Since 2019, the LEPL International Education Center has been implementing a partnership program in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy in Georgia – “Academic Programs in Italy.” The program is based on a memorandum of cooperation signed in 2018 between the Center and the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), which was renewed in 2024. The partnership program involves collaboration with more than 20 Italian higher education institutions.

Program Objective

The program aims to:

• - increase access to master's/doctoral studies (in priority areas defined by the program) at Italian higher education institutions, and
• - to implement the acquired knowledge in Georgia.

Scope of Financing

The IEC offers the opportunity to receive a study grant for pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at Italian higher education institutions, in either Italian- or English-language programs.

Master’s Programs – Up to 2 years

• - Full tuition coverage

• - Monthly living allowance

Doctoral Programs - 3 (+1) years

• - Monthly living allowance

*The doctoral-level applicant must have secured full funding for their studies.

The scholarship is renewed annually based on the recipient’s academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

• - Georgian citizenship or neutral ID/travel document,
• - Admission or pre-admission to an eligible Italian university,
• - Strong academic background;
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Applicants are required to meet one of the following academic status requirements:

• - Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree;
• - Be in the final year of a bachelor’s or master’s program;
• - Be currently enrolled in a relevant master's or doctoral program at one of the partner universities in Italy and requesting funding for the upcoming academic year within the official duration of the program.

Application & Selection Process

Required documents must be submitted through the IEC electronic system: https://app.iec.gov.ge/. When completing the application, applicants may indicate up to three universities and/or academic programs in which they are undergoing the enrollment process.

The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Technical review of the electronic applications.
2. Motivation evaluation of the applications by selection committee.
3. Applicants individual interview with selection committee.

The competition and funding decisions are made by a Selection Committee created for the implementation of the program. The committee includes representatives from both Georgia and Italy.

Post-Study Obligations

Grantees are required to:

• - Return to Georgia within one month of graduation.
• - Remain in the country and work in a relevant field for at least three years within five years after graduation.
• - Cooperate with Georgian universities upon request.

Deferral options:

• - Employment abroad for up to one year, or
• - Continuation of doctoral studies for graduates of a Master’s program in the same field.