How many grades do Georgian schools have, and at what age do children start?
School stages, starting age and Russian-language schools.
Short answer
Under the Law of Georgia on General Education as amended in 2026, full school education lasts 11 or 12 years: primary level grades I to VI, basic VII to IX, secondary X and XI plus a voluntary grade XII. Children start first grade at 6. Grade XII stays compulsory for the school certificate until the 2028–2029 school year, and from 2028–2029 it becomes voluntary.
Why
- Law No. 1353 of 4 February 2026 made full general education last at least 11 and at most 12 years.
- The full general education certificate is issued after grades X and XI, and the basic education certificate after grade IX.
- Under the transitional rules, grade XII is compulsory until the 2028–2029 school year, except for those starting grade X in 2026–2027.
Details
The new structure is in Article 2 of the Law on General Education as amended by Law No. 1353 of 04.02.2026. To enter university, school leavers take the Unified National Exams. Tbilisi and Batumi have public schools with Russian-language sections and private schools teaching in Russian and English.
Places in Russian sections of public schools are limited, so register early. To enrol a child from abroad, their education documents go through recognition.
Tip
If your child doesn't speak Georgian, consider schools teaching in Russian or English.
What may differ
Private and international schools differ from state schools in curriculum, language and cost.
Common misconception
Georgian schools always require 12 years of study.
What actually happens
Under the 2026 amendments the full school certificate is issued after grade XI, and grade XII becomes voluntary from the 2028–2029 school year.
People also ask
- How many years is school in Georgia?
Sources
Information checked on 11 November 2026.
Georgian Schools: Grades, School Year and Interesting FactsRelated questions
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What is vocational education (colleges) in Georgia?
Vocational education in Georgia trains people for a specific profession in colleges and runs on programmes at levels 3, 4 and 5 of the national qualifications framework.
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Where can you learn Georgian for free in Georgia?
Free Georgian lessons are offered by the Training Center of Justice as a 20-lesson online course and by the Zhvania School as a state programme in regional centres.
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How do you get a residence permit for study in Georgia?
The Public Service Development Agency issues the study residence permit to an adult studying a higher or vocational programme at an authorised Georgian university or college.
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How do you get a foreign diploma recognised in Georgia?
The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement recognises foreign education: you apply with a notarised Georgian translation and pay a fee from 40 GEL.