Studying MBBS in Georgia is one of the best options available to Indian students. However, the are some Georgia MBBS disadvantages. However, if you check the FMGE passing ratio, you will notice that graduates from Georgia have performed better than graduates from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Shobhit Jayaswal has personally visited the medical universities in Georgia. He can say that Georgia is perhaps the best destination for studying MBBS for Indian students.

While there are many advantages to making Georgia a good option for Indian students, it certainly is not without shortcomings. Most ‘Georgia MBBS disadvantages’ arise when the student fails to adjust to the new culture and country. Homesickness is a major problem among Indian students but is not affected by the choice of destination.

Here are the Georgia MBBS disadvantages:

• Climate: Some students find it hard to adjust to the cold climate or weather of Georgia. This is mentioned in the advisory for Indian students by the Embassy of Armenia. The temperature will be below 0° from mid-November till mid-March. However, even when the temperature is below 0°, the students won’t have any problem when they are inside any building/car/bus. This is because all the buildings are centrally heated.
• No Indian Embassy in Georgia: Many feel that a major Georgia MBBS disadvantage is that there is no Indian Embassy in Georgia. The Embassy of India in Armenia assists Indian nationals in Georgia. This is not a major concern an Indian Embassy does not have a major role to play in the life of medical students in any country.
• FMGL Regulations Uncertainties: Ever since FMGL Regulations came into force in November 2021, there has been widespread uncertainty about the validity of the degree of all foreign countries. The same fate is for Georgia. There is no certainty whether the degree from Georgia (or any other country) will be valid in India. However, the Ministry of Education of Georgia came out with a notification stating that it is fulfilling all NMC norms. You can read more about it here – Is MBBS in Georgia Valid in India?
• Expensive Destination: Georgia is an affordable destination for few and an expensive destination for many. The average tuition fee is around ₹4-5 lakh per year and the living cost is about ₹2.5-3 lakh yearly. Students must have a budget of ₹45-60 lakh to study in Georgia, depending on the university. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are cheaper options.
• Cheating Agents: The students are given wrong information by many agents in India. This is why you should do research and contact only the consultancies which have a direct tie-up with the universities like Global Medical Foundation. Many consultants with direct tie-ups are also misleading students. Students should check reviews of consultancies before they apply through them.
• Not in the EU: Most students and parents think that Georgia is a part of the European Union. However, Georgia is not located in the European Union. It is located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia which is at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Many students are told by agents that Georgia is located in Europe which is false. This is mentioned in the advisory for Indian students by the Embassy of Armenia.
• Visa and admission process – Getting a visa is not easy. In fact, getting a visa for Georgia is a lengthy process. The admission and visa process takes about 2-4 months on average.
• Limited Clinical Exposure: The population of Georgia is low. Students going to Tbilisi will still get clinical exposure but students going to Kutaisi and Batumi can expect less clinical exposure. Many universities share the same hospitals which leads to congestion. Students must be careful while selecting universities. Most parents/students lack the right resources and should not blindly trust what any agent is stating in India. They should contact experienced consultants like Global Medical Foundation for admission. Shobhit Jayaswal of Global Medical Foundation has visited almost all the popular medical universities in Georgia.
• Learning Local Language: It is not just a Georgia MBBS disadvantage. You will have to learn the local language while studying MBBS in Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as well.