The Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee considered, at first reading and under an expedited procedure, amendments to the Law "On Higher Education" and approved them.

The draft law was presented by the Deputy Education, Science and Youth Minister, Zviad Gabisonia.

According to the reporter, the position of Leading Professor will be added to the list of academic staff. In addition, the rights of persons holding this position to membership in the Academic Council and to participation in the process of electing a dean will be regulated.

Zviad Gabisonia stated that the legal framework for the reorganization of state-founded higher education institutions will be clarified.

At the same time, higher education institutions will be granted the opportunity, under a phase-out regime and for a specified period, to continue implementing those programmes that are not envisaged by a Government decree.

Accordingly, students already enrolled in such programmes will be given the opportunity to continue their studies at the respective higher education institution for the relevant period.