Georgian Aviation University
Specialized aviation university for pilots, engineers, and air transport leaders
About
Georgian Aviation University (GAU) is the country’s only specialized civil aviation university. Established in 1992 on the legacy of the Tbilisi Aviation Institute, GAU trains commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, avionics specialists, and aviation managers for airlines across the Caucasus, Middle East, and Europe. Programs follow EASA-aligned syllabi, EASA PART-147 guidelines, and the standards of ICAO and the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency.
The Tbilisi campus houses flight-training devices (FNPT II, Airbus/Boeing procedural trainers), Tecnam & Cessna aircraft, engineering hangars, avionics labs, and cabin crew mock-ups. GAU partners with Georgian Airways, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, TAV Georgia, Sakaeronavigatsia, and multiple MRO organizations for internships and cadet pipelines. Students benefit from English-language instruction, MCC courses, airline interview prep, and dedicated international services that support visa processing, host-family housing, and Georgia CAA licensing paperwork.
College Highlights
College Highlights
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
Key Accreditations & Recognitions
National Accreditation
Licensed by the Georgian National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) and certified by the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) for pilot and maintenance training.
Global Recognition
Curricula aligned with EASA PART-FCL and PART-147, ICAO, and IATA standards. Member of the Association of European Aviation Training Organisations (AETO) and partner schools in Poland, Turkey, and UAE.
Comprehensive Facilities
Flight simulators (FNPT II, B737/A320 procedures), Tecnam/Cessna training fleet, avionics & composites labs, ATC radar simulators, cabin crew training center, and on-site maintenance hangars.
Specialties
Specialties
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Commercial Pilot Training (BSc Flight Operations)
Duration: 4 years (ATPL integrated)
Medium: English
Faculty: School of Flight Operations with airline captains, MCC instructors, and GCAA-certified examiners
Eligibility: High school diploma (math/physics), medical Class 1 certificate, English ICAO Level 4 (IELTS 6.0 equivalent)
Highlights: FNPT II simulators, Tecnam/Cessna fleet, MCC/JOC courses, cadet pathways with Georgian Airways & Wizz Air
Aircraft Maintenance & Avionics Engineering (BEng)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: English & Georgian cohorts
Faculty: Engineering & Avionics faculty with PART-147 certified trainers and MRO partnerships
Eligibility: High school diploma with physics/maths; technical aptitude test; English B1
Highlights: Hands-on training in GAU hangar, composite lab, avionics benches, internships with TbilAviaMsheni and local MROs
Aviation Business & Air Transport Management (BA)
Duration: 4 years
Medium: English & Georgian
Faculty: School of Aviation Management with instructors from TAV Georgia, airlines, and logistics companies
Eligibility: High school diploma; English proficiency IELTS 5.5; interview
Highlights: Courses in airport operations, airline finance, cargo logistics, internships with airports and ground handling firms
Postgraduate Programs
Master in Air Navigation & Air Traffic Management
Duration: 2 years
Medium: English
Eligibility: Bachelor’s in aviation/engineering or related field; ATC aptitude assessment; English ICAO level 4+
Highlights: Training with radar & tower simulators, cooperation with Sakaeronavigatsia, ICAO-compliant procedures, pathways to ATC licensure.
University Highlights
- 30+ years of dedicated aviation education continuing the heritage of the Tbilisi Aviation Institute.
- EASA-aligned syllabi covering pilot training, air traffic management, aircraft maintenance, avionics, and aviation business.
- Fleet of Tecnam/Cessna aircraft, FNPT II simulators, cabin crew mock-ups, and PART-147 maintenance labs.
- Cadet pathways and internships with Georgian Airways, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, TAV Georgia, and Sakaeronavigatsia.
- Over 150 international students from 20+ countries with English-language ATPL theory and MCC training.
- Career services help convert GAU licenses into EASA/FAA validations and prepare for airline assessments.
Fee Structure
| Course | Year Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot Training (BSc Flight Operations) | 7,500 USD per year |
| Aircraft Maintenance & Avionics (BEng) | 4,200 USD per year |
| Aviation Business & Air Transport Management | 3,000 USD per year |
| Master in Air Navigation & ATM | 4,500 USD per year |
| Cabin Crew & Flight Dispatcher Certification | 2,400 USD (6–8 months) |
| Hostel & Simulator Usage Fees | 1,200 – 1,800 USD per year |
Note: Tuition is billed in USD/EUR; simulator hours beyond the curriculum, flight hours, medical exams, visa, and license issuance are additional. GAU offers installment plans, airline-sponsored cadet schemes, and merit scholarships for top-performing cadets.
Campus Photos
Student Reviews & Ratings
Share Your Experience
Help other students by sharing your experience at this university
Write a ReviewRajesh Kumar
December 2024"I joined GAU’s flight operations program in 2021 and now have 180 flight hours, MCC completed, and an internship letter from Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. The simulators challenge you, but the instructors prepare you for real airline check rides."
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What are the admission requirements for the Commercial Pilot program?
Applicants must have a high school diploma with mathematics and physics, pass GAU’s aptitude/psychometric tests, hold an ICAO Level 4 English certificate (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), and secure a Class 1 aviation medical. International candidates also submit a CV, motivation letter, and passport copy.
Are GAU licenses recognized internationally?
Yes. Training is certified by the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency and aligned with ICAO and EASA PART-FCL/PART-147 requirements. GAU graduates can convert their Georgian licenses to EASA/FAA credentials after meeting the respective authority’s exams and skill tests.
What documents are required during admission?
Submit notarized academic transcripts, passport copy, birth certificate, aviation medical certificate, English proficiency proof, CV, personal statement, and financial support affidavit. All documents must be apostilled/legalized before being filed with Georgian authorities.
Fees & Living
What is the average cost of living in Tbilisi for GAU students?
Students typically spend 400-500 USD per month covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. GAU dorms or shared apartments cost 150-220 USD, metro/bus passes are under 15 USD, and additional funds are required for simulator hours, medical renewals, and licensing paperwork.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Yes. GAU partners with airlines for cadet sponsorships, offers Women in Aviation and STEM excellence grants, and allows tuition installment plans. High-performing students can also compete for government scholarships and Erasmus+ mobility funding.