The Sports Committee deliberated and approved the legal package, introduced by the Government concerning the higher education reform, namely, the Draft Law on Higher Education, the Draft Law on Education Quality Improvement, the Draft Law on Establishment of the Legal Entity of Public Law - Kutaisi International University, the Draft Law on International Protection, and the Draft Defense Code, introduced by the Deputy Education, Science and Youth Minister, Zviad Gabisonia.

According to the reporter, the legal package has been developed on the basis of the national concept of the higher education system and covers sundry directions.

One of the primary objectives of the reform is to improve the financing model of the higher education system and hence, the state shall assume the financing of the students at the state universities.

“The second amendment concerns the introduction of the 3+1+1 model. Under the current 4+2 system—consisting of a four-year bachelor’s program and a two-year master’s program—we are transitioning to a new model that envisages three-year programs at the bachelor’s level. This model will not apply to regulated fields. It reflects a trend widely adopted in European Union member states, and in this regard, our approach is fully aligned with EU practices.

As for the 1+1 model, this approach is also used in several EU countries, such as France and Italy. In this case, one year of study will be required for the master’s program; upon successful completion, the student will obtain the status of a master’s degree holder. Should the student decide to proceed to the third cycle—that is, to pursue a doctoral program—they will have the opportunity to add one additional year in the form of the required credits, thereby completing the 300 credits mandated by the Bologna Process”, - stated the Deputy Minister.

The Committee gave a positive assessment of the legal package.