For Georgia’s Khvedeliani criticises GD’s education reform for lacking clear funding rules and absence of Guide for Entrants

“I call on the Ministry of Education and Science to withdraw the reform that is dismantling our education system and jeopardising the future of our nation,” declared MP Tata Khvedeliani, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

She pointed out that the Ministry has yet to publish the “Guide for Entrants”, which was usually issued several months earlier.

“Registration for the 2026 Unified National and General Master’s Exams opens on April 6 at 10:00, as announced by the Ministry of Education and Science. Yet, at the very moment when one of the most critical phases for prospective students is approaching, the Ministry is conducting this process chaotically, with blatant breaches of deadlines for disseminating information.

The Georgian Dream’s education reform is proceeding without establishing clear funding rules for higher education institutions, leaving universities to operate with an undefined budget. Registration for entrants begins on Monday, but the corresponding ‘Guide for Entrants’ has not yet been published, and comprehensive details about educational programmes and required subjects remain unavailable. Previously, such information was accessible months in advance, allowing applicants to make well-informed decisions.

The quotas initially announced by the government failed to reflect reality, a point our party consistently raised during parliamentary discussions. The Ministry categorically refused to amend the quota numbers, only reversing course after realising that the issue could have electoral repercussions, deciding to double the quotas in 2028-2029.

An additional concern is how new programmes will be accredited promptly, given that most universities have altered their curricula and credit requirements. For instance, the enrolment process at Sokhumi University’s agricultural programme remains unclear. Moreover, why was the labour market survey only considered for state universities, while quotas at private institutions remained unchanged?

All these issues critically undermine the prospects of applicants and constitute a serious infringement of their rights. I urge the Ministry of Education and Science to withdraw this reform, which is destroying our education system and damaging the future of our country,” Khvedeliani concluded.