Education Minister says higher education moving to “new development model”

Aleksandre Tsuladze, the Georgian Minister of Education, Science and Youth Affairs, on Wednesday said the domestic higher education system was “moving to a new development model” with a new concept for development of state universities.

In his remarks at a joint meeting of parliamentary committees, Tsuladze  said “leading international and domestic experts” would be involved in developing the concept.

Our vision is to form university consortia, networks, and build a new university city, which includes both new campuses and student housing. I would also like to note that in 2025, a new student housing will be opened on the basis of Tbilisi Medical University”, the Minister said.

“Part of this concept will also be a new, results-based model of higher education funding, through which we will ensure that funding is aligned with state priorities and, at the same time, create appropriate financial guarantees for higher education institutions for effective and stable development”, he continued.

Tsuladze further focused on the importance of Kutaisi International University by saying that it was “gradually becoming a hub for studying, research, and technology” in the South Caucasus region.

He also reviewed development of a concept for online universities and relevant standards, involvement of universities in various alliances and networks, and student support.