the country. GTU uses the ECTS grading scale and awards degrees and diplomas in Diploma of Specialist, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Science. The first three degrees require four to four-and-one-half years of full-time studies; the Master of Sciences degree requires a year-and-one-half to two years of full-time studies. Most students (apart from those in humanities or arts specialties) undergo rigorous training in mathematics and fundamental sciences while studying at the GTU. GTU is known for its strong ties with "Andrea Razmadze Institute of Mathematics of Georgia", the leading mathematical research institute in Transcaucasia. GTU also awards scientific Ph.D.s that require three or more years of advanced studies depending on specialty. All degrees are also provided as part-time and distance studies; these may take much longer to complete. GTU's scientific library is one of the largest libraries in Georgia, comprising 1,254,000 books of which many are unique and rare finds, and 500,000 periodic materials. Plans are underway for digitizing this large collection of knowledge. Notable alumni Irakli Khakhubia Georgian politician Footnotes External links Official web site Georgian Technical University Universities and institutes established in the Soviet Union Educational institutions established in 1922 1922 establishments in Georgia (country) Buildings and structures in Tbilisi