Students seeking to complete their MBBS programs are exploring alternative, secure locations that meet both their budgetary and educational requirements. As a result, MBBS in Georgia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to study abroad.
Georgia is part of East Europe and shares the border with Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia. Firstly, the country’s population is 37 Lacs and almost 50% of the population resides in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.
Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia has a population of 12 lac people and is located on the banks of the Kura River. There are around 1.5 million people living in the city as a whole. Tbilisi has emerged as a business hub for all nearby countries.
Batumi is the second-largest city of Georgia and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara retaining a population of more than 2 Lacs.
Kutaisi is the third most populous city in Georgia after Tbilisi and Batumi. The city is situated at a distance of 221 kilometers from Tbilisi. Its population is just 1.5 Lacs.
Quick facts about Georgia
| Total Medical Univ | 23 |
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Degree Awarded
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Doctor of Medicine |
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Duration |
6 Years
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Currency
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1GEL-33 INR
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Tuition fee/ Year
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$5000- $8000 (in USD)
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Meets NMC Guidelines
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Yes |
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Capital
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Tbilisi
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Population
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3.7 Million
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Indian students in Georgia
In the past two to three years, Indian students have been more interested in MBBS in Georgia.Prior to 2020, the majority of Indian students in Georgia were from the Gulf region because these nations have excellent connectivity to Georgia and do not require a visa for entry.lt is estimated that 4000+ Indian students are currently studying in Georgia, and more than 2000+ Indian Students are admitted in 2022 alone. These figures are expected to grow to 2500+ in 2023.
Duration of MBBS or MD Course in Georgia
Georgia offers 6 years of Medicine program and is termed as Doctor of Medicine (MD) which is equivalent to the MBBS in India. Positively, most countries in East and West Europe follow the same ECTS, and as a result, all of their medical universities offer a 6-year medical programme.
Advantage of Studying MBBS in Georgia
Georgia is a great place for MBBS for several reasons, some of which are listed below.
- Safety: Is Georgia safe for Indian students? Georgia is one of the safest countries in the world and ranks topamong Europe in terms of safety.
- European Education System: Georgia uses the ECTS system of education, which enables students to transfer during their studies to any country in Europe without suffering academic loss.
- Compliance with NMC guidelines: Georgian Universities meet every NMC criteria, hence one can appear in NEXT.
- Option for American Integrated Program: This is a very exclusive program is offered in very few Georgian Universities, that helps the student to prepare for the USMLE Exam along with their MD studies.
- Global recognition: Georgian universities have received worldwide recognition from organisations like the WHO, ECFMG, GMS UK, MECEE Canada, and numerous other Gulf nations.
- Clinical Exposure: Students study in teaching hospitals after their 2-1/2 years, of course, It means they get an opportunity to interact with patients in the rest 3-1/2 years of their MD.
- English proficiency: Almost 60% of Georgians between the ages of 18 and 35 are able to understand English.
- Option for permanent residency: Can we settle down in Georgia after MBBS? Yes. You need to do your Medical PG which is also termed as a Residency program from Georgia and you can apply for Georgian Citizenship.
Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Georgia
Georgia is a desirable location for studying medicine for many reasons, but there are also potential difficulties. You should carefully consider the information below before making your decision to study medicine in Georgia.
- Georgia is not a part of the EU, so, you will not acquire the advantages like any other European country.
- The cost of studying and living is high when compared to Russia, China etc.
- PG Pathway Programs are available in very few Universities.
MBBS Tuition Fee in Georgia
How much does it cost to study MBBS in Georgia? Georgian medical universities’ tuition rates are slightly higher than those of other well-known MBBS programmes when we compare medical schools in different abroad destinations like Russia, China, Serbia, etc. In Georgia, tuition fees range between 5000 USD to 8000 USD in most Medical Universities.
Medical Colleges in Georgia
Every student aspires to be accepted into Georgia’s top medical school. 18 private universities and 5 public universities in Georgia provide medical degrees.
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University Name
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City
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Univ Name
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Tuition Name
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Grade
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How to select Medical College in Georgia
It is essential to know what standards are necessary when you choose a medical college in Georgia. Before choosing a medical school in Georgia, keep the following in mind:
- Clinical Exposure: Patient inflow, entirely depends upon the population of the city, most of the cities in Georgia are less populated except Tbilisi. Henceforth, it is advised to select a medical college in Tbilisi city; Medical Colleges in Batumi and Kutaisi specifically have Polyclinics and not hospitals.
- Availability of American Program (USMLE Preparation): You should pick a university that provides a roadmap to your Medical PG destination. Only two universities in Georgia have an American Integrated Program for USMLE preparation.
- University Infrastructure: The University should have excellent facilities, enough lab space, and a connected hospital for clinical rotations.
Accommodation/ Hostel in Georgia
Hostels are either existent or limited in medical colleges in Georgia. Hence, MBBS students in Georgia stay in private hostels.
- Sharing type: These hostels offer single, twin, and triple-sharing accommodations as well.
- Cost of Hostel: Depending on the type of sharing and amenities provided to the students, these hostels may cost between $2400 and $3000 per year.
- Amenities: Students can access the washing machines in the common laundry area in the hostels without paying a fee. Students may use this service to wash their belongings.
- Common Kitchen: Every hostel has a fully-equipped kitchen wherein students may prepare heir own meals using an induction hob, a microwave, a refrigerator, etc.
Please see the table below for a comparison of accommodation costs in prominent MBBS study-abroad locations for Indian students.
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Country
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Georgia
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Russia
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China
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Serbia
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Cost of Indian Food in Georgia
ne benefit of studying MBBS in Georgia is that most private hostels here provide Indian food for an added cost. In Georgia, students must pay between 120 and 150 USD per month for Indian food. Also, since all hostels have shared kitchens, students can prepare their own meals. The choice of whether to cook for oneself or to join an Indian mess is entirely up to the student and how they allocate their time. Food expense is more or less similar in all the countries. (Check the table)
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Country
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Georgia
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Russia
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China
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Serbia
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Living costs in Georgia
How much does it cost to live in Georgia for the 6 years you stay getting your MD? As compared to Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia, Georgia’s cost of living is comparable to those countries’ levels.
On average, you will need $100 to $150 a month for living expenses, such as going out to eat, buying clothes, using public transportation, and buying stationary, in addition to the cost of your hostel/accommodation and food.
Integrated American Program in Georgia
Except for two universities namely the University of Georgia and Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) every other university offer standard MBBS programs.
Now the question arises- What is the difference between Standard MBBS and Integrated American Program? Or simply what is American Integrated Program (AIP), so here’s the answer- Georgia’s medical schools must conform to the MD curriculum that was created by the country’s education ministry. It implies that the university will not provide any assistance if you are a career-conscious student seeking to pursue your Master’s in the US.In this case, two Universities decided to launch a programme called the Integrated American Program that requires students to learn for a national medicine course while also preparing them for USMLE concepts.Key features of the Integrated
American Program at University of Georgia-
- Live Conceptual Lectures
- MOCK Test for Learning Assessment
- Review Lectures
- Personal Mentor for Performance Monitoring
- Weakness Identifier
Many of the agents mislead the student as to which universities will provide them with USMLE, PLAB, or NEXT preparation, so be mindful of them until the institutions specifically mentions it in the admissions letter.
Quality of Medical Education in Georgia
Georgia uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), which enables students to transfer across universities without suffering academic loss because of a uniform grading scheme. Unfortunately, due to a lack of infrastructure or a low patient inflow, the quality of education in Georgia is not at an adequate level in many universities.
You must focus on patient-centered learning starting now as the upcoming licencing exam in India will be focused primarily on examining, in accordance with the new NMC rules. Thus, taking an MBBS at one of these substandard Georgian Universities will lead to poor performance in the NEXT. There are not many universities where students believe it is worthwhile to go. Your search for a suitable university will be aided by the Georgia medical universities’ grading system.
Eligibility criteria for admission
Admission to MBBS in Georgia for Indian students in 2023 will require
- Astudent must have 50% in PCB in Class XII
- Must have qualified NEET (Category specification applies)
- Age above
Is NEET mandatory for MBBS in Georgia? If you want to practice in India, then it is mandatory. Those who are not may take US or UK Pathway for Medical PG, by clearing USMLE or PLAB respectively.
The admission process starts in Jun and ends in Sept. It is important to note that Georgia takes a long time for Visa which is approx. 4-6 Weeks, hence, applying early is advisable.
Documents required for Admission in Georgia
Georgia’s admission procedure is relatively simple. You must be eligible as stated in the previous section. To fulfil the admission requirements in Georgia, you must apply and provide the following documents:
- 10th &12th Marksheet
- NEET Score Card
- Passport Copy
- Aadhar Card
- Medical Fitness certificate
Program Intake
he Intake month Georgian universities generally varies depending on the institution and the program of study- Refer to the table below for yearly intake and deadline for admission-
- Autumn Sept 2023 30th June-23
- Spring Feb 2024 15th Nov-23
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Intake
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Month
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Last Date to Apply
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Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India
The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counselling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counselling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 550+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 83000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge that ranges from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.