Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Princeton, Harvard. These universities occupy the top positions in global rankings. In total, 198 institutions appear on this list. Research into global educational processes is conducted annually by a wide range of authoritative organizations. These international rankings of foreign universities are useful for those choosing which country to study in and planning to find work abroad.

Access to the most prestigious universities is theoretically open to anyone who wishes — yet for residents of Abkhazia, this remains a highly unlikely prospect, and not only because of the cost. Even if a family's financial situation could afford such a luxury, an Abkhazian passport is not recognized as valid documentation by such institutions. Only as a Russian citizen can a resident of Abkhazia attempt to pursue education in European countries, which is why Russian universities are most often the preferred choice. Over the course of nearly three decades, approximately 10,000 people have obtained degrees at various universities in Russia — some through state programs, others at their own expense. But of the total number, only a handful have managed to reach the world's leading institutions.

The majority of those who nonetheless wish to obtain higher education — and, as a consequence, find employment, build a career, and reach their potential — are forced to remain in Abkhazia. Life beyond its borders grows more expensive with each passing year, while the standard of living within the republic continues to decline. And so talented individuals find themselves studying at home, deprived of the opportunity to complete qualified internships and put their knowledge to use.

Limited opportunity — that, in brief, is the situation with education in Abkhazia, where, despite the existence of numerous institutions of various kinds, a genuinely comprehensive education approaching any kind of international standard is not available everywhere.

"Your entire subsequent life depends on your choice of profession. And where you receive your education, what kind of education it is, and most importantly — how you apply it, all matter enormously," says Aslan K., a resident of Sukhumi. He notes that sometimes even graduates of Moscow State University return home ignorant, so the institution does not always make the difference. And yet, Aslan admits, there is a desire to study at universities that open doors to the wider world.

"We are deprived of the ability to choose. If luck smiles on you and you manage to get into a major Russian university, you're already fortunate. You have to make the most of whatever chance comes your way. Dreaming of more isn't worth it," he says.

Adgur M., a fourth-year student at one of Moscow's leading universities, believes that "the right to choose an education not by the principle of 'take what's available' but 'study what you want' is the inalienable right of every person, regardless of whether they are from Abkhazia or any other country — yet Abkhazian youth are deprived of this right." "To those lucky few who have managed, against the odds, to gain entry to the world's best universities — I wish you success. Don't come back. Neither at home nor in Russia will you be able to apply your knowledge or reveal your talent," the young man says.

When asked how one goes about "beating the system," he laughs out loud and admits he "won't be revealing any secrets, since that last remaining path will then be blocked for his peers as well."

As it turns out, the attempt to leave for abroad and the wider world does not succeed for all who wish to try. Most often, in order to obtain a free European education, residents of Abkhazia are compelled to travel to Georgia first. Some enroll there, while a small number manage to go further. Assistance and support in this matter comes from international organizations which, operating outside of politics, provide residents of the republic with the opportunity to study at universities across the world.

Alina A. had dreamed of studying abroad since childhood, but considered it something entirely out of reach for an ordinary girl from an Abkhazian village. When Alina learned of the existence of an international exchange program and of students who had already taken part in it, a spark of hope was rekindled within her. "You should never be afraid to change something in your life. Youth comes only once — when, if not now, can young people from Abkhazia try to seize this unique opportunity?" she reflects. She is now completing her studies at a prestigious university in the United States, where she arrived thanks to a grant from an international organization working in Georgia. "I don't regret not going to study in Russia. I found new friends, came to understand the significant difference between the United States and Russia, and I know for certain that my future is secure," says Alina.

It is clear that with an Abkhazian citizen's passport, there is no possibility of becoming a student at a prestigious foreign institution. Only with a Russian passport — and even then not always — can one try one's luck. It is precisely for such situations that a program was devised allowing any resident of Abkhazia, without age restrictions, to obtain the education they desire. And whatever speculation may circulate on this subject, the question of acquiring Georgian citizenship is not part of it: this educational opportunity does not require a Georgian citizen's passport. As part of the "A Step to a Better Future" peace initiative, a completely status-neutral mechanism has been created — registration by personal number — whereby students can enroll in Georgian universities and receive full funding using an individual number issued on the basis of Abkhazian documents. Furthermore, Georgian legislation provides for a completely neutral procedure for recognizing secondary and higher education credentials obtained in Abkhazia: a recognition document can be obtained without acquiring Georgian citizenship, without providing witnesses, and without even crossing the Inguri — by submitting an online application, including in the Abkhazian language, either personally or with the involvement of international organizations. Such a document confers the right both to study and to seek employment.

Georgian universities offer pathways to hundreds of international higher education institutions around the world. They also provide students with scholarships and access to free bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. This is precisely why many foreign students choose to study at Georgian universities, which maintain bilateral relationships with leading higher education institutions in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

For Abkhazian youth who do not speak Georgian, a separate 1+4 program has been created, allowing admission to Georgian universities on the basis of an examination in Abkhazian language and literature. A student admitted to a Georgian university receives accommodation and entirely free tuition. They are also given the opportunity to study in Georgian, Russian, or English-language programs, and — during or after their studies — to continue their education through international programs with international scholarships.

By participating in various international projects, Abkhazian young people can receive an education abroad, and when they return to Abkhazia, they will do so as highly qualified specialists — bearing not only a degree recognized worldwide, but invaluable professional experience.

All of those interviewed for this piece call unanimously on their peers to seize every opportunity to study abroad. "So that you don't spend years regretting missed chances — act now. While you are deciding what to do, someone else is making use of this unique opportunity," they say.

The opportunity to study, to live in the here and now, to make plans and carry them out — this is the absolute right of every person on the planet. It must not be constrained by politics, by territory, or by the private opinions of particular individuals. This is, in essence, the choice of the younger generation — and if they are not obstructed, the results could, in the not too distant future, fundamentally transform the reality of Abkhazia.

Kristina Avidzba

The text contains place names and terminology used in the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia.

Opinions expressed in the publication reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of the editorial board.

The material was prepared as part of a joint project of the Accent news agency and the non-governmental organization GRASS, implemented with the financial support of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Georgia.