The market for electronic education technologies is growing fast, and clients often ask whether Georgia has a separate legal regulation for EdTech. The answer is direct: no — a special EdTech statute does not exist, but the electronic system for managing the study process is regulated by the Law on Higher Education. This page explains what the law requires of electronic learning, what the system must look like, in which cases the electronic form is permitted, and what guarantees a student holds.
The statutory definition of electronic learning
The law defines electronic learning directly: it means conducting the study process, or part of it, on a higher education programme through a modern electronic means of communication — an electronic system for managing the study process. This definition matters for two reasons. First, it places the system — not just any technology — at the centre. Second, it treats electronic learning within the context of a higher education programme, meaning the boundaries of this regulation are set by the level of education.
What the system must ensure
The law's requirement towards the system is specific: an electronic system for managing the study process ensures the organisation and conduct of the study process based on modern, licensed information and communication technologies. Such a system is used for delivering study materials, for the student's communication and interaction with other students and with the institution's staff, for assessments to be conducted objectively, transparently and fairly, for consultation, and for monitoring progress. One essential detail: the form of communication must be synchronous — communication carried out at one and the same time. The institution must ensure the selection of a modern, licensed application or platform and its proper, interactive use.
Which courses may go electronic
The permissibility of electronic learning depends on the type of course. Under the law, the institution may offer a student to take by electronic form a course or subject that includes a theoretical component and does not include a practical component — study or enterprise practice, laboratory work, clinical training and other components that require the physical, simultaneous presence of the student and staff in one environment. In such a case interim, final and additional examinations are held at the institution itself. In addition, the detailed list of fields of study and the maximum number of credits within which electronic learning is permitted are approved, on the proposal of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, by the minister under the established procedure.
Student guarantees
The law leaves the student a choice: for a student who does not choose the electronic form for a course of theoretical content, the institution must ensure the planning and conduct of the study process in a non-electronic form — on site, by attending the institution. This norm is an important guarantee: the electronic format is an offer, not an imposition. Other technology-related regulations — including the American FERPA and Title IX — are non-Georgian norms and do not extend to the Georgian educational process: the protection of student data and rights here is defined by Georgian legislation.
Master's programmes and the fully electronic format
A separate possibility exists at the master's level: the institution may develop a master's programme that implies conducting the study process entirely in electronic form. In that case examinations may be held electronically or on site — by attending the institution. Acquiring this right rests on accreditation: the right to conduct the electronic form is obtained by the institution on the basis of passing accreditation. The control function is also defined: no later than 60 days before starting electronic learning, the institution notifies the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, and the Center is authorised to inspect the conditions of the institution and the programme.
Frequently asked questions
Below we answer the most common questions about learning management systems.
Is there a separate EdTech law?
No. A special EdTech regulation does not exist; the electronic system for managing the study process is directly regulated by the Law on Higher Education.
How far can electronic learning go?
Only for courses with a theoretical component; the practical component — practice, laboratory work, clinical training — requires physical presence.
Can a student be forced into the electronic format?
No — the institution must provide non-electronic, on-site study for those who do not choose the electronic form.
What about a fully electronic master's programme?
It is allowed on the basis of accreditation; examinations are held electronically or on site, and the Center is notified before the start.
E-learning is carried out in the form of synchronous communication — communication takes place at one and the same time — and the higher education institution must ensure the selection of a modern, licensed application or platform and its proper, interactive use. The list of detailed fields under the classifier of fields of study, and the maximum number of credits within which e-learning will be allowed, are approved by the minister on the submission of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.
Which courses may a student take electronically?
A course/subject that includes a theoretical component and does not include a practical component — study/industrial practice, laboratory work, clinical training and the like.
How We Help on Legal.ge
The Legal.ge team determines the compliance of your system and programme with the law's requirements: the selection of a licensed platform, the synchronous format, the guarantees of fair assessment, and the schedule of communication with the Center. In a written consultation you receive concrete steps for your project. Contact us through the Legal.ge website.