Scholarships in Georgia for International Students: Complete 2026 Guide

Georgia has become one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, with tuition fees starting from $3,000 per year. But if you are looking for generous scholarship programs like those in Germany, Turkey, or Hungary, you need to set realistic expectations.

This guide covers every scholarship and financial aid option available to international students in Georgia for 2026, including government programs, university-specific discounts, and practical alternatives that can reduce your total cost even further.

The Honest Truth About Scholarships in Georgia

That said, financial aid options do exist. They fall into four categories:

1. Georgian government programs (limited, competitive)
2. University-specific scholarships and discounts (most accessible)
3. Home-country scholarships that can be used abroad
4. Cost-reduction strategies (payment plans, part-time work, shared housing)

Let us break down each one.

Georgian Government Scholarships

International Students Education Program

The Georgian government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, occasionally offers scholarship support for international students. However, this program is not as established or well-funded as scholarship schemes in Western European countries.

Key details:

Bilateral Agreements

Georgia has bilateral education agreements with several countries. Under these agreements, a small number of scholarships may be available each year. The countries involved change periodically, so it is worth checking with your country's ministry of education.

Countries that have had bilateral education agreements with Georgia include:

• Turkey
• China
• Israel
• Several EU member states

University-Specific Scholarships and Discounts

This is where most international students find real savings. Several Georgian universities offer their own financial aid programs, ranging from outright merit scholarships to tuition discounts and fee waivers.

University of Georgia (UG)

The University of Georgia is one of the largest private universities in the country and offers several financial incentives:

• Merit-based scholarships: 10-50% tuition reduction for students with strong academic records
• Early application discount: Students who apply and confirm early may receive reduced rates
• Sibling discount: If two siblings enroll simultaneously, a discount applies

Tuition range: $4,000-6,500/year depending on the program

Caucasus University

Caucasus University provides:

• Academic excellence scholarships: 20-50% tuition waiver for students with outstanding grades
• Need-based financial assistance: Evaluated case-by-case
• Partner university exchange discounts

Tuition range: $5,000-6,000/year for medical programs

International Black Sea University (IBSU)

IBSU has one of the most international student bodies in Georgia and offers:

• Academic merit discount: Up to 30% tuition reduction based on previous academic performance
• Returning student loyalty discount: For students continuing to Master's or PhD after Bachelor's

Tuition range: $4,500-4,900/year depending on the program

Georgian National University SEU

SEU is known for competitive pricing and also provides:

• First-year merit discount: 10-25% for students with high school averages above 80%
• Referral discount: Students who refer new enrollees may receive credits

Tuition range: $3,500-5,900/year depending on the program

David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU)

DTMU, being one of the most established medical schools, offers:

• Academic scholarships: For top-performing students each semester
• Financial hardship consideration: Reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Tuition: $6,000/year for the MD program

European University

European University provides:

• Merit scholarships: 10-30% tuition reduction
• Early payment discount: For students who pay full-year tuition upfront

Tuition range: $4,500-6,000/year depending on the program

New Vision University

• Academic merit scholarships: For students with demonstrably strong academic records
• Research assistantships: For graduate students (limited availability)

Tuition range: $4,500-7,000/year depending on the program

Summary of University Scholarships

Home-Country Scholarships You Can Use in Georgia

Many students overlook the possibility of securing funding from their own government or private organizations in their home country. Here are options for the main student populations:

For Indian Students

• Videsh Rath Scholarship: Some Indian states offer study-abroad scholarships for meritorious students from economically weaker sections
• Maulana Azad National Fellowship: For minority community students pursuing higher education
• State-specific schemes: States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have overseas education scholarships
• Bank education loans: While not scholarships, Indian banks offer education loans at 8-12% interest for studying abroad, covering up to INR 20 lakh for foreign institutions

For Pakistani Students

• HEC (Higher Education Commission) Scholarships: HEC Pakistan occasionally funds students studying at recognized foreign universities
• Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship: Primarily domestic, but the model is expanding
• Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF): Offers scholarships that can sometimes be used abroad
• Bank education financing: Pakistani banks like Bank of Punjab and HBL offer education loans

For Bangladeshi Students

• Ministry of Education scholarships: Bangladesh government scholarships for studying abroad (limited slots)
• Private foundation grants: Organizations like BRAC and Grameen occasionally support overseas education
• Bank education loans: Standard Chartered Bangladesh and other banks provide education financing

For Middle Eastern Students

• UAE Ministry of Education scholarships: For Emirati nationals studying at approved foreign universities
• Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM): Funds Saudi students studying abroad
• Kuwait government scholarships: For Kuwaiti students at recognized universities
• Qatari government scholarships: Through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education

External Scholarship Databases

These platforms list international scholarships that may be applicable to studying in Georgia:

• Scholars4Dev (scholars4dev.com) - aggregates global scholarships
• Studyportals Scholarships - searchable by country and field
• DAAD Scholarship Database - while focused on Germany, it lists scholarships from many countries
• OpportunityDesk - lists fellowships and grants worldwide

Practical Alternatives to Scholarships

Since scholarship availability in Georgia is limited compared to other destinations, here are proven strategies students use to reduce their total expenditure:

1. Choose an Affordable University

The difference between the cheapest and most expensive medical programs in Georgia is significant:

Over a 6-year MBBS program, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive option is over $21,000.

2. Shared Accommodation

Student apartments in Tbilisi range from $150-400/month. Sharing a two-bedroom apartment with another student can bring your housing cost down to $100-175/month.

Best neighborhoods for budget student housing:

• Saburtalo (closest to many universities, $150-250 for a shared flat)
• Gldani (more affordable, $100-180 for a shared flat)
• Didube (moderate pricing, good transport links)

3. Part-Time Work

International students in Georgia can work part-time during their studies. Common opportunities include:

• Tutoring: Teaching English or helping younger students ($5-15/hour)
• Online freelancing: Writing, translation, graphic design, programming
• Hospitality: Restaurants, cafes, and hostels (especially in tourist season)
• Call centers: Several international companies operate call centers in Tbilisi

Realistic monthly earnings from part-time work: $200-500/month

4. Payment Plans

Many Georgian universities offer installment-based payment plans:

• Semester-based payments: Pay tuition per semester rather than annually
• Monthly installments: Some universities allow monthly payments with a small administrative fee
• Deferred payment options: Negotiable on a case-by-case basis

Always ask the admissions office about payment flexibility before enrolling.

5. Cook at Home

Food is one of the biggest variable expenses for students. The difference between eating out daily and cooking at home is substantial:

The Carrefour, Goodwill, and Nikora supermarket chains offer affordable groceries. Indian and South Asian stores in the Saburtalo area sell rice, spices, lentils, and other staples.

6. Use Student Discounts

Georgian student ID cards entitle you to discounts on:

• Public transport: Reduced metro and bus fares
• Museums and cultural sites: Free or discounted entry
• Software: Microsoft, GitHub Student Pack, JetBrains (free)
• Gym memberships: Student rates at local gyms

Total Cost Breakdown With and Without Financial Aid

Here is what a 6-year MBBS program in Georgia realistically costs, with and without financial aid:

For comparison, a private medical college in India costs INR 50-75 lakh ($60,000-90,000), and in the Philippines, total MBBS cost is $35,000-50,000.

How to Apply for Scholarships: Step-by-Step

1. Research early (6-12 months before your intended start date)
2. Gather documents: Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, financial documentation
3. Apply to universities first: Get your acceptance letter, then negotiate financial aid
4. Contact the admissions office directly: Ask about scholarships, discounts, and payment plans
5. Apply for home-country scholarships: Submit applications to relevant organizations in your country
6. Search scholarship databases: Apply to external scholarships you qualify for
7. Negotiate: If you have offers from multiple universities, use them as leverage for better terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a full scholarship to study in Georgia?

Full scholarships are rare for international students in Georgia. They exist through bilateral government agreements, but the number of recipients is very small (typically 5-20 per year across all countries). A more realistic target is a 10-30% tuition discount from your chosen university.

Are there scholarships specifically for MBBS students?

Some medical universities offer merit scholarships for MBBS students, but these are typically partial tuition reductions (10-50%) rather than full rides. Academic performance in your previous studies is the primary criterion.

Can I lose my scholarship if my grades drop?

Yes. Most merit-based scholarships and discounts at Georgian universities require you to maintain a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or equivalent). Check the specific terms when you receive the offer.

Is Georgia cheaper than other MBBS destinations even without scholarships?

Yes. Even without any scholarship, total MBBS costs in Georgia ($35,000-60,000 over 6 years including living expenses) are competitive with other popular destinations like the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and significantly cheaper than private medical colleges in India or Pakistan.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

Start 6-12 months before your intended enrollment. For September intake, begin researching and applying by January-March. For February intake, start by August-October of the previous year.

Next Steps

Georgia may not have the massive scholarship programs of some other countries, but its combination of already-affordable tuition, university-specific discounts, and low living costs makes it one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Europe.

The most practical approach is:

1. Pick a university that fits your budget from our programs page
2. Ask about available discounts during the application process
3. Apply for home-country scholarships in parallel
4. Plan your budget using the cost estimates above

Ready to explore your options? Browse all programs to find the right university and program for your budget, or start your application and our counselors will help you identify the best financial aid available for your profile.