PM says his government focuses on primary goal for students to receive high-quality education at home

“The main priority of any respectable country should be ensuring that students receive a high-quality education within their own borders,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists.

According to Kobakhidze, this principle underpins the entire concept of the ongoing education reform.

“First and foremost, let’s agree on one point: if an 11-year education programme is sufficient to cover the curriculum, then we should stick to 11 years. If 11 years are enough, for reasons of quality or other considerations, there is no need to add a twelfth year. Regarding the desire to continue studying abroad, our main goal, and the country’s priority, is for Georgian students to receive a top-tier education here in Georgia. This is precisely what the reform plan we have proposed aims to achieve. We aim to significantly and fundamentally enhance the quality of higher education in our country within roughly three to four years. As a result, Georgian students should primarily pursue their education at home.

As for students wishing to pursue further studies abroad, it is generally not advisable for them to go abroad from their very first year. However, if they do wish to do so, we will create all necessary conditions, including the possibility of adding a twelfth grade in Georgia, especially in specialised schools. If that is not possible, the alternative is for students to complete their final year abroad, and if they wish, continue their university studies overseas from the first year onwards. The core principle remains: the main priority of any respectable country should be that students receive a high-quality education within their own borders. Our entire concept is focused on this from start to finish,” the Prime Minister emphasised.