Celebrating Two Decades of European Higher Education
In October 2025, Ilia State University marked a significant milestone: twenty years of Georgia’s active participation in the Bologna Process. To commemorate this achievement, the university organized a study visit to Brussels, Belgium – the heart of European policy-making and innovation. The trip offered students a firsthand look at the political, institutional, and intellectual foundations that underpin the modern European university system.
Why a Visit to Brussels Matters for Georgian Students
The European Union’s higher education landscape is built on a network of democratic governance, research‑driven innovation, and a strong public responsibility mandate. By visiting Brussels, students could observe how these principles translate into real‑world policies, decision‑making processes, and institutional strategies.
Meet the Key Policy Makers
- The European Parliament – a forum where national interests, EU directives, and student voices intersect.
- The European Commission’s DG EAC – the department responsible for Erasmus+ and the European Education Area.
- Quality Assurance Bodies: ENQA and EQAR – bring visibility and maintain quality across member states.
- University Councils: EUA and ESU – gateways for cross‑border cooperation and student mobility.
- Research Think‑Tank: Bruegel – a premier center offering evidence‑based policy analysis.
Connecting Education to Broader Societal Goals
The discussion with Ghent University and KU Leuven highlighted how European universities balance academic research with public engagement. Students examined the concept of the “third mission,” where universities act as catalysts for social innovation and community development. For Georgian institutions, this represented a model for aligning academic offering with national priorities such as digital transformation, green economy, and inclusive growth.
Insights From Student Reflections
Participants returned with a renewed understanding of how European higher education operates as an integrated ecosystem. Mariam Bashirov remarked, “The university functions not only as an educational hub but also as a bridge between knowledge, society, and political culture.” This observation echoed across the group, suggesting that the study visit was not merely an informational seminar, but a formative experience that reshaped perceptions of higher learning.
Quality Assurance and University Autonomy
At ENQA and EQAR, students questioned the core standards for quality assurance. The emphasis was on how university autonomy serves as a foundation for academic freedom and international cooperation. Evaluating these principles is essential for Georgian universities aiming to meet European benchmark criteria and attract international collaborations.
European Union as a Public Investment Model
The visit underscored how education in Europe is seen as a long‑term public investment. Discussion points included:
- National accountability mechanisms.
- Strategic alignment with the European Higher Education Area.
- Institutional autonomy and the role it plays in national policy frameworks.
Moving Forward: Strategic Alignment for Georgian Universities
The experience highlighted several concrete take‑aways for Georgian higher education institutions:
- Adopt a Clear Quality Assurance Framework: Align internal assessment mechanisms with ENQA and EQAR guidelines to increase transparency and credibility.
- Strengthen External Partnerships: Engage with European partner universities, research centers, and think‑tanks to drive joint projects and funding opportunities.
- Integrate the Third Mission: Encourage faculty and students to work on public service projects that address local and national challenges.
- Enhance Mobility Programs: Expand participation in Erasmus+ and other mobility initiatives to expose Georgian students to diverse academic cultures.
How Ilia State University Supports Global Engagement
Ilia State University has built several pathways to connect Georgian scholars with the European higher education system. Key programs include:
- Pre‑Accelerator Program: A semester‑long program that prepares students for advanced study abroad opportunities.
- International Summer Schools: Intensified courses on subjects ranging from digital humanities to environmental policy.
- Faculty Exchange: Short‑term partnerships with leading European universities to exchange research expertise.
Inspiration for Future Leaders
The study visit to Brussels served as a reminder that strategic educational partnerships proliferate outside the classroom. Students who participated now see education as a tool to foster cultural, civic, and intellectual connections between Georgia and Europe.
Take the Next Step: Join Ilia State University’s International Programs
Explore Ilia State University’s study abroad options and enroll today to become part of a dynamic, globally oriented academic community. Apply now to join our international programs and help shape Georgia’s role in European higher education.
What’s Next for Georgian Higher Education?
As the university reflects on the past two decades, the focus shifts to future growth and innovation. By leveraging the lessons from Brussels, Ilia State University is positioned to lead the way for Georgia’s academic institutions to flourish within the European system.
Call for Engagement
Your perspective matters. Share your thoughts in the comments below and contribute to the dialogue on building a stronger European‑style higher education framework in Georgia. The conversation continues beyond this article.
