Institutions to institute compulsory Georgian language studies commencing in 2025
Mandatory Georgian Language Course Introduced in Higher Education
In a significant move to strengthen the Georgian language's role in universities, a new mandatory course in the Georgian state language will be introduced at the undergraduate level starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. This decision is part of a broader legal reform led by Zviad Gabisonia, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth.
The new course, which is still in the development phase, will incorporate Abkhaz language instruction as an integral part. This move underscores the importance of bilingual education in the region and reflects an official recognition of minority language rights within this educational framework.
Universities have been granted flexibility in the timing of course implementation, with the option to start from the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year or later. The course aims to develop students' proficiency in oral and written academic communication, analytical skills for both general and professional content, and the effective use of modern language-learning technologies.
An expert commission, initiated by Minister Givi Mikanadze and chaired by Gabisonia, has been tasked with outlining the course structure for the new Georgian language course within the new legal requirements. After receiving input from universities, the final version of the course guidelines will be approved. However, the Ministry of Education has not provided a specific deadline for the final approval of the course guidelines.
It is unclear how the Rectors' Council will contribute to the development of the course guidelines. A recent meeting of the commission on restoring Georgian language instruction, led by Gabisonia, marked a significant step in this process. The proposed framework for the new course will be submitted to the Rectors' Council for input before final approval.
This policy marks a significant legislative and educational effort to embed Georgian language skills in all higher education programs, promoting both linguistic integration and academic proficiency. The inclusion of the Abkhaz language in the new course is a testament to the government's commitment to diversity and inclusivity in education.
[1] Source: Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth press release, 2025 [4] Source: University Rectors' Council meeting minutes, 2025
The ongoing legal reform in Georgian education, spearheaded by Zviad Gabisonia, is not limited to Georgian language courses but also encompasses policy and legislation related to education-and-self-development. (education-and-self-development, policy-and-legislation)
This move towards inclusion of the Abkhaz language in the mandatory Georgian language course for higher education reflects the government's commitment to diversity and multilingualism, a topic often debated in politics and general news. (politics, general-news)
