The Council of the European University Association (EUA) has expressed concern regarding the higher education reform initiated by the Georgian government. The statement addresses both the national reform concept presented in late 2025 and the legislative and regulatory changes adopted in recent months, which envision a fundamental restructuring of the higher education system.
The planned changes could have a profound and long-term impact on the country’s public universities and potentially increase the isolation of the Georgian higher education sector from the European Higher Education Area, the statement says.
The EUA emphasizes that the reform is large-scale and covers several areas: geographical and disciplinary reorganization, the standardization of one-year master’s programs, the revision of curricula and materials, changes to the status and remuneration of academic staff, as well as the redistribution of student places based on labor market analysis and a revision of the funding model based on the principle of so-called “state needs.”
While the association recognizes the state’s role in managing the education system and initiating reforms, it emphasizes that such processes must be inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based. According to the EUA, all stakeholders, including the universities themselves, must be fully involved in the process.
The statement also notes that the reform should include transition periods to allow for the evaluation of decisions and, if necessary, their adjustment. According to the association, structural changes of this magnitude have far-reaching and often hard-to-predict consequences, thus requiring particular caution.
The EUA points out that over the last 25 years, successful reforms in Europe have generally strengthened the institutional autonomy of universities, their diversity, and interdisciplinarity. Against this backdrop, the planned reduction of disciplinary fields in Georgia could negatively affect the efficiency, sustainability, and autonomy of universities.
The association identifies the so-called “rationalization” initiative as one of the most problematic areas, as it involves transforming universities into specialized institutions with significantly reduced academic profiles. According to the EUA, such an approach limits the ability of universities to maintain a multi-profile academic environment and develop interdisciplinary cooperation. Furthermore, the “one city – one faculty” concept could weaken the link between the university’s three core missions: teaching, research, and service to society.
The association notes that the impact of the reform will vary across different universities; however, in some cases, the consequences could be profound and long-term, directly affecting their identity, academic profile, and international reputation. At the same time, the EUA points out that the proposed changes reduce institutional management and strategic autonomy, which is particularly problematic in the context of today’s multi-component crises.
The statement also underscores the importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as necessary conditions for the full functioning of universities. The EUA calls for a more active use of interdisciplinary approaches to address societal challenges—a principle that is central to its “Universities without walls” vision for 2030.
In conclusion, the EUA believes that reforms of this scale should be implemented alongside broad consultations, public debate, and, if necessary, adjustments to ensure they are appropriate, realistic, and in the interests of both the educational sector and society.
The European University Association declares its readiness to continue participating in public debates and dialogue with the Georgian authorities and the academic community, including through the exchange of comparative analysis and expert knowledge.
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