- Address: N, 32 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Founded: 2006
- Number of students: 16,000
- Phone: +995 32 222 00 09
- Campus: 12
- Language: Georgian, English
- Academic staff: 800
Ilia State University was founded in 2006 as a result of a merger of six different academic institutions with long and varied histories. Currently, it is one of the leading research and educational institutions in Georgia. Representing a union of students and professors, ISU is a multifunctional educational and research institution offering a common space for academic and professional education and research with the joint efforts of its students, professors, teachers and researchers.
The union is based on the three following principles:
- Academic Freedom
- Freedom of Conscience
- Freedom of Choice
These principles are closely interrelated and interdependent: Students, teachers, professors and researchers are free to choose areas of study and research, as well as colleagues and supervisors to work with. No one has the right to forbid them from conducting studies on a certain topic or publishing research findings for political or moral reasons. Students and professors are free to choose any form of transparent and responsible self-governance they believe is best for the advancement of their union– the university–and its goals and objectives.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is grounded in its values and vision, defining the University’s role in societal development and outlining its functions for the next seven years.
The mission of Ilia State University is to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge to advance scientific progress and societal development, both locally and internationally.
This mission is built upon three core principles of unity:
A) Integration of Research and Teaching (Research Teaching Nexus): The University fosters an environment where the same group of individuals is involved in both generating knowledge and imparting it, offering students the opportunity to actively participate in the process of knowledge creation.
B) Unity of General Education Common (Liberal Arts) Curriculum and Specialized Educationand Specialization: Ilia State University is at the forefront of educational institutions introducing key elements of liberal education and open science into Georgia’s higher education landscape. It remains committed to preserving and enhancing these principles while integrating them with rigorous specialization requirements. The educational system and its entire process are based on the Humboldtian model and the ideal of higher education, whose main idea is the holistic combination of research and learning. This model integrates learning with research, as a fundamental approach to acquiring general education and profound knowledge.
C) Unity of the Universal and the Local: This principle encompasses two vital aspects. Firstly, it involves creating and disseminating science as universally shareable knowledge. Secondly, it entails generating, transferring, and applying new knowledge to address regional, national, and local challenges. Moreover, within the context of European integration and the critical transitional period for the country, this unity underscores the reinforcement of the University’s public mission.
Values
Ilia State University recognizes the pivotal role of higher education in shaping the foundations of societal development and well-being. It formulates its 2024-2030 strategy based on the following values and principles:
- Autonomy: The University operates as an autonomous educational institution, empowered to make independent decisions within legal frameworks to effectively fulfill its core functions.
- Equal Opportunities and Inclusive Environment: The University ensures equal opportunities for students, academic, and administrative staff in learning, teaching, work, and personal development. It fosters freedom of choice and supports appropriate actions while promoting a fair and inclusive environment, irrespective of individuals’ origin, citizenship, beliefs, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical, and/or financial capabilities.
- Diversity: The University promotes diversity in cultural, educational, and research activities as the foundation for creating public value.
- Academic Freedom: The University upholds the freedom of choice and action for scientific/academic staff and students regarding academic activities.
- Social Responsibility: The University undertakes unique projects with a long-term targeted approach, utilizing scientific and human resources for the sustainable development of society and addressing global and national challenges.
- Integrity: The University upholds integrity as the primary criterion in its learning/teaching and research processes.
- Transparency and Openness: The University is accountable to the public and proactively disseminates information about its activities. It also actively seeks cooperation.
- Focus on Development: The University adopts a proactive approach to evaluate its activities, identifying and rectifying weaknesses to ensure continuous development.
Vision
Ilia State University’s strategy for 2024-2030 offers a clear vision for the University’s future direction. It delineates the primary objective, an optimal target to be attained through the execution of the strategy.
By 2030, Ilia State University aims to establish itself as the premier research institution in Georgia and the wider region, adhering to Western standards. This positioning will serve as the foundation for driving scientific and technological advancements, fostering high-quality educational practices, and promoting societal well-being through innovative approaches. The University is steadfast in its commitment to tackling global, regional, and national challenges. By fostering and implementing a knowledge-based economy, it aims to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development and facilitating Georgia’s integration into Europe.