Minister of Education rejects disinformation that high academic performance is required for 100% funding, saying a student must surpass 51% minimum threshold in every discipline

“For the last two days, some groups and individuals have been releasing incorrect information that aims to confuse society and shape incorrect perceptions over the new model of students’ funding,” said Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth Affairs, during the news briefing.

The Minister explained that two days ago, the government approved a document on a new model of funding state universities and free tuition fees for students starting 2027.

He further clarified that based on the new model, tuition for the first two semesters is fully funded by the state; however, during this period, the student must earn at least 80% of the required credits to secure 100% state funding for the third semester.

Givi Mikanadze noted that if the student fails to complete more than 80% of the coursework, the state will cover 50% of their tuition fees. In other words, if a student accumulates more than 80% of the required credits starting from the third semester, the state will continue to fully fund his/her tuition.

“At the same time, however, the student is allowed to take additional courses in the following semester and earn enough credits to regain 100% state funding starting from the subsequent semester,” he said.

The Minister rejected the information that high academic performance is required to secure 100% funding of the tuition fee from the state,

Givi Mikanadze remarked that the student should overcome the 51-point threshold to earn the credit. Importantly, if a student, having previously received 50% funding, restores their academic standing to the 100% level, the state will resume fully covering their tuition costs.

He went on to say that this is a widely practised attitude globally and represents the recommendation from the World Bank experts.

“When the ruling team made the political decision to fully fund higher education, we adopted a model—similar to that used in countries where the state finances university studies—whereby, after a certain stage, funding is based on academic performance.

That is why there is an 80% figure, which is absolutely consistent with the practice that exists in countries where the state finances the educational process. Of course, this process is perceived by the state as a very important support for each person who will enrol in a state university from the 2026-27 academic year, to ensure accessibility to education and support each youngster, value their learning, work and determination,” he said.

As for funding in the case of mobility, Givi Mikanadze explained that when transferring from one state university to another, a student retains their existing funding, whereas transferring to a private university results in the loss of that funding.