Disputed Parliament Adopts Controversial Changes to Education Laws

2026-02-04 - 16:17

Georgia’s disputed Parliament adopted amendments to the Laws on General and Higher Education in the third and final readings on February 4, following two days of accelerated procedure, as part of a broader reform that critics say lacked proper consultations and could pave the way for political purges in educational institutions. The changes follow broader general and higher education concepts that Georgian Dream unveiled in December and October, respectively. For universities, the plan envisions, among other measures, deconcentrating higher education from the overcrowded capital, introducing a “one city – one faculty” principle that would leave only one faculty per state university in each city through a process of “reorganization,” and transforming the current 4+2 Bachelor’s and Master’s model into a 3+1 system. For schools, the plan proposes, among others, state-approved single textbooks across all public schools, mandatory uniforms for grades 1–6, a ban on mobile phones during class hours, and reducing the current 12-year system to 11 years, with the 12th grade becoming optional. Changes to General Education The amendments to the Law on General Education introduce several structural changes: Full general education will be reduced from 12 to 11 years, and divided into primary (grades 1-6), lower secondary (grades 7-9), and upper secondary (grades 10-11). The eleventh grade will function as a preparatory “repetitorium” for the Unified National Examinations, required for university admission. From the 2028–2029 academic year, the 12th grade will become optional. Currently, completing the 12th grade is mandatory to receive a general education diploma. Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, only children who turn six by September 15 will be eligible to enroll in school, tightening the existing rule that allows enrollment for children who turn six by December 31. At the primary education level (grades 1-6), wearing a school uniform will become mandatory in public schools. The Education Ministry will approve the uniform design, and schools will be required to consider students’ financial circumstances, providing uniforms to families unable to afford them. The Education Ministry will approve general rules governing the use of electronic communication devices by students in public schools, with the aim of “ensuring a learning-focused educational environment.” Teachers or other staff members dismissed for violence against a student will be barred from employment in general education institutions for three years. Georgian Dream Education Minister Givi Mikanadze announced on January 29 that the reform also includes introducing single state-produced textbooks per subject and grade, to be provided free of charge for temporary use. “The state assumes responsibility for producing a single standard textbook per subject for each grade. This process will be completed by September 2028,” Mikanadze said. Deputy Minister Zviad Gabisonia later told MPs that textbook development would involve educators, professors, and authors. The general education reform concept was approved by PM Irakli Kobakhidze’s decree on January 27, 2026, and was developed by a 15-member state commission established in January 2025. Kobakhidze chairs the commission, while Education Minister Givi Mikanadze serves as deputy chair, and Levan Izoria, former Defense Minister and Ambassador to Germany, as the commission’s secretary. Higher Education Reform The changes to the Law on Higher Education expand government oversight of state universities: It introduces a new academic position of “leading professor” and establishes a five-tier academic hierarchy: leading professor, professor, associate professor, assistant professor, and assistant. The amendments grant the government broad authority to reorganize state universities, including the power to suspend elected governing bodies, set reorganization timelines, and assume direct control over university management during transitional periods. The Education Minister will be authorized to appoint acting university administrators, including rectors, vice-rectors, heads of administration, and quality assurance officials. The Minister may also establish temporary governing councils that replace elected academic and representative bodies for periods determined by government decree. The government will also decide which programs state universities are allowed to offer. Universities can continue programs that existed as of January 1, 2026, but if a program is not on the government-approved list, it must be phased out by the following deadlines: master’s programs by 2028-2029, most bachelor’s and doctoral programs by 2029–2030, and longer professional programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary, teacher training) by 2030–2031. Criticism The ruling party argues that the reform will improve the quality of education. Critics, however, warn that it could be used to purge dissent from state universities and undermine international study opportunities for Georgian students. A key element of the reform that has heightened concerns among critics is the planned merger of Georgian Technical University (GTU) with Ivane Javakhvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), which would combine two of the capital’s largest and historic public universities. Announcing the decision on January 29, GD Education Minister Givi Mikanadze said the merger will be a precondition for TSU “to become a leading center of academic and scientific development in the region and significantly improve international rankings.” The decision, however, has sparked protests among some of the students and academic staff at both universities. Professors from TSU’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences have drafted a petition, calling for the suspension of ongoing procedures related to the university’s status and the launch of public consultations with the academic community. Amid parallel campus protests, TSU representatives met with Education Ministry representatives. GTU professors also met with Deputy Education Minister Zviad Gabisonia. The university rector described the meeting as “very productive,” adding that a subsequent meeting with the Education Minister had been scheduled to “agree on final positions.” Also Read: 28/01/2026 – Opinion | Georgia’s University Reform Is Not a Neutral Initiative. It’s a Political Act 18/12/2025 – International Group of Academics Call on Kobakhidze to ‘Rethink’ Education Reform 08/12/2025 – Education for ‘Free’ or Academic ‘Catastrophe’ – Controversial Reforms Reach Universities