Scholarships for Georgian Students: A Comprehensive Guide to International Opportunities

For Georgian students aspiring to gain international education and experience, numerous scholarship opportunities exist. These scholarships, offered by both Georgian and international organizations, aim to support talented individuals in pursuing their academic goals abroad and contributing to Georgia's development upon their return. This article explores a range of scholarships available to Georgian students for international study, encompassing various academic levels and fields of study.

Georgian Government and Organizational Scholarships

Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) Programs

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) plays a crucial role in promoting and increasing access to education beyond high school for Georgians. GSFC provides access to postsecondary education through various scholarship, grant, and loan programs.

HOPE Scholarship: This merit-based award is available to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement. A HOPE Scholarship recipient must graduate from high school with a minimum 3.00 grade point average (as calculated by GSFC) and maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative postsecondary grade point average to remain eligible. The scholarship provides tuition assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a HOPE Scholarship eligible college or university in Georgia. A seven-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year (FY12) or later. A student is ineligible to receive HOPE Scholarship funds once the student has reached the 127 semester or 190 quarter hour limit.
Zell Miller Scholarship: Similar to the HOPE Scholarship, this merit-based award has more stringent academic requirements. A Zell Miller Scholarship recipient must graduate from high school with a minimum 3.70 grade point average (as calculated by GSFC), combined with a minimum SAT score of 1200 or an equivalent ACT composite score.
HOPE Grant: This grant is available to Georgia residents pursuing a certificate or diploma. A HOPE Grant recipient must maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative postsecondary grade point average to remain eligible. The grant provides tuition assistance to students enrolled at a HOPE Grant eligible college or university in Georgia. A student is ineligible to receive HOPE Grant funds once the student has reached the 63 semester or 95 quarter hour limit.
Zell Miller Grant: This merit-based program is available to Georgia residents pursuing a certificate or diploma. A Zell Miller Grant recipient must maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative postsecondary grade point average to remain eligible. Eligible students are provided full standard tuition assistance while enrolled at a Zell Miller Grant eligible college or university in Georgia. A student is ineligible to receive Zell Miller Grant funds once the student has reached the 63 semester or 95 quarter hour limit.
HOPE Career Grant: This grant is available to Georgia residents who are receiving the HOPE Grant or Zell Miller Grant and pursuing an approved certificate or diploma at an eligible college or university in Georgia. The grant provides assistance toward educational costs for students enrolled in career fields that have been identified as strategically important to the state’s economic growth.
High School Equivalency Examination Grant Program (HSE): Created beginning with the 2022-2023 Award Year (State Fiscal Year 2023). The grant provides assistance with the fee to seat for a state approved high school equivalency exam. The HSE Examination Grant Program is available to Georgia residents who complete Technical College System of Georgia’s designated application, precertification, and sit for a state approved high school equivalency exam offered through TCSG.
Dual Enrollment: This program allows eligible high school and home study students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades to earn high school and college credit for postsecondary coursework. Funding is available during the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms, covering standard undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees, and a book allowance for a maximum of 15 semester or 12 quarter hours per term. Eligible students may receive Dual Enrollment funding up to the 30 semester or 45 quarter hours program Funding Cap.
Accelerated Career Education (ACE) Grant Program: Provides financial assistance to Georgia public high school students, enrolled in 10th, 11th and 12th grade and pursuing high school graduation through the Georgia Department of Education’s Accelerated Career Diploma (ACD) to enroll at a TCSG Institution in an Associate of Applied Science, a Diploma, a program leading to licensure, or two (2) Technical Certificates in the same program of study or closely related programs of study on the High Demand Career List.
Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program: Created beginning with the 2023-2024 Award Year (State Fiscal Year 2024). The program assists students pursuing advanced degrees in qualified behavioral health profession programs at USG or private Eligible Postsecondary Institutions. Students may receive funds towards educational costs and in return agree to work in Georgia in an approved behavioral health profession for an opportunity to have a portion of the loan service cancelled for a maximum six years. To qualify, students must graduate with an approved degree, attain licensure or certification, and be employed full-time in an approved profession.
Georgia Medical Examiner Loan Repayment Loan Program: Created beginning with the 2023-2024 Award Year (State Fiscal Year 2024). Qualified Medical Examiners may receive up to five years of student loan repayment for five years of employment with the GBI's Division of Forensic Science.
Georgia Military College (GMC) State Service Scholarship Loan Program: This service cancelable loan program provides outstanding students with a full two-year scholarship loan. The student must agree to serve in the Georgia National Guard for a period of four years to complete service repayment (two years while attending GMC and two years after graduation).
Georgia Peace Officers Loan Repayment Program: This program aims to attract qualified individuals to be Peace Officers in the state of Georgia who have completed a bachelor’s degree and to provide an incentive to current Peace Officers to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field of Criminal Justice at an eligible postsecondary institution.
Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring (HERO) Scholarship: This scholarship provides financial aid assistance to qualifying Georgia National Guard or United States Military Reservists, their spouses, and dependent children who seek a postsecondary education. Eligible applicants were deployed overseas on active duty service, on or after February 1, 2003, to a location designated as a combat zone.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education Grant (IPSE): Created beginning with the 2023-2024 Award Year (State Fiscal Year 2024). The grant provides assistance for students with qualifying intellectual and developmental disabilities towards the cost of an approved IPSE program. Student must be enrolled at a University System of Georgia (USG) or Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institution's approved IPSE program.
Public Service Memorial Grant: This grant provides assistance to the Spouse and children of Georgia public safety officers (law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, highway emergency response operators (HERO) and prison guards) who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. In addition, the program provides assistance to the Spouse and children of Georgia Public School Employees killed or permanently disabled due to an act of violence while performing employment duties. Funds may be used toward the cost of attendance at eligible colleges or universities in Georgia.
Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship Program: This needs-based mentoring and scholarship program ensures that Georgia's academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, attend college, and achieve postsecondary success. Students must graduate high school with a minimum 2.50 calculated HOPE GPA, as calculated by GSFA, and maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative postsecondary GPA to remain eligible. Private and public donations fund the scholarships.
Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE) Program: This program provides financial assistance to Georgia residents attending an eligible private postsecondary institution (Mercer University) and enrolled in an engineering program of study approved by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accrediting Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The purpose of the program is to attract and increase the number of qualified engineers in Georgia. In return, students agree to work for a period of time after graduation in an engineering-related field in Georgia.
Georgia College Completion Grant (GCCG): Was created beginning with the 2022-2023 Award Year (State Fiscal Year 2023) The grant assists eligible students experiencing a financial aid gap. Eligible students enrolled in a two-year program must have completed a minimum of 45% of required credit requirements. Eligible students enrolled in a four-year program must have completed a minimum of 70% of required credit requirements. Students must have an outstanding balance of direct cost with the institution for the term in which funds are sought. Students must complete a current year FASFA and meet the institutional eligibility requirements. The GCCG is available at University System of Georgia (USG), Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and nonprofit eligible private institutions based on funds allocated
Georgia National Guard (GNG) Service Cancelable Loan Program: This program provides financial assistance to eligible members of the Georgia National Guard to be used towards the cost of tuition for undergraduate and graduate programs at an eligible postsecondary institution. The student must agree to serve in the Georgia National Guard for a period of two years to complete service repayment.
Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): This grant provides assistance toward educational costs to Georgia residents enrolled at an eligible private college or university. Students must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program of study leading to an undergraduate degree.
University of North Georgia (UNG) Military Service Scholarship Program: This program provides 42 full scholarships to enable outstanding Georgia students interested in pursuing military careers to attend the University of North Georgia. Recipients agree to serve in the Army National Guard for eight years, four while participating in the Corps of Cadets at UNG and four as second lieutenants in the Army National Guard after graduating. If the military service is not preformed the recipients must repay the scholarship.
University of North Georgia ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Officers: These grants provide assistance toward the cost of education by encouraging Georgia residents to attend the University of North Georgia and participate in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program and promotes students to military leadership positions upon graduation.
Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment (GVELR) Program: This program provides financial assistance in the form of student loan repayments for Georgia food animal veterinarians practicing in an approved critical need county with populations of 35,000 or less.

International Education Center (IEC) Scholarships

The International Education Center (IEC) offers Masters and Ph.D. scholarships to citizens of Georgia for pursuing their studies in world-renowned higher education institutions. These scholarships are in prioritized fields, aiming to pave the way for highly qualified human resources and ensure access to high-quality education abroad. Upon completion of their studies, fellows have a legal commitment to return to Georgia and deploy their knowledge and experience in service of their country and society for at least three years. The IEC offers merit-based full and partial scholarships for studying in Ph.D. and Master Level programs of recognized foreign higher education institutions.

European Union (EU) Opportunities

Erasmus+

The EU offers a wide array of study opportunities through the Erasmus+ program, including student exchanges in European universities at bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. These exchanges, lasting between one term and one year, are integrated into the student's program of study, with expenses covered. Students can also apply for Erasmus+ scholarships to study for a Master’s degree at top European universities.

Exchanges: Students should visit the international relations office at their university to learn about available opportunities and application procedures.
Master’s Degrees: Applicants need to check the catalogue of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, which lists courses offering Erasmus scholarships. They should then contact the university to apply for the course and scholarship.
The National Erasmus+ Office in Georgia provides assistance and information. Scholarships are also available for students from the Eastern Partnership countries, funded by the EU4Youth programme.

Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges

Erasmus+ is not just for students. In recent years, thousands of young people and youth workers from Georgia have participated in joint Erasmus+ Youth projects (exchanges, trainings, policy debate, volunteering). Erasmus+ youth exchanges are open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 30, and last between 5 and 21 days. This is a unique way to experience different cultures and make new friends, while also helping others and learning new skills.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Civil Society Fellowships

The EU supports young civil society leaders and activists in Georgia and across the Eastern Partnership through its EaP Civil Society Fellowships programme. Every year, the programme helps 20 civil society activists in their efforts to achieve positive social change in their communities, offering tailored training, grants of €5,000 and access to networking opportunities.

EaP Civil Society Facility - e-learning

The EU’s EaP Civil Society Facility offers civil society representatives targeted online courses and materials adapted to their needs and the situations they face in their daily work.

EU4Youth Alumni

The EU4Youth Alumni Network brings together young beneficiaries (aged 18-30) of the Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps, EU4Youth grant projects, Young European Ambassadors Network as well as other regional programmes targeting young people across the Eastern Partnership. The Network offers Alumni the opportunity to connect with disadvantaged young people in Georgia and support them to become more active in their communities and actively participate in EU mobility programmes.

Young European Ambassadors

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative is a non-political, voluntary, vibrant communication network connecting young people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The aim of the network is to raise awareness about the EU’s cooperation with its Eastern partner countries, showcase the tangible results of this cooperation, and contribute to policy dialogue on various topics. The network is open to young people aged between 16 and 26, interested in public diplomacy and outreach activities.

Travelling University

The Travelling University is a civic education platform established by the United Nations Association of Georgia (UNA Georgia) as part of the EU-supported project ‘Local Investments in Networks for Knowledge and Skill-share’ (LINKS). It organises lectures for young people in villages (more than 60 so far) on issues such as human rights, civic activism and engagement, and gender equality, as well as informing young people about the demands and expectations of the labour market promoting vocational education and lifelong learning in Georgia.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Internships and Training

Erasmus+ traineeships: Erasmus+ supports work placements and internships abroad for Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral students, as well as recent graduates (within one year of your graduation). Work placements can last between two and twelve months, and Erasmus+ grants are available to cover your costs.
Blue Book traineeships: Twice a year, the EU offers five-month paid traineeships at the European Commission, its services and agencies, mostly in Brussels, but also in Luxembourg and elsewhere across the European Union.
Schuman Traineeships in the European Parliament: Twice a year, the European Parliament offers different traineeships within its Secretariat, including to applicants from outside the European Union. The traineeships are awarded for a period of five months, and are open to anyone over the age of 18, with a university level diploma.

EU4Business

If you are setting up or have a small business, the EU4Business initiative offers a wide range of loans and grants depending on the type and size of your business, as well as advice and consultancy services to help you take the next step in developing your business.

Chevening Scholarship

Chevening is the UK Government’s prestigious international scholarships programme.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a prominent scholarship provider for international students seeking to pursue their education in Germany. DAAD facilitates educational opportunities for both German students aiming to study abroad and international students, including those from Georgia, aspiring to study in Germany.

Eligibility for Georgian Students

Georgian students are eligible for DAAD scholarships. As of 2024, Georgian students have access to a select pool of DAAD scholarships. Among these, some are tailored specifically for those who would like to pursue a degree in Germany, excluding doctoral programs. It's worth highlighting that these particular scholarships focus exclusively on Master's (graduate) level studies.

DAAD Scholarship for Bachelors in Germany for Georgia

There is currently no DAAD scholarship specifically for Georgian students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Germany. However, if you're an undergraduate student from Georgia, there's an alternative non-degree opportunity: a summer course funded by DAAD.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

DAAD Scholarship for Masters in Germany for Georgia

Georgian students who want to do their master's in Germany can find a relevant full DAAD scholarship to completely cover their living costs during their studies. These scholarships span a wide array of disciplines, from Political Science to Information Technology (IT), providing opportunities for students from diverse fields to benefit from this funding.

List of DAAD requirements for Georgia:

Education gap. Your previous academic degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of the application deadline. Note: Usually, DAAD does not have any age limits.
State of residence. You cannot apply if you have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
Language skills. Your command of English or/and German should be in line with the requirements set out by your desired study program in Germany.
Academic performance. Although usually not explicitly mentioned, your GPA should at least be "GOOD", aka 2.5 according to the German system.

DAAD checklist for Georgia:

Online application form: DAAD provides a user-friendly application form that must be completed in full by the applicant.
Academic certificates: This includes your Bachelor's degree certificate and secondary school completion certificate.
Academic transcript: If your transcript of records doesn't explain the grading system, include a separate document detailing it.
Language proficiency proof: Recent (typically less than 2 years old) English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and/or German (e.g., TestDaf, DSH) language certificates.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A tabular CV/Resume without unexplained gaps.
Letter of Motivation: A compelling 1-3 page letter explaining your motivation for the scholarship.
Recommendation Letter: A reference letter from a professor or employer.

How to apply for a DAAD scholarship from Georgia?

Certify and translate the documents as needed.
Submit the application: Most applications are submitted online via the DAAD portal. However, some scholarships may have diverse submission procedures, such as requiring direct application to the academic program (e.g., Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship).
Wait for the response from DAAD: This can take several months. If your first-stage application is successful, DAAD will contact you and invite you to the second stage of the application process.
Complete the second stage: The second stage varies depending on the scholarship. For instance, it may involve submitting additional documents or an interview (e.g., Study Scholarships-Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines).
Wait for the final results: After completing the second stage, it may take a few months for DAAD to finalize the list of selected scholarship recipients. They will then inform you whether you have been awarded the scholarship.

DAAD Selection Criteria for Georgia

Understanding the selection criteria and process is crucial for refining your application and setting realistic expectations. Craft it carefully to clearly express your goals and reasons for applying.

Extracurricular Activities: in your CV, highlight relevant experiences such as internships, workshops, training programs, publications, or volunteer work. These demonstrate your well-rounded profile and commitment to your field.

DAAD Scholarship Georgia: Deadline & When to Apply

Georgian students should apply for the DAAD scholarship as early as possible! It's crucial to understand that application deadlines for DAAD scholarships vary depending on the specific funding program. Therefore, it's essential to regularly check the relevant program pages for the latest information.

US-Based Scholarships

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

Are you an undergraduate Pell Grant recipient with aspirations for a study abroad stint? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are designed with your interests specifically in mind. Applicants are encouraged who come from non-traditional backgrounds, and the more deeply you are embedded in financial challenges, the better qualified you are, it seems.

David L. Boren Scholarships

The National Security Education Program devised the David L. Boren Scholarships to offer talented students the opportunity to achieve international excellence suited to the new world order.

Fulbright Scholarship Program

The Fulbright Scholarship program for students is world-renowned and ultra-competitive as far as big-name scholarships go, rewarding only the cream-of-the-crop in their field. To be eligible for a Fulbright in Georgia you are expected to possess basic language skills, but the fields of study are wide open and generally geared towards cultural connection or social or political development within international relations.

American Councils for International Education

The American Councils for International Education provides funding under the auspices of the Title VIII program which calls for educational monies to be provided for individuals who are pursuing important research and study programs in Eastern European countries.

International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX)

The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) is a not-for-profit internationally recognized organization whose core mission is to provide opportunities for collegial collaboration between disparate scholars and professionals, thereby creating a better and more connected international world. Part of this mission is the administration of generous and competitive fellowship programs that offer monetary assistance where it is needed.

ASSIST

ASSIST connects exceptional students from Republic of Georgia with top private high schools in North America through competitive, international, one-year scholarships.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Mount Holyoke: Laurel Fellowships are awarded for study abroad in varying amounts to replace the need-based aid that low-income students receive when at Mount Holyoke.
Florida International University: An innovative and exciting program in ecotourism is available at Florida International University.
University Financial Aid Offices: Don’t overlook your own school’s financial aid office, study abroad department, or area of European studies for more resources when it comes to finding funding for your study abroad in the Republic of Georgia.

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