Meeting of Rectors’ Council was held at the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. Minister Tamar Sanikidze, Deputy Ministers and Rectors of Higher education institutions attended the meeting.

A number of important issues were discussed at the meeting. Firstly, Deputy Minister Lia Gigauri introduced new scheme for teachers’ professional development to the Council. Lia Gigauri spoke about the need of the educational programs that will enhance motivation of young cadres and help them enter the profession.

Head of TEMPUS Office in Georgia Lika Ghlonti presented novelties in the direction of higher education within the Erasmus+ program. Erasmus+ is a program in education, sports and youth affairs. In 2014, it has replaced all previous programs.  

Erasmus + preserves all the previous aspects of cooperation and emphasizes individual partnership between the universities of Europe and Georgia. This will bring along implementation of educational programs and courses, standards of European administration etc.   

Georgian students’ mobility in Europe has considerably increased during the past few years, as well as European students’ interest in Georgian higher education institutions. Erasmus+ brings our system closer to the European area and encourages equal partnership between the Universities of Georgia and Europe.

Information regarding amendments in Georgian legislation were also presented. These amendments ensure increase in autonomy and level of independence for the institutions.  LEPL higher education institution is entitled to define own staff list, salary fund, run publishing works, educational and research products sales, additional enterprenual activities etc. Institutions will be authorized to make simplified purchase of goods that are necessary for daily use: computers, pharmaceutical products, laboratory equipment etc.  

It is noteworthy that State higher education institutions will be exempt from property tax, this in turn will improve their financial condition.