MBBS in Georgia for Indian Students

Studying MBBS in Georgia is an excellent option for Indian students. Georgia is a popular choice for those seeking to study medicine abroad, especially as getting into medical colleges in India becomes increasingly difficult. Shobhit Jayaswal of Global Medical Foundation has visited 15+ medical universities in Georgia. We have already sent many students to various medical universities in Georgia.

In Georgia, students can study MBBS at either public or private universities. The universities offer medical courses in English throughout the program. Indian students have successfully graduated from many Georgian universities and have performed well in FMGE. When comparing the FMGE results in recent years, you’ll find that Indian graduates from Georgia have outperformed their counterparts from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Romania.

Georgia has universities with both high and mid-range budgets. The yearly tuition fee for an MBBS in Georgia starts from USD 4,000 (₹3,40,000). The cost of living however is high at around ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month. Therefore, if you’re looking for more affordable options, you might want to consider studying MBBS in Russia instead, as lower-cost alternatives are not commonly available in Georgia.

If you’re unsure about which country to choose and are considering options like Georgia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, you should first see if your budget allows you to choose Georgia. Here is how MBBS from Georgia is better than its peers:

• higher FMGE passing ratio which shows the actual results, Indian students are going abroad to come back and clear the licensing exam, therefore, it is important to see the historical results to determine the quality of education
• most locals speak English, easier to communicate with locals
• easy to understand the accents of locals and teachers which is not always the case in the popular alternates to MBBS in Georgia
• degree is valid in the EU, UK and the USA
• good practical exposure
• better/more suitable weather
• part-time job opportunities, many Indian students are earning between ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per month
• no problem regarding Indian food, Indian mess is available, many Indian restaurants are available, almost all Indian cereals, vegetables, etc are available
• a daily direct flight of approx. 5 hours is available connecting Delhi and Tbilisi
• parents can easily meet their children as a tourist visa can be obtained within 5 working days

There are many more benefits to pursuing an MBBS degree in Georgia which we will discuss on this page.  Let’s look at what studying MBBS in Georgia involves for Indian students.

Note: We firmly advise you to choose Global Medical Foundation as your study abroad consultant to avoid scams. Global Medical Foundation has sent many students to study MBBS in Georgia and has tie-ups with multiple universities in Georgia and all around the world.

Everything you need to know about MBBS in Georgia can be found right here:

When students look for the right place to study, they often feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available, much of which can be misleading. The Global Medical Foundation will compare popular MBBS destinations abroad based on key factors to make this process easier.

Georgia Fulfils FMGL Regulations? –

Interview with a representative of Alte University, Georgia:

As per the Ministry Of Education, Science And Youth Of Georgia, the MBBS course in Georgia fulfils the FMGL Regulations 2021. Here is what was published on 9 August 2024 on the official website of the Embassy of Georgia to the Republic of India –

Medical programs (MD) of schools/universities in Georgia are accredited/authorized by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, which is internationally recognized as accredited Agency by World Federation of Medical Education (WFME).

This International accreditation ensures that all MD diplomas of graduates issued in Georgia are recognized worldwide resulting in permanently increasing number of foreign students.

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.

According to the Law of Georgia on Medical Practice, graduates of MD program have the right to be employed as a junior doctor – position that may be occupied by a MD graduate from accredited higher medical institution, who shall perform the duties of a doctor according to the instructions. There are no additional exams required for MD program graduates for the status of junior doctor.

In addition, according to the Article 14 of the same Law, junior doctor is authorized to fulfill the duties of a doctor. Thus, it fully equals to MBBS qualification in India. Junior doctor performs clinical duties under guidance of certified specialist. If certified doctor is not available, a junior doctor can provide emergency medical care independently.

All of the above mentioned clearly illustrates that medical education in Georgia is in compliance with the new rules of NMC.

Safety and Peace in a Country:

Georgia is frequently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Tbilisi, the capital, is home to over 20,000 Indian students and many more international students from more than 50 countries. Among the popular MBBS destinations for Indian students, Georgia is arguably the safest.

In contrast, Russia and Ukraine are currently involved in a military conflict. As of 2024, Ukraine is not a viable option for students, and it is important to note that Ukraine has begun conducting military operations inside Russia. The Global Medical Foundation’s owner, Pradeep Jayaswal, advises Indian students to avoid applying to universities near the Russia-Ukraine border.

Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan/Kyrgyzstan: All 3 are fantastic and safe options for Indian students from all religions.

Bangladesh: Due to the recent unrest in Bangladesh, most Indian students do not feel that Bangladesh is a safe option. However, as the session starts in January, there is still time for the situation to normalise.

Budget Required to Study MBBS including accommodation/food:

In terms of affordability, studying MBBS in Georgia might be beyond the budget for many students. The average tuition fee in Georgia is USD 5,000-6,000 per year or approx. ₹4,20,000 or 5,04,000 per year. Apart from this, the cost of accommodation and food in Tbilisi is approx. USD 300 or ₹25,000 per month. Therefore, the estimated total budget including tuition fees, accommodation & food expenses is around ₹40-50 lakh. In a few universities, the budget is as high as ₹55-60 lakh.

Similarly, countries like Romania (EU), Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina (both in Europe) have a budget of approx. ₹45-55 lakh.

In contrast, you can complete your MBBS for ₹20-25 lakh in countries like Russia and Kyrgyzstan. However, affordable options are limited. In Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, you need a budget of ₹25 lakh + food.

Flight duration:

Direct flights from Delhi to Tbilisi are available. The flight duration is around 5 hours and the cost is approx. ₹18,000-20,000 for one side. Travel to Georgia is very affordable and the flight duration is also low.

When travelling to Russia, a one-way flight ticket will cost around ₹25,000. Direct flights are not available, therefore, you will need to take a connecting flight. The total flight duration from Delhi to Moscow is approx. 10 to 13 hours.

Flights to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh are also inexpensive. You can get direct flights from:

Delhi to Almaty (Kazakhstan) = 3.5 hours
Delhi to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) = 3 hours
Delhi to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) = 3 hours
Delhi to Dhaka (Bangladesh) = 2.5 hours

FMGE Passing Percentage:

The Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) is the test that Indian graduates from foreign medical universities must pass to get a license to practice as a doctor in India. Ultimately, the most important thing is whether you pass this exam. By looking at the FMGE passing percentages, you can see which countries produce more successful doctors. This allows you to compare the success rates of graduates from different countries.

Indian graduates who studied MBBS in Georgia have a higher success rate compared to graduates from countries like Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Only Bangladesh has a similar success rate. Here is the FMGE passing percentage in 2023 from the most popular MBBS abroad destinations –

As you can see from the table above, the students who did MBBS in Georgia performed way better than their peers from other countries such as Russia, Kyrgyzstan, etc.

Population:

While none of the popular MBBS abroad destinations can compare to India in terms of population, we can still compare the population of these countries –

The best countries for patient interaction are – Bangladesh, Georgia and Uzbekistan.

Local Language –

You’ll rarely find English-speaking locals in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. However, in the past twenty years, the number of English speakers in Georgia has increased significantly due to the government’s emphasis on the language. Their goal is for every child to learn English, so it has been made a mandatory school subject. Georgia plans to make English an official language in the next few years. Today, the younger generation speaks and understands English; even locals study MBBS in English.

Weather:

A student who moves to a city with weather similar to their hometown will adjust more easily. Countries with climates like India often have similar disease patterns, therefore, those who study MBBS in Georgia will gain experience treating diseases common in India during their clinical practice.

Georgia has pleasant weather in the summer and mild winters, making it a better option for Indian students than Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan and Bangladesh are also good choices.

Religion:

Most students prefer to select a country which aligns with their religious beliefs. Here is the list of the dominant religions in the popular MBBS abroad destinations –

Quality of Education:

In terms of education quality, Georgia stands out when compared to countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Romania, Belarus, and Armenia. This is evident from the FMGE passing percentages, which we compared for the year 2023 above. Below, you can see the overall FMGE results for Indian graduates from various countries:

Only Bangladesh ranks higher than Georgia, and it is already well ahead of its peers. Additionally, Georgia provides high-quality education with a strong emphasis on developing students’ practical skills. As language is not an issue and the weather is also familiar, students find it easier to settle in Georgia.

MBBS Course Duration:

As per NMC’s FMGL Regulations (2021), the minimum course duration for an MBBS abroad must be at least 54 months of theoretical studies and 1-year internship. This means that the minimum course duration is 5.5 years. Here is the course duration in various countries for MBBS abroad for an Indian student –

Shobhit Jayaswal has visited various medical universities in Russia and Georgia. Global Medical Foundation has sent many students to both countries over the years. We have been in constant contact with our students in Russia and Georgia. Therefore, our experience helps us compare between the two countries. Check the video below where we compare MBBS in Georgia vs Russia:

Students from India must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission to study MBBS in Georgia:

• By December 31st of the year they are applying for admission, the student must be at least 17 years old.
• To be eligible, the student must have obtained their high school diploma from a recognised state or regionally accredited university.
• The student must be NEET-qualified. A student’s NEET score is valid for three years of MBBS admission abroad.

As per NMC Rules and Regulations, if an Indian student wants to appear for the licensing exam in India after studying MBBS abroad, they must be NEET-qualified before they begin their MBBS course.

If you study MBBS from a foreign nation without first securing qualifying marks in NEET, you are not eligible to appear for NExT, the licensing exam in India.

Therefore, we do not recommend that any Indian student pursue an MBBS abroad without NEET.

Please note that while the Georgian medical universities will admit you without NEET, you will not get a visa from the Embassy without showing your NEET result. Anyone with an Indian passport must qualify for NEET to get a visa to study in Georgia.

Therefore, if you hold an Indian passport, you cannot get a visa to study MBBS in Georgia without NEET.

For MBBS abroad, the NEET score is valid for 3 years. Your NEET score would be the qualifying marks as per your category (General/SC/ST/OBC etc.) in the year you appeared for NEET. For eg. in 2024, an Indian student can get admission and a visa to study MBBS in Georgia if they have the following score in NEET as per their category:

According to the Ministry of Education of Georgia, the MBBS program in Georgia lasts 6 years.

On 9th August 2024, the Ministry of Education, Science & Youth of Georgia published 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.

According to the Ministry of Education of Georgia, the 6-year duration of the MBBS course meets the NMC’s requirements.

• The medium of instruction for studying MBBS in Georgia is English.
• Professors and teachers are fluent in English and many locals are taught English from school.
• The students from India will find the accent easier to understand in Georgia.

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital and the country’s biggest city is the country’s most populous metropolis.

Ethnic Groups & Religion

Ethnic groups –

•  86.8% Georgians
• 6.2% Azerbaijanis
• 4.5% Armenians
• 2.8% other.

Religion-
Georgian Orthodox Church

Population

Population
• 2017 estimate- 37,18,200
• 2014 census- 37,13,804
• Density- 53.5/km2 (138.6/sq mi)

Currency

Currency- Georgian Lari

Exchange Rate as of September 2024 (Please check current exchange rate):

1 US Dollar = 2.69 Georgian Lari

1 Georgian Lari = 31.16 Indian Rupee

Time Difference to India

Indian Standard Time is 01:30 hours ahead of the time in Tbilisi.

Eg. Indian time- 2:30 pm = Tbilisi time- 1:00 pm.

Average Monthly Temperature in Tbilisi, Georgia –

Studying MBBS in Georgia offers several benefits. Students in Georgia enjoy a high success rate on the FMGE exam. Additionally, Georgia is a safe country to visit. Here are some advantages of studying medicine in Georgia:

Shobhit Jayaswal, owner of Global Medical Foundation has visited Georgia and has interacted with many Indian students there. After extensively speaking with Indian students in multiple Georgian universities, we can tell you about the disadvantages of applying for an MBBS in Georgia:

1. Language Barriers: Although the medium of instruction is English, not all locals speak it fluently. This might create challenges in daily interactions or while seeking help outside the academic environment.

2. Recognition and Accreditation: Some medical schools in Georgia may not be recognized or accredited by all international medical councils. It’s important to apply through an experienced consultancy like Global Medical Foundation to get admission to the best universities.

3. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture and lifestyle can be challenging for some students. This includes adjusting to local customs, food, and social norms. For some students, the newfound freedom is a bane as they indulge in drinking, smoking and live-in relationships. However, this is the case in other countries as well.

4. Limited Clinical Exposure: Depending on the university, clinical training and hands-on experience might be limited compared to other universities with more experienced medical training systems.

5. Language of Patients: Patients in local hospitals may primarily speak Georgian or Russian, which could be a barrier during clinical practice if students do not know these languages.

6. Weather Conditions: Although Georgia has a generally pleasant climate, it can be quite different from what students are used to, especially during the colder months.

7. High Cost of Living: While Georgia is generally affordable, living expenses might still be higher than in some other countries, impacting students’ budgets.

8. Lengthy admission/visa process: It must be noted that if you want to apply for study MBBS in Georgia, you must do so as soon as possible as the whole process can take up to 3-4 months.

9. Not all universities are worth going to: “My trip to Georgia in September 2024 was an eye-opener when I visited some of the universities. If I look from the point of view of the students, some universities in Georgia are not at all worth going to! This is especially the case as many universities have just recently started. You will be paying approx. the same fee as some of the good universities yet, you will get way less in terms of quality of education and clinical exposure. You just get in touch with a consultant who has visited almost every university in Georgia to truly understand which university is good for you!” – Shobhit Jayaswal (+91-9999404348).

Considering these factors can help students make a well-informed decision about studying MBBS in Georgia.

We have discussed this topic several times on this page. Since the NMC introduced the FMGL Regulations in November 2021, there have been many questions about whether Georgia’s MBBS program meets these requirements. However, The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia came out with the following notification on 9th August 2024:

You can read that the Ministry of Education of Georgia claims that the MBBS course in Georgia is valid in India as it fulfils NMC’s regulations.

Several of the world’s most prestigious medical organisations have accepted Georgia’s medical degree:

• NMC (India), as per the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia
• WHO (World Health Organization)
• ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
• Ministry of Education, Georgia
• WFME (World Federation for Medical Education)
• FAIMER (The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research)

Pursuing a postgraduate degree in the United States after completing an MBBS in Georgia involves several steps:

1. Ensure Recognition: Confirm that your MBBS degree from Georgia is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and other relevant bodies in the U.S. This is crucial for eligibility to apply for U.S. medical programs.

2. Pass Required Exams: You will have to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The USMLE consists of multiple steps, including Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS). Ensure you prepare thoroughly for these exams.

3. Credential Verification: Your medical school credentials will need to be verified through the ECFMG. This involves submitting your transcripts and other documentation for evaluation.

4. Clinical Experience: Gain U.S.-based clinical experience, through electives or observerships, to familiarize yourself with the U.S. healthcare system and improve your application.

5. Apply for Residency: Apply for residency programs through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). This process involves submitting applications, attending interviews, and matching with a program that fits your career goals.

6. Obtain a Visa: Secure the appropriate visa for your residency program. Most international medical graduates use the J-1 or H-1B visa.

7. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready for interviews with residency programs, which will assess your suitability for their training programs.

8. Complete Residency: Once accepted, complete your residency training in the U.S., which typically lasts between 3 to 7 years, depending on your specialty.

9. Board Certification: After completing residency, you may need to pass board exams in your chosen specialty to become board-certified.

By following these steps, you can successfully pursue a postgraduate degree in the United States after completing your MBBS in Georgia.

There are no scholarships being offered by the medical universities in Georgia.