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Meta title: Master's Degrees in Georgia: Programmes, Entry and Fees
Meta description: Master's degrees in Georgia: 2 years/120 ECTS, entry without the Common Master's Exam via NCEQE, B2 rule from 2027/28, English-taught fees $4,000–5,000.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Master's Degrees in Georgia for International Students: English-Taught Programmes, Requirements and Fees

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A master's degree in Georgia usually takes two years and at least 120 ECTS credits; a few programmes, such as an Executive MBA, run for one year and 60 credits. International applicants with a foreign bachelor's or equivalent degree do not sit the Common Master's Exam: the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) recognises the degree and grants the right to study, and the university runs its own selection. From the 2027/28 academic year, the programme language must be proven at B2 or above. English-taught master's programmes at private universities in Tbilisi cost $4,000–5,000 a year.

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Length | usually 2 years, 120 ECTS; some programmes carry 60 ECTS |
| Entrance exam | no Common Master's Exam for holders of foreign degrees; the university may interview or test |
| What NCEQE recognises | a bachelor's degree or equivalent academic qualification, such as a Russian specialist diploma |
| Language | B2 or above in the programme language; from 2027/28 a listed certificate or an NAEC exam |
| English-taught tuition | $4,000–5,000 a year in the examples below |
| Enrolment windows | 1 February–15 March and 15 August–31 October |
| Work during studies | only with a work permit |

The administration building of the Georgian Technical University in Tbilisi. Photo: Gaga.vaa / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Georgian_Technical_University,_Building_0.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Who can enter without the Common Master's Exam {#section-1}

Georgian citizens enter master's programmes through the Common Master's Exam. For foreigners, Government Resolution No. 437 of 8 September 2026 lists four cases in which the exam is not required:

- you hold a higher education degree obtained abroad;
- you studied in a master's programme at a recognised foreign university and earned credits or a qualification there — the transfer route;
- you completed a bachelor's in Georgia after entering it as a foreigner without national exams;
- you obtained the right to study at a Georgian university before the Law on Higher Education came into force and hold a Georgian degree.

Most applicants from abroad fall into the first group. Each university may set additional entry requirements, such as a related first degree.

## Which degree you need and how it is recognised {#section-2}

The minimum is a bachelor's degree or an equivalent academic qualification. Your bachelor's, specialist or master's diploma is submitted to NCEQE for recognition of higher education. The centre checks authenticity, the status of your university and how your qualification compares with Georgian ones. The translated diploma must show the mode of study, and the fee is $15 (GEL 40) for the standard procedure or $31–96 (GEL 80–250) for fast-track options.

After recognition, you or the university apply for the right to study without the Common Master's Exam. You need a passport copy, the recognition decision, the university head's written consent to a place naming the programme and its code, and proof of the programme language at B2. All foreign-language documents are translated into Georgian and notarised. NCEQE decides within 5 working days of recognition, and the university can enrol you within one year, but only between 1 February and 15 March or between 15 August and 31 October. The full procedure is in [applying to Georgian universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-georgian-universities).

If your degree has not yet been awarded, it is too early to start: recognition applies to a qualification you already hold. An autumn start in your graduation year works only if the diploma is in hand by summer.

## Language requirements {#section-3}

The law sets a B2 threshold in the language of the master's programme.

- For intakes before 2027/28, the university confirms your level and records it in its consent. TSU accepts a B2 certificate for its English-taught Master of Public Health or runs its own English exam. Black Sea International University asks for IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 78 and otherwise sets an internal test.
- From 2027/28, you need a certificate from the government's list — IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Scale or PTE for English — or an exam by the National Assessment and Examinations Center (NAEC). For a programme taught in Georgian, the proof is the NAEC exam in Georgian as the state language.
- On the day you apply, the certificate must still be valid; one without an expiry date counts for three years from issue.

Universities treat graduates of English-taught bachelor's programmes differently. TSU exempts them from the exam and the certificate; Black Sea International University still runs its test if there is no certificate. Check whether such exemptions will survive the 2027/28 rules, which require a certificate or NAEC exam from everyone.

## English-taught master's programmes and fees {#section-4}

These programmes have their language, credit load and international fee published on official websites; rates for the 2026/27 intake, checked on 30 September 2026.

| University | Programmes | Length, credits | Per year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Caucasus University | business administration (finance, marketing, management), IT management | 2 years, 120 ECTS | $5,000 |
| Georgian American University (GAU) | IT Governance & Strategy, Cyber & Information Security | 2 years, 120 ECTS | $4,200 |
| Georgian American University (GAU) | MBA | 2 years, 120 ECTS | $4,000 |
| Georgian American University (GAU) | Executive MBA | 1 year, 60 ECTS | $4,500 |
| Black Sea International University | finance, management, marketing, computer science, international relations, US foreign affairs, education administration, a management and IT double degree with a German university | 2 years | on request |
| TSU | Master of Public Health (English-taught) | 2 years, 120 ECTS | on request |
| Georgian Technical University | MBA (English-taught, accredited) | 120 credits | $4,800 (GEL 12,500); the page does not say whether per year or per programme |

A two-year programme costs $8,000–10,000 in tuition alone. Housing, insurance, fees and the first months after arrival are covered in [the cost of studying in Georgia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-georgia). NCEQE's register lists all programmes by language and accreditation period; for an overview of institutions, see [universities in Georgia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-georgia).

Georgian-taught programmes are cheaper but require B2 Georgian and, from 2027/28, the NAEC exam. Russian-taught master's programmes are rare; check availability in the NCEQE register and in writing with the university.

## How the programme is organised {#section-5}

At TSU, for example, a master's student completes at least 120 credits over four semesters, typically 60–65 credits a year and no more than 35 per semester. Student status becomes active after administrative registration — full or partial payment for the semester — and academic registration for courses.

An extra rule applies to foreigners. A university must suspend a foreign student who earns no more than one-third of the year's credits, and 90 days after suspension the Public Service Development Agency may terminate a study residence permit. Combining a master's with a full-time remote job is risky for another reason too: since 1 March 2026, foreigners may work in Georgia, including remotely, only with a work permit.

## Staying in Georgia during your master's {#section-6}

Citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan enter visa-free and can stay for up to a year; citizens of other countries should check geoconsul.gov.ge. For a second year you need a study residence permit: apply to the Public Service Development Agency at least 40 days before your legal stay ends; the fee is $120–230 (GEL 300–600) depending on processing time. Since 1 January 2026, visitors must hold health insurance for their whole stay with cover of at least $11,520 (GEL 30,000).

## After graduation {#section-7}

An authorised Georgian university issues a state-recognised diploma. Recognition in your home country follows that country's rules. In Russia, a degree not covered by an international mutual recognition treaty (Glavexpertcentr keeps the list) needs a Rosobrnadzor assessment: you apply via Gosuslugi, pay the 6,500-rouble state fee set by Article 333.33 of the Tax Code and wait up to 30 working days for the decision. To work in Georgia after graduating, you need a work permit arranged by the employer and a matching residence permit.

To compare destinations, see our guide to [master's degrees in Serbia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-serbia), which also offers English-taught programmes.

## Common mistakes {#section-8}

- Applying before your degree is awarded. NCEQE recognises only a qualification you already hold, and without recognition there is no right to study.
- Leaving the mode of study out of the translation. NCEQE requires translated diplomas to show it.
- Choosing a programme without checking the fit with your first degree. The university may refuse if your bachelor's does not match.
- Planning to work without a permit. Even remote work needs one, and poor results can cost you student status.
- Relying on English-bachelor exemptions for 2027/28. The law requires a certificate or NAEC exam; get the university's position in writing.
- Confusing annual and total fees. GAU publishes both; most universities show only the annual rate.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Do I need an entrance exam for a master's in Georgia?

A foreign applicant with a degree from abroad does not sit the Common Master's Exam; NCEQE grants the right to study after recognising the degree. The university may still hold an interview or a language or subject test. From 2027/28, certified B2 in the programme language becomes mandatory.

### Can I apply with a Russian specialist diploma?

Yes. The entry requirement is a bachelor's degree or an equivalent academic qualification. A Russian specialist diploma is submitted to NCEQE for recognition, and the centre determines which Georgian qualification it matches. The university then assesses whether your field suits the chosen programme.

### How much does a master's degree in Georgia cost?

For the 2026/27 intake, English-taught programmes at private universities in Tbilisi cost $4,000–5,000 a year: the MBA at Georgian American University is $4,000 and Caucasus University's master's programmes $5,000. Two years come to $8,000–10,000 in tuition. Living costs are extra.

### Are there one-year master's programmes in Georgia?

A few. The law allows master's programmes from 60 credits, usually professional ones such as an Executive MBA: Georgian American University's lasts one year and costs $4,500. Most master's programmes run for two years and 120 credits.

### Can I work while studying for a master's in Georgia?

Only with a work permit, which foreigners have needed since 1 March 2026, including for remote work. The employer applies for it for a specific position and one year. A study residence permit does not give the right to work, and weak academic results can cost you student status.

### Is a Georgian master's degree recognised abroad?

An authorised Georgian university issues a state-recognised diploma, and each country recognises it under its own rules. Before enrolling, check the institution and programme in the NCEQE register and read your home country's recognition procedure, especially if you need the degree for work or doctoral study there.

## Sources {#section-10}

- [Government of Georgia Resolution No. 437 of 8 Sep 2026](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6997462), [Resolution No. 435 (8 Sep 2026): accepted language tests](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6997353) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [NCEQE: Georgia's education system](https://eqe.ge/en/page/parent/7/ganatlebis-sistema), [recognition of foreign education](https://eqe.ge/en/page/static/213/utskhoetshi-mighebuli-ganatlebis-aghiareba), [right to study without the Common Master's Exam](https://eqe.ge/en/page/static/1115/umaghles-saganmanatleblo-datsesebulebashi-ertiani-erovnuli-gamocdebissaerto-samagistro-gamocdebis-gavlis-gareshe-stsavlis-uflebis-minitcheba), [register of institutions and programmes](https://reestri.eqe.ge/ka/search) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Order No. 124/n (10 Sep 2026): mode of study in translations and electronic verification](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6997912) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- Programmes and fees: [Caucasus University master's for international students](https://www.cu.edu.ge/en/cu-international-students/programs-english/ma-international-students), [GAU](https://www.gau.edu.ge/en/for-foreign-students/programs), [Black Sea International University admission](https://ibsu.edu.ge/en/iro/admission/), [TSU Master of Public Health](https://www.tsu.ge/en/programs/439), [TSU Master's Guide](https://www.tsu.ge/en/page/Master's-Guide), [Georgian Technical University English-taught programmes](https://gtu.ge/en/apply/masters/bef/eng.php) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Public Service Development Agency: study residence permit](https://sda.gov.ge/en/products/migration-residence-permits/), [Government Resolution No. 255: countries whose citizens enter Georgia without a visa](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2867361) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Government of Georgia Decree No. 602 of 26 Dec 2025 on compulsory insurance for arrivals](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/6728816), [Georgian MFA, Norway embassy page: entry insurance since 2026](https://norway.mfa.gov.ge/news/628587-inphormatsia-saqartveloshi-shemomsvleli-turistebistvis-savaldebulo-dazghvevis-shesakheb), [Georgian MFA, Japan embassy page: foreigners' work since March 2026](https://japan.mfa.gov.ge/en/news/850987-tsvlileba-shromiti-migratsiis-kanonmdeblobashi) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Glavexpertcentr: recognition treaties](https://nic.gov.ru/ru/docs/foreign/confirmation); [Tax Code of Russia, Art. 333.33](https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_28165/7f6aa2a30ed6c4b39a5890e07c7494d9c278b8ea/)
- Lari figures use the National Bank of Georgia rate set on 29 Sep 2026 (valid from 30 Sep 2026) (GEL 2.6051 per dollar), rounded to the dollar below $100 and to $10 above; dollar fees appear exactly as the universities list them.

Master's programme selection, checking how your degree matches, preparation of recognition documents and support until enrolment are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission is the university's decision; degree recognition and the right to study are NCEQE's; the residence permit is issued by Georgia's Public Service Development Agency.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Master's Degrees in Serbia: Programmes, Fees and Admission for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-serbia)
- [Applying to Georgian Universities as an International Student: the 2026/27 and 2027/28 Procedure](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-georgian-universities)
- [Cost of Studying in Georgia for International Students: Tuition, Fees and Living Costs in 2026/27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-georgia)
- [Universities in Georgia for International Students: How to Choose and How to Check Their Status](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-georgia)

Updated: September 2026