georgian language, some universities
like DTMU teach in English language only. The Georgian universities follow an
academic calendar very similar to that of Europe, which starts in September and
ends in June. There is a two month break for the summer. The Ministry of
Education and Science is responsible for the universities and schools and
ensures that there is a uniform curriculum in each of the colleges. Education
at high school level is free but courses at colleges and universities are
chargeable. However, the fees is much less than what is seen in the US or
Europe. For students who excel, scholarships are provided.
Because of the solid education system, Georgia today
attracts students from all over the world to train as scientists, engineers and
doctors. Once the training is completed, these graduates are able to find jobs
easily because of their training.
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