If you are a Saudi student considering studying abroad, Georgia has become one of the most sought-after educational destinations for Arab students. It offers universities with strong academic standards at costs far below those of Western Europe. Yet the most important question on every student’s mind remains: Are Georgian universities recognized in Saudi Arabia? And can the degree be officially equivalized?
In this fully updated 2026 guide, we answer both questions in detail and present the top Georgian universities recognized by Saudi Arabia, including their programs, tuition fees, and degree equivalency requirements.
Are Georgian Degrees Recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia recognizes a number of Georgian universities and lists them among its recommended institutions for degree equivalency purposes. Recognition is granted based on two key criteria set by the Saudi Ministry of Education:
First: The university must be licensed and accredited by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science.
Second: The university must appear in internationally recognized academic rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education, or hold accreditations from trusted international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
Important note: To officially verify whether a university is recognized, visit the Saudi Ministry of Education’s equivalency portal at: eqs.moe.gov.sa
Top Georgian Universities Recognized in Saudi Arabia
1. Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)
Overview: Founded in 1918, TSMU is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Georgia and Eastern Europe. It has graduated over 40,000 physicians and attracts international students from more than 72 countries.
International Accreditations:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
- FAIMER / ECFMG (US Medical Qualifications)
- Georgian Ministry of Education and Science
Key Programs:
- Medicine (6 years)
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
Language of Instruction: English and Georgian
Note for Saudi Students: After graduation, you must pass the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) licensing exam to practice professionally inside the Kingdom.
2. Caucasus International University (CIU)
Overview: A private university established in 2011 in Tbilisi, CIU is among the fastest-growing universities in Georgia. It focuses particularly on medical and legal programs for international students.
International Accreditations:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
- European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR)
- National Medical Commission of India (NMC)
Key Programs:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
Tuition Fees: Starting from $5,000 to $6,000 per year for medical programs
Living Costs: Between $300 and $400 per month (including accommodation, food, and transport)
Language of Instruction: Primarily English
3. Tbilisi State University (TSU) — Ivane Javakhishvili
Overview: The oldest and largest university in Georgia, founded in 1918. It is a public research university offering a wide range of academic and scientific disciplines.
Key Programs and Approximate Annual Tuition:
| Program | Duration | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 6 years | ~$8,000 |
| Dentistry | 5 years | ~$8,000 |
| Computer Science | 4 years | ~$3,500 |
| International Economics | 4 years | ~$3,000 |
Accreditations: Recognized by the Ministries of Education of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Qatar, as well as the European Union.
Note: The fees listed above are approximate and subject to change. We recommend contacting us directly for updated figures for the 2025/2026 academic year.
4. Ilia State University
Overview: A public university founded in 2006 in Tbilisi, formed by merging several specialized academic institutions. It hosts over 16,000 students and is known for its emphasis on research and innovation.
Key Programs:
- Computer Science and Technology
- Education and Psychology
- Business Administration
- Social Sciences
- Humanities and Arts
Highlights:
- Partnerships with European universities and student exchange programs
- Modern training and research centers
- Competitive tuition compared to European universities
5. Caucasus University
Overview: A prestigious private university in Tbilisi specializing in business, law, and technology, with internationally accredited English-language programs.
Key Programs:
- Business Administration and Economics
- Law
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Information Technology
Quick Comparison Table
| University | Type | Key Programs | Approx. Annual Tuition | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSMU | Public | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | Contact us | WHO / WFME |
| CIU | Private | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | $5,000–$6,000 | WHO / WFME / EQAR |
| TSU | Public | Medicine, Engineering, Economics | $3,000–$8,000 | Arab Ministries of Education |
| Ilia State University | Public | Technology, Education, Business | Contact us | International |
| Caucasus University | Private | Business, Law, IT | Contact us | International |
How to Equivalize Your Georgian Degree in Saudi Arabia
According to the Saudi national platform and Ministry of Education regulations, the Georgian degree equivalency process involves the following steps:
Step 1 — Verify the university before enrolling: Confirm that the university appears on the Ministry of Education’s recommended list via the official portal. Studying at a non-listed university will result in rejection of the equivalency application later.
Step 2 — Meet the study requirements: Study must be completed in person at the main campus of the recognized university, and you must complete at least 25% of graduation requirements at the same institution.
Step 3 — Official document attestation: After graduation, your degree must be attested by the Saudi Cultural Attaché in Georgia or by the Saudi Embassy.
Step 4 — Submit the equivalency application online: Through the “Safeer” equivalency portal on the official Saudi Ministry of Education website. A specialized committee reviews the application and verifies the institution’s academic standing.
Additional step for health specialties: Graduates of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy from Georgian universities must pass the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) exam to obtain professional licensure inside the Kingdom.
Documents Required for Enrollment at Georgian Universities
- Valid passport
- High school certificate (translated and officially attested)
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency proof (IELTS or TOEFL, if required by the university)
- Personal photos and a medical certificate confirming freedom from infectious diseases
- Proof of financial capacity
- Registration fee (between $50 and $100)
Key advantage: Most Georgian universities have no fixed enrollment deadline — applications remain open throughout the year until seats are filled.
Why Choose Georgia for Your Studies?
- Competitive costs: Tuition starts from $3,000 per year — significantly lower than Western Europe
- Trusted international accreditation: Most major universities are recognized by the WHO and European bodies
- English-taught programs: No need to learn Georgian for most medical or engineering programs
- Safe and welcoming environment: Tbilisi is a safe city with low living costs (averaging $300–$400 per month)
- Efficient transport network: Metro, buses, and taxis at affordable prices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a Saudi student study in Georgia without a government scholarship? Yes, self-funded study is fully permitted. If studying under a government scholarship program, confirm in advance that the university appears on the Saudi Ministry of Education’s approved list.
Do Georgian universities offer scholarships? Some universities provide discounts for academically high-achieving students. You can ask about this when you contact our team.
How long does degree equivalency take in Saudi Arabia? The attestation process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, and may be longer depending on the program and the issuing institution.
Can students work while studying in Georgia? Yes. Georgian law permits foreign students to work up to 20 hours per week.
Which Georgian university is best for medical programs? Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) and Caucasus International University (CIU) are the top choices for medical specialties, as both hold WHO and WFME accreditations.
Ready to Take Your First Step?
The Albatoul Group team supports you from the moment you decide to study abroad until you are fully settled in Tbilisi — covering university admission, document translation, visa procedures, airport reception, and accommodation arrangements.
Contact us now for a free consultation to find the right university for you.
Last updated: June 2026 | Sources: Saudi Ministry of Education — eqs.moe.gov.sa | World Health Organization (WHO) | World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
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