Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) hosted the Swedish-Georgian seminar on cooperation in the sphere of education.
In his speech at the seminar, Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze focused on the importance of cooperation with Sweden in the sphere of higher education. Representatives of Georgian and Swedish higher educational systems, National Erasmus+ Office Georgia, Erasmus + International Office and various universities participated in the seminar.
Erik Johansson, Senior Credential Evaluator at Swedish Council for Higher Education, noted in his presentation on Swedish higher education that Georgian and Swedish universities have two common characteristics to develop future collaboration: a) the both countries are involved in the Bologna process; and b) the both countries recognize each other’s university diplomas. Erik Johansson said that only 39 Georgian students have received education in Sweden so far.
Deputy Rector of TSU, Ioseb Salukvadze said that similar meetings represent a good opportunity for sharing experience, establishing cooperation and introducing exchange programs.
One of the key issues discussed at the seminar was raising funds for Georgian students’ education. Free education in Sweden is only available for Swedish citizens, as well as representatives of the EU member states and European Economic Area (EEA). Other international students have to pay from 8,000€ to 15,000€ to get education in Sweden. Coordinator at National Erasmus+ Office Georgia, Lika Glonti noted that the main purpose of the seminar was to support Georgian students, to cooperate with Swedish universities not only in frames of Erasmus +, but also in frames of the donor program funded by the Swedish government.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017 lists three Swedish universities among the top 100 universities; the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology is ranked 28th. The Swedish universities became famous largely due to their research activities and freedom of thought. They have a long history of enrolling foreign students.
Sweden is distinguished by multicultural society and high standards in human rights protection.
