In a significant blow to Georgia’s education sector, the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) has suspended the registration of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). This decision, announced in December 2024, is based on violations related to political interference and governance concerns dating back to 2023. The suspension marks a major setback for Georgia’s higher education system, potentially undermining the credibility of its academic institutions both within Europe and globally.
EQAR’s Concerns Over Political Interference
EQAR’s decision stems from what it calls a “potential conflict of interest” due to the appointment of Tamar Makharashvili as the Director of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement. Makharashvili was appointed Deputy Minister of Education of Georgia, a role that raised alarms among EQAR experts regarding the independence of the education quality assurance body.
The European body emphasized that the director or any responsible official of such a center should not simultaneously hold a political office. This overlap, according to EQAR, jeopardizes the Center’s ability to operate without political influence, which is a fundamental principle for maintaining credibility in the higher education sector.
EQAR’s report clearly states that any actions or appointments that threaten the independence of a national quality assurance body undermine both the integrity of the system and trust in its standards. As a result, it called for clear procedures to ensure that future practices are free from political interference.
Impact on Georgia’s Higher Education System
The suspension of the NCEQE’s EQAR registration is a major blow to the reputation of Georgia’s higher education system. Experts warn that the suspension could have wide-ranging consequences, including:
- Loss of Trust: Georgia’s higher education system no longer meets European standards, raising doubts about the quality and reliability of educational programs offered by Georgian universities.
- International Recognition at Risk: The suspension could make it difficult for Georgian students and graduates to have their academic credentials recognized abroad, particularly within the EU and the European Higher Education Area.
- International Collaboration in Jeopardy: Current and future international educational programs, including joint collaborations with foreign universities, may be at risk. This could hamper the country’s efforts to internationalize its education system and foster global academic partnerships.
- Decline in Student Mobility: With a potential decline in the number of international students coming to Georgia, as well as reduced student mobility, Georgia’s universities may face decreased revenues. This could affect the overall quality of education as financial resources become limited.
Long-Term Economic Consequences
The suspension of the NCEQE’s accreditation could also have a devastating impact on Georgia’s medical education sector. Without EQAR recognition, the country could lose accreditation from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), further complicating the recognition of medical degrees from Georgian universities. This could lead to a significant decrease in the number of foreign students enrolling in medical programs in Georgia, dealing a severe blow to both public and private universities that rely on these international enrollments for financial stability.
Additionally, the European Commission has hinted at extending EU sanctions to include Georgian diplomats, which could affect their visa-free travel to EU countries. If the proposal is approved, government officials and their families would be required to apply for short-stay visas, further isolating Georgia from the European Union.
The Path Forward
For Georgia’s education sector to regain its standing on the international stage, reforms are necessary. Key steps include ensuring that quality assurance bodies are shielded from political interference and restoring trust in the country’s academic institutions. Clear, transparent procedures must be put in place to prevent such conflicts of interest from arising in the future. If these measures are not taken, the consequences for Georgia’s higher education system could be severe and long-lasting.
The suspension by EQAR serves as a stark reminder that political influence in academic governance can have far-reaching implications. As Georgia navigates the challenges ahead, the country must act swiftly to rebuild its credibility and restore confidence in its education system both domestically and abroad.
