Centers of higher education in Georgia existed since olden times. In the IV century in Phasis (in Poti) there was Academy of Rhetoric, in XII-XIII centuries - Gelati Academy and Ikalto Academy. Centers of education and culture existed both at churches-monasteries (David-Gareji Shiomghvime, Khandzta, Oshki, Khakhuli, etc.) and outside (the Iberian monastery, Shavi Mta, and others).

Known philosophers were - Peter Iberia, John Petritsi, Arsen Ikaltoeli, and others; famous church leaders - Ekvtime and Giorgi Mtatsmindeli, monk Giorgi, and others.