An applicant must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in physics, astronomy, mathematics, Earth sciences and computer sciences.
Admission to the program is for all students of qualifications that is suitable for partner universities.

Applicant must pass the relevant Unified Post-Graduate Exams. Who completed their higher education outside of Georgia will be able to enter the program pursuant to order №224/N of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia (December 29, 2011).
The condition for admission to the program is the knowledge of the English language at CEFR level B2 or higher.

program applicant should provide an internationally recognized and valid English language certificate (Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or higher). To demonstrate English proficiency, the applicant must submit one of the following:
a) A recognized and valid international language certificate (the main certificates and minimum scores accepted are given below;
b) an English Proficiency Statement from the university or college, confirming that English was the language of instruction; Alternatively, applicant may take Ilia State University’s paper based or online language test, a passing score indicates English competency equivalent to CEFR level B2

Note: The English language requirement may be waived if the applicant is a native of or graduated from an English language high school or university in countries where English is the native language.

The following are the minimum English test scores for admission:

● Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based test (PBT) 513
● TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) 65
● TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) 183
● IELTS
● Academic; Band score 5.5
● Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
● Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 160/Level B2 (also grades A/B/C)
● First Certificate in English (FCE): 160/Grade C (also grades A/B)
● Business English Certificate (Higher BEC): 45/Level B2 (also grades A/B/C)
● Business English Certificate (Vantage BEC): 60/Grade C (also grades A/B)
● Business Language Testing Service (BULATS): 60 overall
● Pearson Test of English (PTE); General level 3)
● Pearson Test of English-Academic; 59-75 points                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ● TELC (The European Language Certificates)
● TELC English B2: Pass
●  Michigan (Cambridge Michigan)
● Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE): Low Pass
● Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE): Pass
● Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): B2

If the English language competence is confirmed, the applicant is allowed to take an oral exam. Overall, the applicant will be assessed during an admission interview (face-to-face or online for international applicants). Applicants are expected to demonstrate motivation, communication skills, as well as basic field-specific knowledge needed to succeed in the program. Detailed admissions requirements can be found online at www.iliauni.edu.ge 

Teaching methods include:

Lectures
Seminars
Modeling
Discussion/debate
practical works
presentations
case study
group working
supervision, reflection, etc.

Note: The teaching methods used in the various components of the program are listed in the relevant syllabi.

Graduate

1. demonstrates deep and complex theoretical and experimental knowledge about the structures of the atmospheres of the solar system planets and the processes taking place in the atmosphere;
2. demonstrates a complex knowledge of the approaches and principles required for research related to the Earth’s atmosphere by modern satellite and global international networks;
3. Based on research objectives and selected methods uses and optimizes global circulation models of the Earth’s atmosphere;
4. Selects and applies appropriate modern methods, approaches and theoretical models to effectively carry out theoretical and/or observational research in the field of atmospheric science;
5 Observes principles of academic integrity and employs information technologies for effective communication with an academic community and professional audience ;                                  6. performs as an independent learner and demonstrates own scientific attitude.

Student should accumulate 120 ECTS credits:

1. Mandatory courses: 72credits;
2. Elective courses – 18 credits;
3. Master Thesis – 30 credits

In case of participation in the exchange program with international partners:

In the first academic year, the student completes the study at the receiving university and collects 60 credits. The student completes the 3rd and 4th semesters at the host university and collects 60 credits provided by the program of this university, of which 30 credits are devoted to the master’s thesis.

The period of study of the standard master program is 4 semesters (2 years) – 30 ECTS credits per semester and a total of 120 ECTS credits. Participation in a two-semester exchange program by students from one university to another (= 1 academic year) will be considered as the equivalent of two full semesters, or 60 ECTS. Additional credits are available to accept at the third university. However, the requirement is at least 60 ECTS equivalent to be awarded the relevant qualifications at a home and host universities. During preparation of Master Thesis exchange student can select two supervisors from both universities.

In this program the students will be able to participate in observational and experimental research in the partner organization: The Laboratory of atmospheric studies of Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory.

The Laboratory is equipped with the modern instruments:

● spectrometer GRIPS-5 to measure Hydroxyl bands (made in the German Space Research Center DLR)
● all-sky imager for measurements of oxygen red line of the nightglow
● lidar M-10 system to measure aerosol density (made in University of Michigan, USA)
● weather station

Other resources:

● Lecture audiences;
● Training laboratories;
● University library and electronic journal databases;
● Computer auditoriums;
● University system of choice provision “Argus”
● Elearning, Turnitin

Also material and technical bases of the University and research centers and institutes:

● Scientific-research ship “Tsminda Ilia”;
● Dedopliskaro Scientific Center;
● Research base ,,kazbegi’’
● Space Research Center
● Computing Center of Ilia State University

Partner organizations:
E.Kharadze Georgian Nationals Astrophysical Observatory

Exchange program partner universities:
Université Clermont Auvergne
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität