Free University of Tbilisi
Entrepreneurial private university founded by the Knowledge Fund
About
Free University of Tbilisi (Freeuni) is a private, non-profit university founded in 2007 by philanthropist Kakha Bendukidze through the Knowledge Fund. Built on the legacy of ESM Business School and the Math & Computer Science School (MACS), Freeuni now hosts seven schools spanning business, computer science, law & international relations, governance & social sciences, visual arts & design, physics & engineering, and liberal arts. The university delivers bilingual (Georgian/English) curricula with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, research, and global mobility.
The 11-hectare Tbilisi campus features collaborative learning studios, high-performance computing labs, startup incubators, film & design workshops, engineering makerspaces, and a 24/7 library. Freeuni students benefit from over 70 Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange partnerships, industry-backed innovation challenges, and integration with the Knowledge Fund’s venture ecosystem (including Agricultural University of Georgia). Small class sizes, practitioner faculty, and merit-based scholarships attract talented students from across Georgia and 25+ other countries.
College Highlights
College Highlights
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
National Accreditation
Accredited by the Georgian National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) and supervised by the Knowledge Fund Board. ESM Business School holds CEEMAN IQA quality assurance status.
Global Recognition
Member of AACSB-affiliated networks, CFA Institute University Affiliation Program (ESM), Microsoft Learn for Educators, Google Developer Student Clubs, and numerous Erasmus+ consortia.
Comprehensive Facilities
High-performance computing labs, cybersecurity & robotics centers, Bloomberg finance lab, design studios, makerspaces, startup incubator, and on-campus dormitories.
Specialties
Specialties
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
ESM Business Administration (BBA)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: English & Georgian cohorts
Faculty: ESM professors with CFA/ACCA credentials, visiting lecturers from global firms
Eligibility: High school diploma, mathematics/English entrance exams; IELTS 6.0 (or Freeuni placement) for international students
Highlights: Bloomberg lab, CFA Institute affiliation, startup accelerator, dual-degree tracks with EU partners
Computer Science & Mathematics (MACS)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: English & Georgian
Faculty: ACM ICPC medalists, Google Developer Experts, CERN collaborators
Eligibility: High school diploma with strong math, national/university entrance exam in mathematics; English proficiency required for English track
Highlights: HPC cluster, cybersecurity & AI labs, Google DSC, participation in international olympiads
International Relations & Law (School of Governance)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: English & Georgian
Faculty: Diplomats, policy advisors, practicing attorneys, EU law scholars
Eligibility: High school diploma, competitive Freeuni entrance interview/essay; English proficiency (IELTS 6.0) for English track
Highlights: Model UN, moot court, internships with parliament, MFA, think tanks, dual-degree pathways in Europe
Postgraduate Programs
Master in Data Science & Business Analytics (ESM + MACS)
Duration: 18–24 months (evening & modular format)
Medium: English
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in STEM, economics, or business; programming & statistics background; English proficiency (IELTS 6.5); GMAT/Freeuni analytical test
Highlights: Industry capstone with Georgian tech firms, access to Freeuni HPC cluster, joint mentorship by ESM and MACS faculty
University Highlights
- Created in 2007 by the Knowledge Fund to provide an agile, student-centered alternative to traditional higher education.
- Seven specialized schools integrating business, technology, design, governance, and liberal arts under one campus.
- National winners of ACM ICPC, CFA Research Challenge, Jessup Moot Court, and international startup competitions.
- Startup Garage incubator, Knowledge Fund venture studio, and Freeuni FabLab provide end-to-end innovation support.
- 70+ Erasmus+ and bilateral partners, including Sciences Po, Bocconi, KU Leuven, University of Texas at Dallas, and Tokyo Tech.
- Merit-based scholarships, need grants, and Kakha Bendukidze Fellowship keep tuition accessible to top-performing students.
Fee Structure
| Course | Year Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| ESM Business Administration (BBA) | 4,500 USD per year |
| Computer Science & Mathematics (MACS) | 4,300 USD per year |
| International Relations & Law | 4,000 USD per year |
| Visual Arts & Design / Creative Technologies | 3,800 USD per year |
| Master in Data Science & Business Analytics | 5,500 USD per year |
| Campus Housing & Student Services | 1,200 – 1,600 USD per year |
Note: Tuition is billed in Georgian Lari (GEL) with USD equivalents shown for reference. Scholarships (10–70%), tuition waivers for Olympiad winners, and Knowledge Fund fellowships are available. Visa, insurance, personal laptops, and study trips are billed separately.
Campus Photos
Student Reviews & Ratings
Share Your Experience
Help other students by sharing your experience at this university
Write a ReviewRajesh Kumar
December 2024"Freeuni's classes are hands-on and the professors push us to build products, not just pass exams. I joined the Startup Garage in my second year and now work with a fintech team while finishing my MACS degree."
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What are the admission requirements for undergraduate programs?
Applicants must hold a recognized high school diploma, pass the Georgian national exams or Freeuni’s internal tests, and complete additional mathematics/logic assessments for ESM and MACS. English-track applicants need IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 72 (or Freeuni’s English placement exam). Motivational essays and interviews are required for Law & IR.
Are Free University of Tbilisi degrees recognized internationally?
Yes. Freeuni is accredited by NCEQE and its degrees follow the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). ESM Business School is affiliated with CEEMAN IQA and the CFA Institute, while MACS collaborates with ACM/IEEE networks. Graduates pursue master’s programs across the EU, UK, and US without credential issues.
What documents are required during admission?
Submit notarized academic transcripts (10th & 12th), passport copy, birth certificate, English proficiency proof, national exam results (or exemption letter), résumé, motivational letter, two recommendations, and financial guarantee. International applicants must legalize/apostille documents according to Georgian visa rules.
Fees & Living
What is the average cost of living in Tbilisi for students?
Students typically spend 350–450 USD per month covering shared apartments or Freeuni dorms (150–220 USD), meals, public transport, utilities, and personal expenses. Tbilisi’s metro/bus pass is under 20 USD per month, and most entertainment options qualify for student discounts.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Yes. Freeuni provides merit scholarships (10–100%), Kakha Bendukidze fellowships, need-based grants, and Erasmus+ mobility funding. Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA and active campus engagement is required to renew aid each semester.