Local Government

GIPA – the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, with 20 years of experience in education and research in the field of local government, offers a master's program aimed at supporting the further development of local governance and decentralized management processes.

This goal is achieved by preparing public administration specialists, managers, and analysts who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, responsibility, and commitment to democratic values. Graduates are equipped to drive positive change at both the central and local levels, effectively addressing societal challenges through the efficient use of resources, guided by principles of good governance and sustainable development.

The goal of the master's program is to equip students with the following:

- In-depth knowledge of the key concepts, theories, methods, approaches, and international standards of public administration and local government, considering managerial, legal, economic, and public/private institutional perspectives, as well as those of governmental and non-governmental organizations.

- Systematic understanding of the core principles of planning, implementing, and evaluating sectoral policies at the local level, along with the specifics of decentralized management. This knowledge is based on international best practices in local government, the European Charter, the EU's multi-level governance, and the principles of citizen engagement within governing territories.

- Ability to manage public issues at the local level in public administration by utilizing various analytical tools, preparing relevant policy documents, and applying mechanisms for their implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

- Competence in conducting research within the public administration field using both qualitative and quantitative methods and tools, adhering to academic integrity and ethical principles. Students will gain skills in planning, conducting, and presenting research outcomes.

- Capacity for independent evaluation of professional development and career growth needs, both for themselves and for team members, within the context of public administration, taking into account the specifics of local government.

Admission Quota : 30
Language of Study : Georgian

The Master's Program in Local Government is designed for individuals who have already obtained higher education in any field and wish to deepen their knowledge in local governance.

Applicants wishing to continue their studies in this program must have passed the Unified Master's Exams.

Registration for the Master's Program is conducted online before September 18th.

》 [Online Registration Form for Master's Applicants]

Internal University Admission Procedure:

Document Review: During this stage, applicants must complete a general application form developed by the university. The form includes a copy of the applicant’s ID, copies of diplomas, a resume, a motivation letter, and proof of passing the national exams.
Interview with the Admissions Committee: The applicant’s field-specific knowledge and motivation will be assessed.

Admission Prerequisites:

Passing the Unified Master's Exams (with a positive score in 3 out of the 4 required components).

Candidates who successfully pass the internal university exams must submit proof of payment for 10% of the program's annual fee by September 20, 2024. This payment will be deducted from the total tuition cost.

Classes will begin on October 7th.

Program Tuition: 7,000 GEL (Over 2 Years)

The total cost of the two-year : Master's Program in Local Government is 7,000 GEL, with an annual fee of 3,500 GEL. Tuition is paid in four installments per year, in accordance with the academic semesters. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded an academic degree of Master of Public Administration.

In celebration of GIPA's 30th anniversary, a 30% discount is available for graduates of any GIPA academic, professional, or certification program.

Candidates who pass the internal university exams must submit proof of payment for 10% of the annual fee by September 20, 2024, which will be deducted from the total tuition cost.

Funding and Payment Options

- Full Tuition (Without State Grant) : 7,000 GEL (for two years).

Paid over eight installments: 875 GEL per installment.

- Tuition with State Grant (100%): If awarded a 100% state grant , the total fee is reduced to 2,500 GEL.

Paid over eight installments: 312.5 GEL per installment.

Additionally, GIPA offers full scholarships to the top three students who secure a 100% state grant, allowing them to study free of charge.

Custom Payment Plans : Students may request an individualized payment schedule based on personal circumstances.

Contract Signing

The contract will be signed electronically.
Candidates planning to continue their studies in the School of Government's master's programs, and who successfully pass the internal university exams, must submit proof of payment for 10% of the annual program fee by September 15, 2024. This amount will be deducted from the total tuition cost.
Start of Classes : Mid-September

Payment Instructions: Tuition fees must be transferred to the organization's bank account. In the payment details, please include the student's first name, last name, personal identification number, and the name of the academic program.

Bank Details:

- Bank Code (SWIFT): TBCB GE 22
- Recipient Name : NPO Georgian Institute of Public Affairs
- Account Number : GE84TB1100000110700419 / GEL

The School of Government at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) has long-standing partnerships with various Western and European universities. Within these partnerships, students of the Master's Program in Local Government have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of exchange programs offered through ERASMUS+ and beyond. Additionally, the following exchange programs are specifically tailored to students of the School of Government:

1. Partnership with the University of Wroclaw (Poland)

GIPA’s Master’s Program in Public Administration offers a dual degree in collaboration with the University of Wroclaw, focusing on Public Administration and Political Science:

I - II Semester: GIPA (Georgia)
III Semester: University of Wroclaw (Poland)
IV Semester: GIPA (Georgia)

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded:

Master’s Degree in Public Administration (GIPA, Georgia)
Master’s Degree in Political Science (University of Wroclaw, Poland)

The program duration is 2 years.

2. Partnership with the University of Salzburg (Austria)

As part of the Erasmus+ program, GIPA’s Master’s Program in Public Administration offers an exchange opportunity with the University of Salzburg, focusing on Public Administration and European Union Studies:

I - II Semester: GIPA (Georgia)
III Semester: University of Salzburg (Austria)
IV Semester: GIPA (Georgia)

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded:

Master’s Degree in Public Administration (GIPA, Georgia)

The program duration is 2 years.

3. Partnership with the University of Hamburg (Germany)

Under the agreement between GIPA and the University of Hamburg, students have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program during the third semester at the University of Hamburg.