1988
At an expanded meeting of the Academic Council, Professor Gocha Chogovadze was elected Rector.
About us
History
1922
Establishment of the Faculty of Engineering
The history of Georgian Technical University dates back to 1922.
At the beginning of the 20th century, on January 16, 1922, the Faculty of Engineering was established at Tbilisi State University. Its mission was to train engineers in various fields and thereby contribute to the development of a forward-looking national infrastructure.
1922-1926
By decision of the University’s Academic Council, the initiator of the Faculty’s establishment, distinguished scholar, Georgian physicist and energy specialist, Professor Aleksandre Didebulidze, was elected Dean of the Faculty (1922-1926).
In 1922, the Faculty of Engineering comprised the following fields of study.
Civil Engineering Department
Architectural Engineering
Hydrotechnical Engineering
Highway Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Department
Electromechanical Engineering
Hydromechanical Engineering
Thermomechanical Engineering
Mining Engineering Department
Mining Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Chemical Engineering and Technology
Petre Melikishvili, Founder of the Georgian School of Scientific Chemistry, in the Laboratory with His Students
The entrance examination subjects for the Faculty of Engineering were algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
During this period, the publication of Georgian-language textbooks in the technical sciences began, along with the development of Georgian technical terminology.
1928
The First Georgian Engineers
The first cohort of Georgian engineers graduated on June 28, 1928. On that day, six students of the Faculty of Engineering defended their diploma projects: Nikoloz Kalatozishvili, Viktor Mamaladze, Aleksandre Mikaberidze, Evgeni Chikovani, Ivane Gvichia, and Irakli Maghalashvili. They were soon joined by four more engineers: Konstantine Peradze, Parmen Jikia, Mikheil Khevsuriani, and Malakia Bregvadze.
Establishment of the Georgian State Polytechnic Institute
In October 1928, the Engineering Department of the Transcaucasian Polytechnic Institute, established in 1917, was incorporated into the Faculty of Engineering of Tbilisi State University. The department comprised the following faculties:
Engineering, Economics, Hydromechanical Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences, as well as departments and laboratory facilities in Physics, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Crystallography, Geodesy, Zoology, Botany, Apiculture, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Meteorology and Climatology, Political Economy and Statistics, General and Caucasian Geography, and Mathematics.
As a result of the aforementioned merger, the Georgian State Polytechnic Institute was established with the following faculties:
Faculty of Construction
Dean Kiriak Zavriyev
Department of Roads and Bridges
Department of Hydraulic Engineering
Department of Civil Construction
Department of Transport Operations
Faculty of Electromechanical Engineering
Dean Giorgi Gedevanishvili
Mechanical Engineering Department
Faculty of Mining and Chemical Engineering
Dean Giorgi Tsulukidze
Mining Engineering Department
Chemical Engineering and Technology Department
1930
In the 1930s, the Polytechnic Institute employed
20
Professor
19
Associate Professor
104
Lecturer
38
Assistant Professor
The SPI academic building on Arsenal Mountain
The Academic Council elected Davit Kandelaki, who at the time served as Georgia’s People’s Commissar for Education (Minister of Education), a prominent representative of the Georgian intelligentsia, and one of the initiators of the Institute’s establishment, as its first rector. Professor Nikoloz Muskhelishvili, founder of the Georgian school of mathematics and mechanics, and Professor Evgeni Petkevich were appointed as vice-rectors.
David Kandelaki
1895-1938
Niko Muskhelishvili
1891-1976
In 1930, a reorganization of Georgia’s higher education institutions was carried out.
Professor Al. Didebulidze in the Electrical Measurements Laboratory (1934)
Georgian EngineeringConstruction Institute
In 1933, as a result of the reorganization, it became part of the Transcaucasian Industrial Institute.
Transcaucasian Mining-Metallurgical Institute
In 1932, the institute had approximately 1,500 students. In the same year, it was merged with the Transcaucasian Chemical Technology Institute, resulting in the establishment of the Transcaucasian Mining and Chemical Institute.
Transcaucasian Institute of Railway and Highway Engineers
In 1947, it was reorganized as the Tbilisi Institute of Railway Transport Engineers.
Transcaucasian Energy Institute
In 1933, more than 1,000 students were enrolled. That same year, as a result of the reorganization of higher education institutions, it became part of the Transcaucasian Industrial Institute.
Transcaucasian Institute of Chemical-Technology
That same year, as a result of the reorganization of higher education institutions, it became part of the Transcaucasian Industrial Institute.
Transcaucasian Institute of Irrigation Engineering
In 1930, approximately 600 students were enrolled. In 1931, the institute was relocated to (Ganja, Azerbaijan)
1948
It Was Named the Georgian Polytechnic Institute
At that time, the Institute comprised six faculties
Construction
Power Engineering
Mining Geology
Chemical-Technologies
Mechanical Engineering and Machine-Building
Metallurgical
The Georgian Polytechnic Institute Trained Engineering Professionals in 22 Specialties
1972
At the beginning of the 1972 academic year, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the Institute had 28 faculties and 102 departments.
Fifteen faculties operated on a full-time basis.
Faculty of Construction
Dean, Professor Gabriel Ninua
Faculty of Power Engineering
Dean, Professor N. Tsivtsivadze
Faculty of Mining Engineering
Dean, Associate Professor Davit Bezashvili
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology
Dean, Associate Professor Elmira Chkhikvadze
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Machine-Building
Dean, Professor Nikoloz Tsivtsivadze
Faculty of Metallurgy
Dean, Professor Jemal Lomsadze
Faculty of Automation and Computer Engineering
Dean, Associate Professor G. Chikhladze
Faculty of Transport Engineering
Dean, Associate Professor A. Shalamberidze
Faculty of Engineering Physics
Dean, Professor Vladimir Sanadze
Faculty of Architecture
Dean, Associate Professor Nodar Mgaloblishvili
Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering and Sanitary Engineering
Dean, Professor Nikolozi Motsonelidze
Faculty of Geology
Dean, Professor G. Japaridze
Faculty of Communications and Electronics
Dean, Professor A. Kereselidze
Faculty of Automotive Engineering
Dean, Associate Professor D. Petriashvili
Kutaisi Faculty (SPI)
Dean, Professor K. Imedashvili
Seven faculties operated under evening, part-time study programs: Tbilisi, Rustavi, Batumi, Chiatura, Tkibuli (with a Zestafoni division), Poti, and Gori. In addition, faculties offering correspondence education operated in Tbilisi and Sukhumi, with consultation centers in Telavi and Zugdidi.
Of the Georgian Technical University
A New Era
Until 1988, the heads of the Georgian Polytechnic Institute were appointed by the government. In 1988, the first election for the position of rector was held
1990
That year, the Georgian Polytechnic Institute was granted the status of a technical university
1992
In 1992, the Faculty of Humanities and Technology was established.
At the end of the 1990s, reforms were initiated under Rector Professor Gocha Chogovadze with the aim of aligning the university with the European higher education system and establishing the principles of democratization and institutional autonomy. A three-tier system of higher education was introduced at the Technical University, comprising bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs under Rector Professor Ramaz Khurodze. The foundation was also laid for the introduction of new fields of study, including Engineering Management, Public Administration, Banking, Business Administration, Law, and others.
In 1995, GTU joined the European University Information Systems Association
In 1998, GTU became a member of the Black Sea Universities Network
1999
On July 28, 1999, the first Georgian space object, bearing the inscription:
“The First Georgian Structure, Georgian Technical University.”
Designer: Doctor of Military Sciences, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Academician, Major General Elguja Medzmariashvili
2005
In 2005, the Innovation Foundation-Technology Park was established to support the development of students’ innovative ideas.
2006
Since 2006, student self-government has been established at GTU to ensure that students’ views are taken into consideration in the decision-making process concerning important matters of university life.
2009
In 2009, GTU began cooperation with the European University Association (EUA)
2012
In 2012, GTU joined the Global Forum of Universities on Sustainability
2023
In 2023, GTU received accreditation from the U.S. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its English-language Bachelor’s program in Biomedical Engineering
Georgian Technical University
Today
Georgian Technical University is a higher education institution with a rich tradition in engineering, technology, and the humanities, distinguished by the high quality of its educational, scientific research, and innovation activities.
GTU is a member of the European University Association and operates in accordance with the principles of the Magna Charta Universitatum. The current Rector of the University is the distinguished scholar, Georgian hydrotechnical engineer, Academician Davit Gurgenidze, and a recipient of the Order of Honor for his personal contribution to the education and development of students and young people.
GTU in Numbers
13
Faculty
15
Independent Scientific-Research Institute
151
Departments and Divisions
The university operates a number of laboratories, including a unique underground mine laboratory – a miniature model of a mine located beneath one of GTU’s buildings, at a depth of 16-30 meters below ground level.
Central Library
2000K+
Total Collection
4K+
Rare Book
1k+
Textbook
Unique Photographic Archive
E-books
Electronic Scientific Journals
The University Has Enrolled
17 443
Student
Teaches
1125
Professor and Teaching Staff
Education at GTU
Three-Tier Education System
Bachelor’s Programs
Duration 4 Years
Duration 4 Years
Master’s Programs
Duration 2 Years
Duration 2 Years
Doctoral Programs
Duration 3 Years
Duration 3 Years
The University Offers Students
Offers
75
Bachelor’s Program
60
Master’s Program
33
Doctoral Programs
These programs encompass fields such as engineering, technology, architecture, design, the humanities, law, business, and social sciences.
Instruction is conducted in Georgian, English, and Russian.
International Mobility
GTU Maintains Close Cooperation With 68 Universities Across 17 European Countries, Where Students At All Levels Can Undertake International Mobility Under The Erasmus+ Programme, With Funding Provided By The Same Programme. These Countries Include Italy, Spain, Germany, Türkiye, Poland, France, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, And Others.
Students At All Levels In Technical, Humanities, Agricultural, And Social Sciences Programmes Are Eligible To Participate In International Mobility.
Double-Degree Programmes
Production Management in the Dairy Industry
At the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Biosystems Engineering, the Georgian-French Bachelor’s Degree Programme “Production Management in the Dairy Industry” is implemented through close cooperation between the Georgian Technical University and the French University of Rennes. Upon completion of the programme, students receive both a Georgian Technical University diploma and a diploma from the French university.
Viticulture and Oenology Programme
Students Enrolled In The Bachelor’s Degree Programme In Viticulture And Oenology Receive Diplomas From Both The Georgian Technical University And The University Of Milan.
Logistics Programme
A German-Language Educational Programme In Logistics Is Offered At The Faculty Of Transport And Mechanical Engineering.
Unique Educational Programmes At GTU
The Following Educational Programmes Are Offered Exclusively At Georgian Technical University In The Region:
Construction Management
Mechanical Engineering
Geodesy
Chemical And Biological Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Sustainable Development Of Mountainous Rural Environments
Sustainable Mountain Tourism And Hospitality Management
Management Of Organic Farming Systems In Mountainous Regions
Natural Hazards, Sustainable Environment And Protection
36 Tuition Free Programmes
GTU offers 36 fully funded bachelor’s degree programmes, reflecting the state’s strategy to promote fields of study that are essential to the country’s development.
Inclusive Learning Environment
Several dozen students with special educational needs are enrolled in vocational programmes at the Georgian Technical University. As a leading higher education institution, GTU recognizes its vital role in creating an accessible, supportive, and comprehensive educational environment.
Under the leadership of Rector, Academician David Gurgenidze, the Georgian Technical University actively supports and works to develop inclusive services for persons with disabilities, ensuring that the doors to education remain open to all.
Practice-Based Learning
In the university’s laboratories, equipped with the latest technologies, students work on real-world tasks and collaborate with leading specialists from various fields.
For example, the Mini Hydropower Plant Laboratory and the Bridge Testing Center provide students with the opportunity to conduct experiments under real-world conditions.
At the university’s Engineering Academy, talented students from public schools receive specialized training, while academy graduates have won numerous local and international competitions, including those organized by NASA, the United States space agency.
Moreover, the only holographic interferometry laboratory in the Caucasus enables the development of solutions to oncological challenges through nanoparticle synthesis. These experiments represent just a part of the initiatives that contribute to nurturing new generations of innovators.
Theological Educational and Research Center
Since 2001, the Georgian Technical University has been home to the Theological Educational and Research Center, where scientific research is successfully conducted.
The Center is headed by Professor and Metropolitan Anania Japaridze, under whose direct leadership scientific research in theology and the development of young professional scholars are successfully pursued.
Theological education and research at the University are aligned with the practices and experience of leading European universities and research centers.
At one of Georgia’s largest universities, historically distinguished by its ethnic and confessional diversity, more than 50,000 students have studied the fundamentals of theology since 2001.
A Photo Of Students From Different Ethnic And Confessional Backgrounds Or A Scientific Event In Theology
GTU On The International Stage
GTU’s Partners Worldwide
The Georgian Technical University Has A Longstanding And Fruitful Partnership With Some Of The World’s Leading Research Centers And Universities.
Including:
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Universities of California, Yale, Bern, Glasgow, and others.
Furthermore, GTU has established memoranda of understanding with leading companies and brands worldwide, providing students with opportunities to undertake internships and gain European experience in high-tech and successful companies.
International Recognition of Education
GTU is the first educational institution in the South Caucasus to have received international ABET accreditation for its English-taught Bachelor’s degree programme in Biomedical Engineering.
ABET accreditation serves as a guarantee that the university prepares competitive professionals in the fields of engineering and technology, while providing graduates with opportunities to pursue successful careers in both the Georgian and international labour markets.
Achievements of Georgian Polytechnicians
Throughout its century-long history, Georgian polytechnicians have implemented numerous significant projects contributing to the development of the country-from the construction of Enguri HPP, one of the most ambitious undertakings in Georgian engineering, to the launch into space of the first Georgian space object-a reflector.
GTU has played an active role in establishing internationally recognized scientific schools in structural mechanics and engineering seismology. Subsequently, representatives of these schools initiated the construction of industrial and civil infrastructure, gravity and arch dams, underground hydroelectric power stations in challenging terrain, and other major engineering projects in Georgia.
Georgian scientists have also made particularly significant contributions to the planning, construction, and operation of railway systems.
The first generation of Georgian mining engineers, who were students of Grigol Tsulukidze, one of the university’s founders, laid the foundations for the country’s mining industry.
Under the leadership of renowned scientists Alexander Janelidze, Alexander Tvalchrelidze, and Kalistrate Gabunia, Georgian geologists began applying sophisticated structural-tectonic, geophysical, and geochemical methods in geological exploration. This led to the discovery of new mineral deposits in Madneuli, Shaori, Tkvarcheli, and other locations.
Georgian power engineers have also made a major contribution to the country’s development. A unified energy system was established, and the republic was covered by a network of high-voltage transmission lines. Rioni HPP, Khram HPP, Enguri HPP, Tbilisi Thermal Power Plant, and numerous other energy facilities laid the foundations for Georgia’s modern energy sector.
The 1930s of the 20th century
The 1930s marked the beginning of the development of machine science.
The 1950s of the 20th century
The 1950s saw the establishment of a new field of study: automatic control and control systems.
In 1963, the first Georgian electronic computer, “Delisi,” was developed at the Institute of Electronics, Automation and Telemechanics of the Georgian Academy of Sciences (later renamed the Institute of Control Systems).
The active participation of Georgian polytechnicians in the Second World War is particularly noteworthy. Six graduates of the institute who took part in the war were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The institute’s faculty members and students also played an active role in the post-war period, contributing to the reconstruction and development of the national economy.
Alongside the advancement of chemistry, the field of metallurgical science also developed.
The 1960s of the 20th century
In 1959, the Tbilisi Institute of Railway Transport Engineers was incorporated into the Georgian Polytechnic Institute. Following this merger, the Faculties of Automation and Computer Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering and Sanitary Engineering, Communications and Electronics, and Automotive Engineering were established, along with specialized and problem-oriented laboratories conducting scientific research of strategic importance to the country.
In 1969, the Faculty of Architecture was established at the Georgian Polytechnic Institute. Its first dean was Professor Akaki Berishvili, who served from 1969 to 1972.
The Beginning of the 21st Century
By the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the structure of the Georgian Technical University as a higher education institution had undergone significant transformation. Numerous scientific and research organizations, with substantial human resources and material and technical infrastructure, were incorporated into the University. A new University Charter was also adopted.
Today, in independent Georgia, young specialists, scientists, and researchers in engineering and technical fields have far greater opportunities to contribute to the country’s development. This provides a strong foundation for the Georgian Technical University and its graduates to carry forward a century-old tradition.