News in the field of higher education
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, a meeting was convened at the government administration to discuss important draft laws initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth in the realm of higher education.
As per the initiative of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, and the government's decision, a new reform will be introduced in the higher education sector, focusing on the regulation of e-learning. Specifically, the reform will permit the remote delivery of certain components and theoretical courses within existing educational programs. Furthermore, fully remote programs will be developed in fields that do not necessitate practical or laboratory training, applicable to both bachelor's and master's degrees. This opportunity will extend to both Georgian and foreign students.
A significant innovation introduced by this reform is the recognition of distance higher education obtained abroad while residing in Georgia, which will be regulated in a new manner. Initially, this recognition will apply to universities in EU member states, Great Britain, and the USA. To be eligible for recognition, the education must meet specific criteria:
1. The institution must operate in an EU member state or Great Britain, with the educational program accredited by a registered organization authorized by the law of the respective country. Accreditation should be conferred by a member of the European Network for Quality Assurance of Higher Education (ENQA) or listed in the European Register of Quality Assurance Agencies for Higher Education (EQAR).
2. For education obtained in the USA, the program must be accredited by an organization recognized under US legislation.
Recognition of foreign education pertains to higher educational programs that exclude practical, laboratory, clinical, or workplace components, requiring students to pass internal university exams in a non-remote manner.
Another significant aspect of the draft laws is the definition of the concept of an online university, with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth tasked with developing the corresponding conceptual model and standards. This decision aligns with international best practices and represents a progressive step for Georgian universities, offering them the opportunity to innovate teaching models. Ultimately, this will further solidify Georgia's position as an educational hub in higher education.
It's worth noting that the draft laws considered by the Government of Georgia also include provisions for conducting professional programs remotely.
