PAKISTAN – For many young people in Pakistan, studying in a European country is a lifelong dream. They imagine great universities, new friends, and a bright future. But for years, this dream has been very hard to reach. Big schools in countries like England or America cost a lot of money, and the rules are very tough.
But now, a new door is opening. Thousands of students are looking towards a small country that sits between Europe and Asia: Georgia. It’s becoming a popular, surprising choice. Let’s take a deep dive into why this is happening and what every student and parent should know.
What is Georgia Really Like?
Most people know about London or New York. But what about Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia?
Imagine a city where old stone castles sit on hills looking down at shiny new buildings and busy cafes. That’s Tbilisi. Georgia is a country of high mountains where you can ski in the winter and beautiful beaches on the Black Sea for the summer.
It’s known for being very safe. People are friendly and are used to seeing visitors from all over the world. This mix of old history and new ideas makes it an exciting place for a young person to live.
The Biggest Reason: Good Schools That Don’t Break the Bank
The number one reason students are choosing Georgia is money. The cost of learning is much lower than in other places.
- How much cheaper is it? A full year of school in Georgia can cost between $2,500 and $6,000. In other Western countries, that number can be five or even ten times higher. This is a huge relief for families in Pakistan.
- What can you study? The most popular courses for Pakistani students are in medicine. Many dream of becoming doctors, dentists, or pharmacists, and Georgian schools are known for this. They also have great programs for business and computer science.
- No Hard English Test? Most schools in Georgia teach their classes in English. Because of this, they often do not ask for a high score on a difficult English test like IELTS, which saves students time and money.
A Degree That Opens Doors Across Europe
One of the best things about studying in Georgia is something called ECTS.
Think of it like this: every class you take gives you “school points.” The ECTS is a system that all countries in Europe understand. So, if you finish school in Georgia with 180 points, a school in Germany or Sweden knows exactly how much you have learned.
This is very important. It means your Georgian degree is respected. It acts like a key that can help you unlock doors to other European countries if you decide you want to continue studying or working there later.
The Biggest Hurdle: The Difficult Journey for a Visa
So, what’s the hardest part? Getting the permission slip to go. This permission slip is called a student visa.
For Pakistani students, this is a very big challenge. There is no Georgian embassy in Pakistan where you can go to get this visa. Students have to travel to another country, like Iran or Turkey, just to hand in their papers.
This journey costs a lot of money for flights and hotels. It’s also stressful because there is no guarantee that you will get the visa after spending all that money. This is the one problem that makes many families worry. It is important to always check the official government websites for the most current rules.
What is Daily Life and How Much Does It Cost?
Once a student gets to Georgia, life is usually calm and affordable.
In cities like Tbilisi or Batumi, you can find Halal food shops and restaurants. There are thousands of other Pakistani students there, so it’s easy to make friends who understand your culture.
Let’s look at a simple monthly budget:
- A place to live (rent): $300 – $500
- Food (if you cook): $150
- Bus or Metro Pass: $15
- Phone and Internet: $20
A student can live a comfortable life for about $500 to $700 a month. This is much lower than the cost of living in most of Europe.
What Happens After You Finish School?
The big question is always about the future. What can you do with your Georgian degree?
- Staying in Georgia: The government gives graduates a special permit to stay for one year to look for a job. The country has a growing need for people in technology, healthcare, and business.
- A Path to a Long-Term Stay: If you find a job and live in Georgia for some years, you can apply for something called Permanent Residency (PR). PR is like getting permission to live in Georgia for a very long time, even if you are not a student.
- Becoming a Citizen: Far down the road, it is even possible to apply for citizenship. This is the final step, like becoming a full member of the Georgian family, which comes with a Georgian passport.
A Good Choice, But Be Careful
Georgia is a wonderful opportunity. It offers a quality European education at a price many Pakistani families can afford.
However, it is not a perfect fairytale. The visa process is a real problem that costs time and money. Life in a new country can be lonely at first. And finding a job after graduation takes hard work.
For any student thinking about this path, the best advice is to do your homework. Talk to real students, check the official school websites, and understand all the costs and challenges before making a final decision.