Problems of distribution and use of state education grants in contemporary Georgia

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the problems of distribution and use of state education grants in higher education in contemporary Georgia. It analyzes the existing systems and approaches to funding tuition fees at universities in the former Soviet Union, Europe and the United States. Shortcomings of the current rule on the distribution and use of state grants are shown: low motivation to study, social injustice in the education process, unrealistic autonomy of universities and faculties in the distribution and use of state grants, a high likelihood of committing a crime by students who miss lecture-seminars and others. Various possible options for tuition reimbursement are analyzed. The views of education system experts and leading specialists in the field of education and science on the issue are discussed. An authorial model for the distribution and use of the state education grant is proposed and the advantages of introducing this model over the existing model are highlighted. The following measures are proposed to improve the distribution and use of the state education grant: The state education grant should be distributed according to the results of the Unified National Examinations. All students enrolled in the University in the first semester of study should be equally awarded a scholarship, the amount of which should not be less than the minimum amount of the state education grant. Scholarship scheduling should be done according to the results of the first semester exams differentiated according to the students’ academic performance and professional directions. The GPA system of knowledge assessment should be taken as a basis. The proposed activities are expected to increase the motivation to study, a large number of students will try to obtain and maintain a state study grant, social justice will be achieved in the process of distribution and application of grants, scholarships will be awarded only to students with high academic achievement under the GPA system. As a result of decentralization of distribution and use of state education grant, universities and faculties will be given real autonomy in the distribution and use of state grants, will be improved discipline, increased student attendance at lectures, greatly reduced students crime, and most students will be forced to get involved maximally in education process.