Inside the BIST scholarship programme – and what a British education in Georgia can offer ambitious students
For many families in Georgia, the search for the right private school in Tbilisi comes down to a single question: will it genuinely open doors for my child? At the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST), the answer is built into the school’s mission. Since 2023, BIST has invested more than 2.3 million GEL in scholarships, helping talented young people across the country access a world-class British education that was once out of reach for many.
The school’s philosophy is straightforward: talent deserves opportunity. Through its scholarship programme, ambitious students can join an internationally recognised British curriculum and a genuinely diverse school community – regardless of their financial background.
| The scholarship programme at a glance Over 2.3 million GEL invested in scholarships since 2023, with 26 scholarship students welcomed to date – seven of them joining for the 2026/2027 academic year. Awards cover 30% to 100% of tuition fees for successful applicants, across the school’s Cambridge International programmes. |
What a British education in Tbilisi actually means
Not every school that calls itself international delivers a true British education. BIST follows a UK-based curriculum that meets or exceeds the requirements of the National Curriculum for England, taught by a faculty of British educators or equivalent with extensive experience in UK schools. Learning runs from Early Years through to Sixth Form, giving students a single, coherent pathway rather than a patchwork of systems.
At the senior level, students work towards the globally recognised Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications – the same credentials used by leading schools across the UK and worldwide, and qualifications that admissions officers at top universities know and trust. You can explore the full structure on the school’s academic programmes page.
Why this private school in Tbilisi stands apart
Choosing a private school in Tbilisi is about far more than academics on paper. BIST combines rigorous teaching with a strong pastoral system and an unusually international community: the school brings together around 520 students from more than 50 nationalities, supported by over 50 clubs and a broad beyond-the-classroom programme spanning sport, science, the arts and more.
Quality is independently verified. BIST is fully accredited by the Council for British International Schools (COBIS) and recognised by the National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement in Georgia – assurance that the British school label reflects genuine, externally inspected standards.
How the BIST scholarship programme works
The BIST scholarship programme is merit-based and designed for high-achieving students with a strong academic record and a meaningful contribution to their current school community. Recent rounds have opened the competition to students in Grades 8, 9 and 10, leading into the school’s Cambridge pathways:
- IGCSE Preparation – starting from Grade 8;
- IGCSE – from Grade 9;
- A-Level – from Grade 11.
Scholarships are awarded as a percentage of tuition fees, from 30% up to a full 100% for the strongest candidates. The programme is open to external applicants only – it is not available to current BIST students. Dedicated university and career guidance then helps every student navigate applications to leading institutions around the world.
How to apply
Families who believe their child is a strong candidate can begin the process in a few clear steps:
- Explore the school’s academic programmes to confirm the right entry point for your child;
- Review the current scholarship programme details and eligibility criteria;
- Read the admissions information and the how to apply guide, then complete the online registration form before the published deadline.
At BIST, a world-class British education is not reserved for a few. Through its scholarship programme, the school continues to invest in Georgia’s most ambitious young people – and in the future they are working towards.