Integration of the Georgian higher education system into the global market of higher education services

Abstract

The paper aims to analyze the current state of integration and involvement of the Georgian higher education system in the global higher education market and to develop specific measures to accelerate the internationalization and integration of the country’s higher education system. In the recent period, the integration of the Georgian higher education system with the global higher education market has been deepening, as evidenced by the increasing number of Georgian students receiving higher education abroad, as well as the increasing number of foreign students receiving higher education in Georgia. Due to the important role and significance in the development of both the country’s higher education and the entire country, the paper places special emphasis on an important criterion reflecting the internationalization and integration of the country’s higher education system – the growing trend of foreign students in Georgian universities. In the conditions of growing international competition in the global higher education market, attracting foreign students directly contributes to the country’s sustainable economic development, connects Georgian universities with international academic standards and practices, promotes cultural diversity, and increases the visibility, reputation, and competitiveness of Georgian higher education institutions in the global higher education market. The paper presents the results of a study of factors affecting the purchasing intentions of foreign students to receive higher education in Georgia, as well as the existing barriers and challenges in this direction, based on which specific recommendations have been developed that will ensure the acceleration of the integration of the Georgian higher education system into global processes and the overcoming of existing challenges.