The Core of the Catalogue — Quality Education and Research
Article 43 of the Law on Higher Education forms the catalogue of student rights. Its core consists of two rights: the student has the right to receive quality education and to participate in scientific research. The academic mission of the system itself rests on these two rights, and the remaining items of the catalogue unfold from them.
The right to quality education is not a declaration: it rests on institutional obligations — quality assurance mechanisms, an assessment system and publicity — and the student's position is determined within that system.
Participation in Governance and the Right of Choice
The second block of the catalogue concerns governance and association: on the basis of universal, direct and equal elections by secret ballot, the student has the right to elect a representative and to be elected to student self-government and to the governing bodies of the institution and its basic educational units. The student may also freely found or join student organisations and freely express his own opinion, including a reasoned refusal to share the ideas offered in the course of the educational process.
The autonomy of student self-government is protected by Article 45 of the law: the administration must not interfere in its activity — a norm that is the practical guarantee of the right of governance.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
The student has the right, in accordance with Georgian legislation and the institution's charter, to receive from the state, the institution or other sources a scholarship, financial or material assistance, and other benefits. The student also has the right to choose an educational programme, to participate in developing an individual educational programme, and to assess periodically the work of the academic personnel.
The use of facilities is also in the catalogue: on equal terms the student uses the material-technical, library, information and other means of the institution.