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 Eastern 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
Degree Awarded
Doctor of Medicine
Duration
6 Years
Currency
1 GEL = ~33 INR
Tuition fee/ Year
$5000- $8000 (in USD)
Meets NMC Guidelines
Yes
Capital
Tbilisi
Population
3.7 Million
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. It 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 program.
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 top among 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 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, 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.
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.
Availability of Pathway programs- 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 program 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.
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.
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 full-equipped kitchen wherein students may prepare their 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.
Country
Georgia
Russia
China
Serbia
Hostel
2400-3000
500-1000
500-1000
2400-3000
Accommodation Type
Pvt Hostel
Govt Hostel
Govt Hostel
Pvt Apartment
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 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)
Country
Georgia
Russia
Serbia
Poland
Yearly Exp (in USD)
1200-1800
1200-1500
NA
NA
Private hostels often provide combined packages for food and lodging. You might pay between $3500 and $4500 for
this package for a year.
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. You can get an idea of a few daily food products from the table below.
Expense Type
GEL
INR
McMeal at McDonalds
20
650
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
2.1
70
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
1.17
40
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
5.14
170
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
1.76
60
Eggs (regular) (12)
6.45
25
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
17.27
570
Apples (1kg)
3.52
115
Banana (1kg)
4.53
150
Oranges (1kg)
4.15
140
Tomato (1kg)
4.6
150
Potato (1kg)
2.14
70
Onion (1kg)
2.1
70
Lettuce (1 head)
3.28
110
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
1.66
50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
40
1300
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 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-
Live Conceptual Lectures
MOCK Test for Learning Assessment
Review Lectures
Personal Mentor for Performance Monitoring
Weakness Identifier
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 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 licensing 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
A student 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 June and ends in September. 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 mark sheet
NEET Score Card
Passport Copy
Aadhaar Card
Medical Fitness certificate
Program Intake
The application deadline to apply at Georgian universities generally vary depending on the institution
and the program of study-
Refer to the table below for yearly intake and deadline for admission-
Intake
Month
Application Deadline
Autumn
Sept 2023
30th June-23
Spring
Feb 2024
15th Nov-23
MBBS Curriculum in Georgia
The MBBS curriculum followed by the Georgian Universities is as follows
Year
Subject
Teaching Hours
Theory
Practical
1st
Cell Biology
75
75
Body Systems I
89
111
Biophysics and Medical Physics
47
53
Foreign Language I
47
53
Clinical and Professional skills I
33
17
Introduction to Information Technologies
33
17
Molecular Biology and Genetics
61
89
Body Systems II
89
111
Body Function I
75
100
Clinical and Professional skills II
33
17
Bioethics
31
44
2nd
Body Systems III
89
111
Body Function II
61
89
Neuroscience
61
89
Introduction to Psychology
31
19
Clinical and Professional skills III
33
17
Skills for Academic Study
33
42
Public Health I
31
44
Body systems IV
89
111
Body function III
75
100
Immunology
47
78
Clinical and Professional Skills IV
61
39
Research Skills I
47
53
3rd
Pathology I
89
111
Methods of Diagnosis I
103
97
Microbiology I
89
111
Public health II
45
55
Pathology II
89
111
Methods of Diagnosis II
103
97
Microbiology II
89
111
Surgery I (General)
47
53
Public Health III
31
19
4th
Internal Medicine I
118
82
Surgery II
47
53
Research Skills II
56
84
Dermatology
43
57
Pediatrics
70
80
Clinical and Professional skills V
33
17
Internal Medicine II
89
111
Surgery III
47
53
Infectious Diseases
77
73
Clinical and Professional skills VI
33
17
Public Health IV
45
55
Leadership in Healthcare
31
19
5th
Internal medicine III
45
55
Neurology
77
98
Surgery IV
105
70
Surgery V
35
40
Forensic Medicine
41
59
Clinical and Professional skills VII
33
17
Public Health V
31
44
Internal Medicine IV
85
115
Psychiatry
53
47
Surgery VI
41
34
Clinical and Professional skills VIII
33
17
Obstetrics and Gynaecology I
77
98
Research Skills III
31
19
6th
Internal Medicine V
65
85
Surgery VII
45
55
Medical Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
43
57
Clinical and Professional Skills IX
28
17
Clinical Radiology
45
55
Obstetrics and Gynaecology II
77
73
Palliative Medicine
45
55
Internal Medicine VI
44
56
Surgery VIII
37
38
Anesthesiology and Intensive Care
56
69
Family Medicine and Geriatrics
61
39
Clinical and Professional Skills X
61
39
Research Skills IV
31
94
PG Option after MBBS in Georgia
Medical PG in India or NExT
During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the
competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical
College, which is 11% Broadly, we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seats whereas the chances of getting
Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or
else students should have enough money to get the paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!
Total Applicants NEET PG 2022
Specialty
Govt Med College
Pvt Med College
Seats
Success Ratio
Seats
2.06 Lacs
MD (Non Clinical)
15K
8.6%
10K
MS (Clinical)
8K
4.6%
5K
Total
23K
11.4%
15K
Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already
notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in
India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.
The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the
National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post
completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient
Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and
Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT
Exam
Most of the Students studying in Georgia also plan for doing Medical PG from USA. This is because getting PG
Seats in India is very tough.
With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of
MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum remarkably. US Healthcare system is considered
as one of the best health care systems in the world because of numerous reasons like high rewards, excellent
infrastructure, merit based assessment, open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries try to
replicate US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates. USMLE exam is divided in 3 Parts. One
can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during residency
(Medical PG). Unfortunately there is no prometric center in Goergia, But, all neighboring countries are having
these centers.
MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE
& NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad
medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.
Due to the close proximity of Georgia to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024,
the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and
knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice
medicine in the UK.
In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has
two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical
OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.
The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band
Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).
After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2
years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.
By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC, UK is going to change
certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.
Medical PG in Germany
PG in Germany after MBBS in Georgia is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language.
Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 that would qualify you to apply for a
visa.
Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital
approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.
This may sound simple here, but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany,
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 counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling 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.
