Learning Georgian: language courses in Tbilisi and Batumi

How to learn Georgian and prove your level

1. 1
   Start with the alphabet and free textbooks

   The Georgian alphabet has 33 letters: 5 vowels and 28 consonants, and each sound has its own letter. The Ministry of Education's "Georgian as a Foreign Language" programme offers free access on its site, geofl.ge, to the Aghmarti textbooks with workbooks for levels A1–B2+, reading texts up to C1, grammars, online exercises and a learner's dictionary.

2. 2
   Choose a free course

   We found two free state courses for adults. The "1+4" university programme is not an option: it is for Georgian citizens who finished school in a language other than Georgian.

   Zhvania School: with a teacherThe website of the Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration says its state language programme is open to anyone and fully paid for by the state. Levels run from A1 to B1+, groups have 8–15 people, and you get a certificate at the end. In-person classes are held at 10 centres and in mobile groups in villages in Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kakheti. Tbilisi and Batumi are not on this list. You can sign up using the online form on zspa.ge: there you choose online or in person and your native language, with Russian and Ukrainian on the list. Required fields: a personal number, a scan of your ID and a 9-digit phone number in the format of a Georgian mobile. You can also sign up by email: download the PDF form from the same page and send it to zspa@zspa.ge. The PDF form also lets you choose a class time: 10:00–13:00, 14:00–16:00 or 16:00–19:00. According to Bumaga, after you sign up there is a short interview, which determines your level and group.

   or

   Ministry of Justice course: on your ownThe Training Center of Justice launched a free online course on eacademy.tcj.gov.ge in April 2024. It has 20 lessons for people who do not speak Georgian, and you get a certificate at the end. Explanations are in English, Armenian, Azerbaijani and Ukrainian. The course is open to everyone, including foreigners and people preparing for citizenship.
3. 3
   Paid courses in Tbilisi and Batumi

   Here are two examples, with prices from the schools' official websites. This is not a ranking or a full list of schools. Prices were checked on 29 September 2026, and the pages have no publication dates, so confirm the price before you pay.

   Tbilisi: Ilia State UniversityGroups of 5–7 people: 400 ₾ per sub-level, which is 80 academic hours. Sub-levels run from A1.1 to C1. One-to-one lessons cost 20 ₾ an hour. A place is reserved after a placement test and payment. Registration is on weekdays from 11:00 to 17:00 at 32 Chavchavadze Avenue, room A301.

   or

   Batumi: Sami Residence8 classes in a group of up to 12 cost 250 ₾, or 400 ₾ for 16 classes paid upfront. Address: 5 Takaishvili Street. Group schedules are on the school's website.
4. 4
   Practise speaking at a club

   The khidi ("bridge") club meets on Saturdays at 17:00 at Novel Cafe in Tbilisi. There is one rule: speak only Georgian. Taking part is free, as stated in the description of the gespeaking Telegram channel and in every announcement. Ordering food and drinks at the cafe is up to you. According to Bumaga, the club has been running for 3 years, and both foreigners and native speakers come. The announcement for each meeting is posted in the channel early in the week.

5. 5
   Need proof of your level? Take the NAEC exam

   The National Assessment and Examinations Center has held a state language exam since December 2025. There are two tests, for levels A1–A2 and B1–B2. Both cover listening, reading, writing and speaking. Anyone can take it. Registration is online, and you cannot complete it without paying. Bring your ID to the exam, with a notarised Georgian translation if it is a foreign document. The document confirming your level is issued by the State Language Department within 10 days of the centre sending it the results. From the 2027/28 academic year, this exam is compulsory for foreigners who enter Georgian-language university programmes without the Unified National Examinations or the General Master's Examinations. Bachelor's programmes and programmes in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine require at least B1, and master's programmes at least B2.

   50 ₾ — exam fee · 50 ₾ — appeal against the score, refunded if the score is changed
6. 6
   For citizenship, take the Public Service Development Agency's naturalisation exam

   Language, history and the basics of law are tested before you apply for citizenship. You can sign up at the Public Service Development Agency, at a Public Service Hall, or at a Georgian embassy or consulate: you need your ID and a colour photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, in electronic form. You choose a date within 2 months and can reschedule it up to 48 hours before the exam. In Georgia, the exam is held only in Tbilisi; abroad, it is taken at embassies and consulates. The exam is computer-based and in Georgian: 10 questions and 20 minutes for each subject, with at least 7 correct answers needed in each. The result is valid for 1 year. Question banks for all three subjects are on the Agency's website; for language, that is 200 questions with answers.

   First attempt — free · retake — 40 ₾, paid by the end of the next working day · retake at a consulate — $15