Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University​

The first ever national university in the Caucasus was opened in 1918 to lay the foundation for a European-type higher school in Georgia, based on Georgian educational traditions.

The idea of establishing the university first emerged from the early nineteenth century amid the intensification of the struggle for liberation from the Russian Empire.
A new generation led by the great Georgian public figure Ilya Chavchavadze, with whom a new stage of spiritual revival in the history of our country was associated, appeared in the 1860s. The struggle to establish the university became especially strong during those years.

The real possibilities of establishing a higher school were opened after the establishment of the Nobiliary Manorial Estate in Tbilisi. It was the only bank in the whole of the Russian Empire, which spent its income to further the cultural, educational and economic interests of the nation.
From the beginning of the twentieth century, Ivan Javakishvili, who undertook his studies in Petersburg and became his assistant professor, began to organize the foundation of the Georgian University. From the first days of the February Revolution of 1917, Ivan Javakishvili, who was then in Petersburg, began active preparations for the opening of a higher educational institution.

The first gathering of the founders of the university association was held in the apartment of Merikishvili House in Tbilisi on May 12. The assembly was chaired by ICV Time Takashvili. It was only on that day, when the Georgian Free University Association was founded, which later played a large role in the founding of the university.

In the fall of 1917, the founders of the university intensified their efforts to open a higher education institution. It was decided to establish only one college at first – the College of Philosophy, which was to unite the humanities as well as the natural sciences and mathematics. In late December, the Georgian press had already reported that the first students had entered the Georgian University.

Thus, the first national university in the Caucasus was inaugurated on January 26, 1918, the day of commemoration of King David the Builder (new style on February 8). On the nomination of Ivan Javakishvili, the Council of Professors elected Peter Mellikishvili as the first rector of the university. Ivan Javakishvili took charge of the Faculty of Philosophy. In 1989 Tbilisi State University was named after its founder Ivan Javakishvili.

Today Ivan Javakishvili Tbilisi State University is one of the first scientific research institutions in Georgia. It implements about 200 local and international scholarship programs annually. Tbilisi State University is one of the largest higher education institutions in terms of its scope. Today about 22 thousand students are studying in seven TSU colleges.

In addition to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs, Tbilisi State University also applies higher professional education, as well as short and long-term degree programs. Based on close cooperation with foreign universities, Georgian students have opportunities to participate in joint and joint international educational programs and obtain dual academic degrees.

Tbilisi State University is an active member of the leading international education networks and is proud of its graduates – outstanding professors, scholars and alumni who have successfully integrated into European society and gained recognition worldwide.

TSU offers a wide range of degree programs at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels and short courses offered in English that attract students from all over the world. TSU’s assimilation is rapid and aims to create a multicultural environment that will enhance teaching and research opportunities. TSU promotes equal access to education and believes in the inclusion and evaluation of all students and staff.