Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi: Where Should You Study in Georgia?
Most international students in Georgia study in one of three cities: Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi. Each offers a different student life. Here is how they compare.
Tbilisi: the capital
Tbilisi is home to most of Georgia’s universities, including Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi State Medical University, Grigol Robakidze University, the University of Georgia and SEU.
- For: the widest choice of programs, hospitals for clinical training, internships, international community, airport connections
- Against: higher rents in central districts, busier traffic
Batumi: on the Black Sea
Batumi is Georgia’s seaside city, with universities such as Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Batumi State Maritime Academy and Batumi Navigation Teaching University.
- For: a relaxed coastal lifestyle, usually lower living costs than central Tbilisi, strong maritime programs
- Against: fewer universities and programs, busier and pricier in the summer season
Kutaisi: the quiet student city
Kutaisi, Georgia’s third city, is home to Kutaisi University and others, and has its own international airport.
- For: generally the lowest living costs of the three, a calm place to focus on studies
- Against: a smaller international community and fewer English-taught programs
How to decide
- Start with the program: choose the cities where it is taught in English.
- For medicine, compare clinical training hospitals; Tbilisi has the most.
- Compare your total budget, including rent; see our cost of studying guide.
- Think about lifestyle: big-city energy, sea air, or a quiet student town.
Not sure? Tell us your program and budget and we will suggest universities in each city.