University applicants from occupied territories granted exam exemptions and full state funding

In 2026, university applicants residing in Georgia’s occupied territories will be granted admission to higher education institutions without sitting the Unified National Examinations. They will also receive full state funding at state-founded universities, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia reported.

According to the Ministry, registration for those wishing to participate in the programme has already opened and will remain active until September 5, 2026.

“Individuals residing in the occupied territories of Georgia who studied for the final two years and obtained their secondary education certificate from a general education institution within the occupied territories, and whose complete secondary education is recognised in accordance with the procedures established by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, are eligible for admission to higher education institutions without sitting the Unified National Examinations.

Applications will be accepted in hard copy at the Administration of the State Representative in the Gori, Kaspi, Kareli, and Khashuri municipalities (Address: No. 5 Peradze St, Gori; No. 1 Petre Kavtaradze Lane, Tbilisi) and in electronic format via the website of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia,” the Ministry stated.