**Ilia State University Gets 6-Year Accreditation**
The Accreditation Council has given Ilia State University a six-year unconditional accreditation. This decision ends a months-long dispute over the university’s status.
In December, the university appealed to the Tbilisi Appeals Committee against a previous ruling that had imposed conditional accreditation. The appeal was successful, and the case was reconsidered.
**Background of the Dispute**
The dispute started in September 2024 when Iliauni publicly challenged the Accreditation Council’s decision for granting conditional accreditation. The university argued that this decision contradicted an expert group’s assessment, which had given them high marks across all required standards.
Some experts thought that the original accreditation restrictions were politically motivated because the university and its administration have been outspoken critics of the GD government. They refused to sign a statement condemning students‘ academic boycott during protests against the Foreign Agents Law.
**University’s Stance**
The university has been vocal about its support for Georgia‘s EU path, and its Rector, Nino Doborjginidze, has been an active supporter of pro-EU protests. The university also publicly backed a detained journalist, Mzia Amaghlobeli, who is the founder of media outlets Netgazeti/Batumelebi.
**What’s Next**
With this six-year unconditional accreditation, Ilia State University can now continue its operations without any restrictions. This decision brings an end to the months-long dispute and allows the university to focus on its academic activities.
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