MBBS in Georgia vs Kazakhstan

MBBS in Georgia vs Kazakhstan – Which Country is Better?

Pursuing an MBBS abroad is a significant decision for students aspiring to become doctors. Georgia and Kazakhstan are extremely popular destinations among Indian students for their medical studies due to their affordable tuition fees, globally recognized universities and relatively straightforward admission processes. However, these countries differ in various aspects that prospective students should consider.

The Global Medical Foundation has facilitated the admission of hundreds of students for MBBS programs in Georgia and Kazakhstan. Shobhit Jayaswal, a representative of the Global Medical Foundation, has personally visited Georgia and Kazakhstan to gain firsthand insights. With over 10 years of experience assisting students to pursue MBBS abroad, our organization is well-equipped to guide aspiring medical professionals.

Our officials maintain regular contact with Indian students studying MBBS in Georgia and MBBS in Kazakhstan, ensuring we stay informed about their experiences and challenges. This enables us to provide accurate and up-to-date information about MBBS education in both countries. We are committed to offering an unbiased opinion and presenting factual insights to help you make an informed decision about the best destination for your MBBS studies.

Overview of MBBS in Georgia and Kazakhstan

MBBS in Georgia

Indian students with a higher budget often study MBBS in Georgia over other countries, as it offers a European experience and high-quality medical education. Georgia is also a popular tourist destination for its safety and pleasant weather, making it an attractive choice for international students.

Georgia’s medical universities are renowned for their excellent academic standards. Additionally, the younger generation, particularly in urban areas, is proficient in English, which facilitates better communication for Indian students. The MBBS course in Georgia lasts six years. However, the overall cost of studying in Georgia is relatively higher compared to Kazakhstan, which may deter some students from opting for this destination.

MBBS in Kazakhstan

Indian students with a moderate budget often choose to study MBBS in Kazakhstan due to its affordability and quality of education. Compared to Georgia, more students choose to study in Kazakhstan as its overall budget is less. Also, it is an older MBBS abroad destination. More than 10,000 Indian students have graduated from various medical universities in Kazakhstan over many years.

Kazakhstan offers a multicultural environment and is known for its natural beauty and historic significance. It is considered a relatively safe country, though the climate can be harsh, with extremely cold winters.

The medical universities in Kazakhstan provide a solid foundation for medical studies. Kazakstan’s medical universities offer English-medium courses, although students may encounter some language barriers during clinical rotations. The MBBS course duration in Kazakhstan is 6 years which includes an internship of 1-year.

MBBS in Georgia Vs Kazakhstan

Let us compare MBBS in Georgia vs Kazakhstan on more than 15 points:

FMGL Regulations

In 2025, both Georgia and Kazakhstan have a certain level of clarity when it comes to FMGL Regulations. Here is what the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia has to say on FMGL Regulations:

Here is what the Embassy of India in Astana, Kazakhstan has to say on FMGL Regulations: Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan on FMGL Regulations.

FMGE Passing Ratio

As you can see, the students who graduated from Georgia have outperformed their counterparts from Kazakhstan. Therefore, Georgia is the clear winner vs Kazakhstan as its graduates have been more successful in FMGE. In terms of actual results, Georgia is way ahead of Kazakhstan.

Please note that as of January 2025 (when this page was last updated), the latest FMGE results available were till 2023.

Admission Without NEET

Many Indian students aspire to study medicine abroad without NEET, either because they did not attempt the exam or did not achieve qualifying marks. Additionally, some students with Indian passports settled abroad may not have appeared for NEET. These students often opt to pursue MBBS in countries like Kazakhstan or Georgia, with plans to settle abroad after completing their medical degree. Such students are not eligible to appear for the NExT exam after graduation. Therefore, they cannot get a license to practice in India and therefore plan to settle abroad.

When it comes to getting admission without NEET, it is not possible to do so in Georgia. For more information on this, you may check this video:

If you are not NEET-qualified, you can still gain admission to certain medical universities in Kazakhstan.

Two Intakes

Georgia and Kazakhstan have two major intakes: September/October and March. We have seen that the counselling process in India sometimes goes on until December. For this reason, many Indian students are unable to apply for MBBS abroad. For such students, it is a blessing that both these countries offer two intakes. In Georgia, almost all the medical universities have a February-March intake. In the case of Kazakhstan, some universities offer a March intake.

Duration & Internship

• Kazakhstan MBBS course duration is 6 years. Here is what the Embassy of India in Kazakhstan states: 

Medical universities of Kazakhstan follows NMC’s guidelines which were published in the gazette notification of November, 2021 i.e. 5 year’s study and 1 year’s internship. 

• Georgia MBBS course duration is 6 years as well. The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia states the following:

In line with national legislation and related regulations on higher medical education and Medical Sector Benchmarks, which is mandatory to be fulfilled in order to get accreditation, the duration of undergraduate MD programs in Georgia (equal to MBBS qualification in India and UK) is 6 years (360 ECTS) including internship during the 6^th, graduating year.

You should read the full notification by The Ministry of Education of Georgia here: MBBS in Georgia Duration.

Safety and Living Standards

Georgia

• Georgia is one of the safest countries for Indian students.
• Crime rates are low, and the overall living standard is high.
• Batumi and Tbilisi are major tourist destinations.
• Shobhit Jayaswal of Global Medical Foundation has visited many Georgian medical universities and has interacted with the students there.
• There is peace and economic stability in Georgia. Georgians are welcoming towards Indian students.

Kazakhstan

• Kazakhstan is generally safe for Indian students. Cities like Astana and Almaty are very safe.
• In recent years, Kazakhstan has become a major tourist destination. Its popularity has grown, especially among Indians.
• Shobhit Jayaswal of Global Medical Foundation has visited various medical universities in Kazakhstan. It is a good destination and is very safe.
• The locals are welcoming. Cities like Almaty and Astana have very good infrastructure.

Type of Universities

Georgia

In Georgia, there are more private universities and a few government universities. The most famous government medical university is the Tbilisi State Medical University. Most people think that government medical universities cost less. However, in Georgia, it is the opposite and TSMU is the most expensive university and most students study at private universities in Georgia. However, not every university might be good.

Therefore, Indian students/parents are advised to contact Global Medical Foundation and apply for admission through them. This will ensure they get admission to one of the best medical universities in Georgia. There are many good universities in Georgia: Georgian National University SEU, Caucasus University, East West University Georgia, Alte University.

Kazakhstan

Almost all the universities in Kazakhstan are government medical universities. Shobhit Jayaswal has visited many medical universities in Kazakhstan. However, in his experience and based on the review collected from students, very few universities can be classified as good universities. Many universities are not suitable for Indian students. Here are some of the problems faced by Indian students if they select the wrong university:

• lack of proper infrastructure as many universities have recently started medical program
• some universities lack experienced faculty or in many cases, the English of the teachers is poor
• many universities are located in cities where the climate is very harsh, going below -20 to 30° C
• most universities do not have an Indian mess facility

To not face such problems, Indian students must do proper research. They are advised to contact the Global Medical Foundation for the best advice on MBBS abroad.

Medium of Instruction/Local Language

Georgia is a better option than Kazakhstan in terms of the use of the English language. This is because you will find many English-speaking locals. Also, the accent is easier to understand and command of the English language is higher among the locals in Georgia.

Georgia

• English is widely spoken in universities and urban areas, making communicating easier for students.
• Indian students face minimal language barriers during studies and internships.
• It is very easy to understand the English accent of the locals/teachers.

Kazakhstan

• The universities offer their MBBS program in English for their international or Indian students. However, the English spoken by teachers in Kazakhstan may be slightly harder to understand due to their accents.
• Locals do not like to speak in English even if they know it.
• You have to clear the licensing exam in Kazakhstan which is conducted in three languages including English. This makes acquiring a license much easier compared to countries like Russia where the licensing exam is conducted in the Russian language.

Population

A high population generally means more patients for clinical/internships. Georgia has a population of 37-38 lakh people whereas Kazakhstan has a population of about 2 crore. While the difference seems huge, a close inspection is required.

Indian students and parents must note that Kazakhstan is a vast country with a population that is unevenly distributed. In Georgia, around 12-13 lakh people, or about a third of the population live in Tbilisi, where most Indian students go. In Kazakhstan, the city with the highest population is Almaty, with approximately 20 lakh residents. Astana and Shymkent have populations similar to that of Tbilisi. All other cities in Kazakhstan have populations of less than 6 lakh. Global Medical Foundation always recommends that students choose a university in Almaty.

Climate

A similar climate means it becomes easier for Indian students to adjust. Here is a comparison of the average monthly temperature in Tbilisi and Moscow:

Climate in Georgia

• Mild and Varied: Georgia has a generally mild climate, with diverse weather patterns due to its mountainous terrain. Coastal areas, like Batumi, experience a subtropical climate, while inland regions, such as Tbilisi, have a continental climate.
• Hot Summers: Summers in Georgia are typically warm, especially in cities like Tbilisi, with temperatures ranging between 25-35°C.
• Cold Winters: Winters can be cold, especially in the mountainous areas, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F), while in the lowlands, it’s more moderate.
• Frequent Rainfall: Coastal regions experience regular rainfall throughout the year, while the inland areas are drier, particularly in the summer months.

Climate in Kazakhstan

• Harsh Winters: Kazakhstan experiences very cold winters. The temperatures often fall below -10°C, particularly in cities like Almaty and Astana. The cold winters become challenging for Indian students.
• Hot Summers: Summers in Kazakhstan can be extremely hot, just like in India. The temperatures are between 30-40°C in cities like Almaty and Shymkent.
• Temperature Extremes: Due to the continental nature of the climate, Kazakhstan experiences significant temperature swings, with stark contrasts between summer and winter.

Tuition Fees/Budget

One of the key factors in choosing a country for MBBS abroad is the overall budget. Kazakhstan offers more budget-friendly options, making it a popular choice for many students. On the other hand, Georgia tends to be more expensive but is renowned for offering higher-quality education to Indian students.

Georgia

• Tuition fees in Tbilisi range between USD 4,500 to 8,000 per year, depending on the university. On average, the tuition fee of the medical universities in Georgia is between ₹4.30 lakh to ₹4,75,000 per year.
• Living expenses are high, averaging USD 200-350 monthly for accommodation, food, and other expenses. On average, you will spend around ₹20,000-25,ooo monthly on living expenses.
• Overall cost: Approximately ₹40-50 lakhs for the entire program excluding personal expenses.

Kazakhstan

• Tuition fees are relatively lower, ranging from ₹3-5 lakh per year.
• Living costs are affordable as the hostels provided by the universities are affordable. On average, the hostel costs approx. ₹40,000-75,000 per year in Kazakhstan medical universities.
• Overall cost: Around INR 25-35 lakhs, making it more affordable than Georgia in most cases. This does not include personal expenses.

Accommodation/Hostel Facility

Kazakhstan

• In Kazakhstan, the universities provide hostels at an affordable cost.
• Indian students generally pay between ₹40-75 thousand per year for hostel facilities.
• Most hostels have common washrooms/bathrooms on every floor.
• Maintaining hygiene is a major challenge.

Georgia

• The universities do not provide hotels. It is the responsibility of your consultant to provide you with accommodation facilities. Global Medical Foundation takes care of this and provides all its students with hostel facilities.
• Indian students share rooms in apartment-style hostels.
• Indian mess facility is provided to all our students in the hostel.
• The monthly cost of accommodation and food is approx. ₹25,000 per month in these hostels which includes the Indian mess fee.
• Students can rarely complain about the hostels provided.
• After the 1st year, Indian students can choose to stay outside hostels. Students can lower the cost of rent/bills/food to around ₹17,000-20,000.

Indian Mess Facility

Kazakhstan

All the medical universities in Kazakhstan which are recommended by Global Medical Foundation have an Indian mess facility is available. In some universities, it is possible to pay for the Indian mess on a monthly basis. However, in most of the universities, you must pay for the Indian mess on an yearly basis.

Georgia

An Indian mess facility is provided to every student who is admitted through the Global Medical Foundation. We take care of the accommodation and Indian mess facility of all the students who apply for take admission through us.

Admission Process/Processing Time

Kazakhstan

• The major intake is the September-October intake.
• Universities start giving admission letters in June-July.
• Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis.
• The admission and visa process is easy as we will take care of everything.
• Students can get admission to some universities even if they apply in October.
• The admission process is online and students from all over India can apply through Global Medical Foundation.

Georgia

• You have to clear an online interview for admission. This test is conducted by the university and it is to check your English proficiency.
• Indian students must apply at least 3 months in advance. The admission and visa processing time is about 3 months.
• The amount of documentation is a lot more. However, all the documentation process is handled by Global Medical Foundation.
• The student will have to personally go to a VFS office for document submission for your visa. These centres are located only in a few cities.
• The admission process is online and students from all over India can apply through Global Medical Foundation.

Travel time/Flight cost

Kazakhstan

• A one-way flight between Almaty and Delhi costs around ₹10,0000-15,000.
• There are direct flights between Almaty and Delhi.
• Travel time between Delhi and Almaty is 3.5 hours.
• Most universities are located hundreds of km away from Almaty. The students might spend 10-15 day just to reach the university.

Georgia

• Reaching Tbilisi from Delhi costs around ₹10,000-15,000.
• Direct flight is available and it takes around 5.5 hours.
• Most universities are located in Tbilisi. The students can reach their hostels within an hour of exiting the airport.

Part-time jobs

Kazakhstan

No opportunity for part-time jobs in Kazakhstan.

Georgia

• Many students are doing part-time jobs.
• Indian students are earning between ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh monthly.
• This helps students pay for their living expenses like rent/food/bills.

Conclusion

After comparing MBBS in Georgia vs Kazakhstan on various parameters, we can conclude that MBBS in Georgia is a better option than MBBS in Kazakhstan. We can say so after checking the higher success ratio of its graduates in FMGE. However, most students will not have the budget to study MBBS in Georgia. In that case, they can choose to study in countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan or Russia.