SSSG Training Center Established as ‘Academy’ to Offer Master’s Program

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) training center was established as the State Security Academy, which will offer a one-year, tuition-free master’s program in state security once it receives higher education institution status, the agency announced on February 1.

“The master’s program aims to ensure the system is staffed with highly qualified and professional personnel,” Lasha Maghradze, First Deputy Head of the SSSG, was quoted in the agency’s official statement as saying, adding, “The program will cover key components of national and international security, as well as issues of physical, firearms, and psychological training.”

“In addition to the master’s program, the State Security Academy will also be authorized to implement specialized professional education programs intended to deepen professional knowledge and develop practical skills,” the statement added.

The move comes after Georgia’s disputed Parliament in December adopted a law authorizing the Police Academy under the Interior Ministry to offer a bachelor’s program and issue the relevant diploma.

It also comes as part of the controversial higher education reform. The Education Ministry on January 29 announced the planned merger of two of the country’s largest and oldest state universities – Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Georgian Technical University (GTU) – raising concerns over academic autonomy, potential political interference, and the dismantling of a century-long academic tradition.

The broader reform includes geographic “deconcentration,” including a “one city – one faculty” principle under which a single academic discipline would be taught at only one state university nationwide, alongside shorter program durations and new staffing and funding models.

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