A Case Study of the Higher Education System in Georgia

Abstract: The higher education system of countries is an important area that determines the countries drive for development. This thesis aims to scrutinize the higher education system in Georgia and how the system translates and resonates with Georgia’s development. Several questions have been raised in light of the several reforms that have greeted the higher education system in Georgia and these questions are summed up into three all-encompassing questions in this thesis. The questions includes – How is the higher education situation in Georgia? Why is it in its current state and what are the implications of this current state? This thesis used the single case study method and supported it with policy analysis to analyze the several reforms and to find answers to these questions. This thesis gathered corroborative information through interviews conducted with four experts who have played active roles and still do in the Georgian higher education system. The internal determinants for each policy and reform was explored to understand the motive behind the changes and this thesis eventually compared the changes in the Georgian higher education system to that effected in the Estonian higher education system. It became clear that the questions about the sustainability of the Georgian higher education system were premised upon credible consequences trailing each reform and this thesis eventually reached the conclusion that the Georgian higher education system lacked long-term credibility. This thesis concludes that while Georgia aspires for EU membership, the country’s higher education system is pivotal for all round development.