The Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee discussed for the II reading the Draft Law on Higher Education stipulating mandatory introduction of the Georgian language in the university programs.

Pursuant to the Draft Law, the students enrolled in the bachelor’s, pedagogues qualification integrated bachelor’s-master’s, as well as the veterinary integrated master’s, certified medical/dental educational official language programs shall mandatorily pass the special (two-semester) Georgian language courses.

According to Givi Mikanadze, the Chair of the Committee, the mandatory inclusion of the Georgian language starts from the upcoming academic year - September 2025. Furthermore, the Abkhazian language, recognized as an official language similar to Georgian, shall also become mandatory in the universities of Abkhazia.

“We reaffirm that the Abkhazian language holds immense value for us. Therefore, the introduction of Abkhazian language courses alongside Georgian in Abkhazia AR following the de-occupation is of utmost importance and high priority,” - he stated.

The amendments to the Law on Higher Education are initiated by the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee. The Committee approved the Draft.