MBBS in Georgia

Students seeking to complete their MBBS programs are exploring alternative, secure locations that meet their budgetary and educational requirements. As a result, studying MBBS in Georgia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to study abroad.

Georgia is part of Eastern Europe and shares the border with Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia. Firstly, the country’s population is 37 Lacs, and almost 50% resides in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.

Tbilisi is Georgia’s capital and largest city and is located on the banks of the Kura River. Around 1.8 million people are living in the city as a whole. Tbilisi has emerged as a business hub for all nearby countries.

Batumi is the second-largest city in Georgia and the capital of the autonomous republic of Adjara, with 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

In the past two to three years, Indian students have been more interested in studying medicine in Georgia. Before 2020, most Indian students in Georgia were from the Gulf region because these nations have excellent connectivity to Georgia and do not require entry visas. It is estimated that 8000+ Indian students are currently studying in Georgia, and more than 2000+ will be admitted in 2022. These figures will grow to 3500+ in 2024.

Duration of MBBS in Georgia

The duration of the Georgia MBBS is 6 years and is termed a 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 program. 6 years of MBBS duration in Georgia include clinical internships as well.

Advantages 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 top among all European countries 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 offered at very few Georgian universities, like the University of Georgia, that helps the students prepare for the USMLE Exam along with their MD studies.
• Global recognition: Georgian universities have received worldwide recognition from organizations 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, which, of course, means they get an opportunity to interact with patients for the rest of their 3-1/2 years of their MD.
• English proficiency: Almost 60% of Georgians between the ages of 18 and 35 can 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 a residency program in 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.

• Lacks European Membership: Georgia is not a part of the EU, so, you will not acquire the advantages like any other European country.
• High cost of tuition and living: The cost of studying and living is high when compared to Russia, China, etc.

MBBS in Georgia Fees Structure 2024-2025

Every student aspires to be accepted into Georgia’s top medical school. 18 private universities and 5 public universities in Georgia provide medical degrees. Most of the Top Medical Universities in Georgia are based in Tbilisi, due to their high patient inflow. Find the List of Georgia medical colleges

How much does it cost to study medicine in Georgia? Georgian medical universities’ tuition rates are slightly higher than those of other well-known MBBS programs when we compare medical schools in different abroad destinations like Russia, China, Serbia, etc. At most medical universities, Georgia MBBS fees range from 4000 USD to 8000 USD annually.

How to select the best university in Georgia for MBBS?

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 to find the best university in Georgia for the MBBS course:

• Clinical Exposure: Patient inflow entirely depends on 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 the 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.

Best Medicine Universities in Georgia

Accommodation & Hostel Fee in Georgia for Students

Hostels are either existent or limited in medical colleges in Georgia. Hence, MBBS students in Georgia stay in private hostels.

• Sharing type: These hostels also offer single, twin, and triple-sharing accommodations as well.
• Hostel Fee: 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 their 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.

Cost of Indian Food in Georgia

One 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 USD – 150 USD per month for Indian food. Also, since all hostels have shared kitchens, students can prepare their meals. Whether to cook for oneself or join an Indian mess is entirely up to the student and how they allocate their time. Food expenses are more or less similar in all the countries. (Check the table.)

Private hostels often provide combined packages for food and lodging. You might pay between $3500 and $4500 for this package for a year.

Cost of living in Georgia

How much does it cost to live in Georgia for the 6 years you stay after 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 stationery, in addition to the cost of your hostel/accommodation and food. The table below shows you an idea of a few daily food products.

Integrated American Program in Georgia

Except for two universities, namely the University of Georgia and Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), every other university offers standard MBBS programs.

Now the question arises: What is the difference between a standard MBBS and an integrated American Program? Or simply, what is the 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 program called the Integrated American Program that requires students to learn a national medicine course while also preparing them for USMLE concepts. Key features of the Integrated American Program at University of Georgia

1. Live Conceptual Lectures
2. MOCK Test for Learning Assessment
3. Review Lectures
4. Personal Mentor for Performance Monitoring
5. Weakness Identifier
6. Access to Q Bank

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 institution 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 licensing exam in India will be focused primarily on examining, 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 MBBS in Georgia for Indian students

The eligibility criteria for an MBBS in Georgia for Indian students might differ among various medical colleges and universities. However, the main eligibility requirements are given below.

1. To be eligible to study MBBS in Georgia in 2024, the student must be at least 17 years old by December 31st, 2024.
2. Students must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) in their 12th standard.
3. Students must qualify NEET exam to apply for MBBS in Georgia
4. In some universities in Georgia students enrolling in an MBBS in Georgia must clear IELTS/TOEFL with a good score.

Documents Required for MBBS in Georgia

The Georgia MBBS admissions process is relatively simple. You must be eligible, as stated in the previous section. To fulfill the admission requirements in Georgia, you must apply and provide the following documents:

1. Passport (valid for the duration of the study)
2. High school transcripts or equivalent
3. Certificate of completion of secondary education
4. Birth certificate
5. Medical certificate confirming good health
6. Proof of payment of application fees
7. Passport-sized photographs
8. Copy of the NEET scorecard (for Indian students)
9. Proof of proficiency in English (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores)
10. Letter of recommendation
11. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
12. Visa application forms and related documents

Intake for MBBS in Georgia

1. The medical admission process starts in September.
2. Limited seats are available in the universities of Georgia.
3. In Georgia MBBS seats will be given based on first-come, first-served.
4. Apply in July and August, for easy MBBS admission in Georgia without any issue.

Syllabus for MBBS in Georgia

The MBBS curriculum followed by Georgian Universities is as follows