Georgia implements vocational training programmes for specialised manual labour (welding, plumbing, automation, car repairs and others). The vocational training programmes provided by the state are also open to recognised refugees, humanitarian status holders, asylum-seekers and stateless individuals. The training programmes are held in the Georgian language with the possibility of taking one year Georgian language preparatory course. The entrance exams can be taken in the Georgian, Russian, Azerbaijani, Armenian languages. Starting 2020 there will be a possibility of taking an entrance exam in the English language.
Since 2015 the government of Georgia finances study at vocational training programmes for asylum-seekers, refugees, humanitarian status holders and stateless persons in State educational institutions. Starting from 2019, the vocational studies will also be financed in private educational institutions if the candidates are enrolled in study programmes upon passing the entry test organized by National Assessment and Examination Centre (NAEC).
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport opens registration twice a year in spring and autumn for vocational training programmes. The Autumn registration for vocational training programmes starts in September.
During registration individuals need to present identification document in resource centers in different locations throughout Georgia and Vocational Education Training (VET) institutions by presenting ID card and school diploma. In addition, applicants have opportunity to register through online application form at http://www.vet.emis.ge
What tests are needed to be admitted to VET programmes?
After completion of registration, in order to start learning on the initial level of VET, the applicant should pass vocational testing arranged by the NAEC of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. The purpose of the tests is to determine compliance of vocational skills of applicants with chosen occupations. Samples of the tests are available at the web page of NAEC in Georgian language. At this stage applicants can pass the test in Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian languages. From September 2020, NAEC plans to prepare tests in English language as well. For interested candidates, extracts from the sample test have been translated in English by World Vision Georgia project staff and is available in a separate file.
In addition to the basic test, depending on the programme, applicants may be asked to pass a foreign language or specialized test if the programme has such requirement (e.g. geography, natural sciences, etc.).
People with disabilities are able to register to the programs as per procedures described above, and they take alternative tests, created specially by multidisciplinary team.
Students wishing to progress to higher levels of education, or pursue advanced degrees, take testing organized by individual VET institutions.
How to get funding for education programme?
As the applicant passes minimal competence barrier set for the tests organized by NAEC, he/she is eligible for the state funding and receiving desirable education for free.
Language of Instruction
Currently VET institutions deliver their programmes in Georgian language. For non-Georgians who have a language barrier, at the beginning of the programme intensive Georgian language training course (2-3 months duration) is offered after which the vocational training starts.
Open Door Days
The VET Institutions offer a number of open door days, where all interested individuals can get detailed information about the institutions, its VET programs, get to know the material-technical base of the VET institution, meet teachers, representatives of the organizations offering internships and also successful graduates.
Students of the general education institutions also have possibility to meet the representatives of the VET institutions in school and get the required information on-place by means of presentations.
The above-mentioned activities represent one of the best ways to be well-informed for both parents and prospective students. Gathered information will ensure the base for the correct career planning and choice of the profession.