Admission to the Doctoral Educational Program in Viticulture and Enology Is Announced

Admission to Doctoral Educational Program in Viticulture and Enology Is Announced

According to the Priority Research Areas

1. Investigation of the laccase enzyme and its impact on the phenolic compounds in grapes and wine;
2. Study of the intensity of sparkling wines and its correlation with wine surface-active compounds;
3. Extraction and evaluation of biologically active compounds from brandy lees for the purification of acidic wine raw materials and enhancement of yield;
4. Impact of calcium content in qvevri clay on wine pH stability and antimicrobial properties;
5. Studying the agricultural and technological characteristics of French wine grape varieties cultivated in the Jighaura collection;
6. Evaluation of vineyard soil fertility and its effects on vine growth, development, and productivity;
7. Influence of environmental factors on the agricultural and technological indicators of grape varieties;
8. Comprehensive study on the protection and development of wines with designation of origin in the Kartli region;
9. Evaluation of the winemaking potential of Georgian recommended grape varieties based on their aromatic and phenolic profiles;
10. Modern approaches in the production of certified grapevine planting material.

Prerequisite for Admission:

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of viticulture and enology;
• General understanding of current key processes and challenges within the field.
• English language proficiency at a minimum of B2 level;
• At least one published scientific paper in the relevant field and/or participation in scientific-research projects, symposia, or conferences, and/or a minimum of two years of professional experience in viticulture and/or enology;
• Successful interview with the committee.
• During the interview, preference will be given to candidates who have either completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture and Enology, or have at least five years of practical experience in the field.

• Number of vacant places – 3;
• Program tuition fees – 3500 GEL 

Applicants willing to enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year may submit their documents from September 1 to September 10 (inclusive). Documents can also be submitted on weekends. 

(Doctoral Office, Room N79a, between 12:00 and 17:00).

Enrollment Stages:

• The English Language Entrance Exam for the Doctoral Program will be held on September 11;
• Specialty Interview with the committee will take place on September 18.

Evaluation Criteria for Doctoral Program Applicants:

• Thorough knowledge of viticulture and enology;
• Motivation to pursue doctoral studies;
• Presentation of scientific and/or practical experience in the form of a PowerPoint (PPT) presentation, which may include research conducted during the master’s program;
• Relevance and significance of the proposed research topic;
• Scientific and practical value of the selected research topic;
• Methods PhD student intends to use during research and analysis;
• Well-reasoned assumptions and expectations related to the research topic;
• Innovative thinking;
• Strong presentation skills;
• Scientific publications;
• Participation in scientific conferences;
• Involvement in scientific projects.

To apply for the Doctoral Program, candidates must submit a statement addressed to the Rector of the University, and enclose the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of an applicant (including detailed information on education and professional experience);
• Notarized copies of a Master’s Degree or an equivalent academic qualification, along with the diploma supplement (The University reserves the right to request a diploma recognition document in accordance with applicable legislation. Failure to present the recognition document within a reasonable time frame may result in denial of admission or cancellation of enrollment);
• Copy of an ID or passport;
• One printed 3x4 cm photo; If admitted, the applicant must also submit a digital version of a 3x4 cm photo (on CD) when signing the study agreement;
• Proof of military draft registration (required for male applicants only)
• English language proficiency certificate at B2 level (TOEFL, IELTS, FCE, or CAE). Applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in English are excluded from providing a language certificate. In the absence of a certificate, the applicant must take an English language exam at the Caucasus International University Language Centre.
• Written declaration confirming that the applicant is not enrolled in any other doctoral program at another higher educational institution (Declaration must be written at the Doctoral Office);
• A cover letter expressing the applicant’s intention to pursue doctoral studies, aligned with the academic interests and the chosen field of research; in relation with the research topic; 
• Two Letters of Recommendation from relevant academic circles (If the applicant has professional experience in a field related to the program, one letter must be from an academic circle of the relevant field and the other from the applicant’s employer or organization);
• Other documents and materials related to educational/research activities (certificates, diplomas, patents, etc.);
• Copies of scientific publications, materials confirming participation in scientific-research projects and events (symposia and conferences);
• Research Project Proposal that includes the following components:
• The applicant’s vision regarding the significance and originality of the research topic;
• The scientific and practical value of the proposed research topic;
• The research methods the applicant intends to use for the study and analysis;
• Well-reasoned assumptions and anticipated outcomes of the research.

Applicants whose native tongue is not Georgian and who wish to pursue studies at the Doctoral Educational Program in Viticulture and Enology in Georgian must submit a Georgian language proficiency certificate at the B2 level;

Prerequisites for Admission to the Interview:

• Candidates who submit all the required registration documents within the deadline, meet the eligibility criteria for admission to the doctoral program, and successfully pass the English language examination (or submit an internationally recognized English proficiency certificate) will be invited to the interview;
• The interview will be conducted by an admissions committee established based on the recommendation of the Head of the Doctoral Service and by order of the University Rector.
• The applicant’s application form, cover letter, letters of recommendation, and a draft of the proposed research topic must be submitted to the committee by the doctoral coordinator or the head of the doctoral program;
• The cover letter must clearly justify the relevance and significance of the proposed research topic;
• A candidate will be considered officially enrolled in the doctoral program if s/he receives majority support from the committee members present during the open vote.

Applicants will be admitted to the Doctoral Program following a successful interview with the committee. 

Enrollment results will be announced no later than September 25.

The Autumn Semester of the 2025–2026 academic year for doctoral students will commence on October 6, 2025.