Today Kutaisi International University was solemnly opened. The event was attended by the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, the Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Archil Talakvadze, and the Honorary President of KIU, Professor Wolfgang A. Herman.

This year, Kutaisi International University (KIU) admitted the first batch of students to three undergraduate English language programs: Management, Mathematics and Computer Science. Criteria for admitting students to KIU is one of the highest amongst the higher education institution in Georgia and is in compliance with the requirements held by the Munich Technical University. According to STEM program rankings, KIU is among the three universities with the highest barrier in Georgia. This year, a total of 1112 entrants expressed a desire to become a KIU student. Only 245 of them managed to overcome the high bar imposed by the university.

Having monitored the data, Computer Science stands as most popular KIU program, with the largest number of students enrolled. With Management and Mathematics holding second and third place, respectively. Outstandingly, 35% of students enrolled in Mathematics are girls. One of the top priorities of the University is to increase the involvement of women in the field of exact and natural sciences.

Moreover, 90% of students enrolled in the university had KIU as their first choice during the Unified National Examinations, in conjunction with 78% of students able to obtain state funding. The university also boasts distinguished and high-scoring, bright young people from Khulo, Tsageri, Chiatura, Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Sachkhere and other regions of Georgia, who appear in the top 100 of the student rankings. Additionally, students of the university are winners of both international and national competitions and various Olympiads. Among them are fifteen finalists of the Mathematical and Algorithmic Competition (Vector) and two successful inventors of the Millennium Innovation Competition.

Kutaisi International University cooperates with the leading European Technical University in Munich (TUM International GmbH and TUM). KIU's operating model and software have been developed in partnership with TUM and TUM International GmbH. Tuition at KIU is in English and is taught to students by Georgian and European professors.

Additionally, I would particularly like to mention the scientific research side of this university, which will be very active and visibly presented to all faculties. The Hadron Therapy Centre will start functioning in the university in a few years’ time. Currently, one of the leading companies in the world, IBA, is manufacturing and assembling a cyclotron. This project is also funded by the Cartu Foundation. Cyclotrons are used to treat tumours with ultra-modern methods, which is especially important for children with cancer. I have personally met with the world's leading researchers in the field of oncology and proton therapy, and they have already expressed readiness and great enthusiasm to conduct a scientific research process with Georgian scientists here in Kutaisi. Accordingly, Kutaisi International University and Hadron Therapy Centre will become an academic and scientific centre of world importance.

Kutaisi International University (KIU) is located in Kutaisi, within an ecologically clean environment. The campus is built on 153 hectares of land and includes state-of-the-art academic buildings, libraries, cafeterias, well-equipped sports and road infrastructure, common workspaces, student dormitories, as well as dormitories for academic and administrative staff.