Studying MBBS in Georgia is a desirable option for many Indian students because of affordable tuition when compared to universities in India, availability of an English medium, global recognition of universities, and straightforward admission procedures. Most students looking at studying medicine abroad focus on tuition fees and assume that all other costs are made up of only academic expenses. This is a misleading assumption.
One of the major selling points for Indian students for MBBS in Georgia is the low tuition fees. What is not communicated is the large number of additional costs that are associated with studying and living abroad that are not communicated as part of the tuition fees.
Simply ensuring placement of the university in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and National Medical Commission (NMC) and evaluating the latest NEET eligibility criteria is not sufficient. Students looking to study MBBS in Georgia also have to consider the cost of living in Georgia, the cost to travel to and from Georgia, and the cost of books, food, and transportation in Georgia.
The following is a list of all the indirect costs that need to be considered by Indian students aspiring to study MBBS in Georgia.
Understanding the Cost of Studying MBBS in Georgia
Only published tuition fees are advertised by almost all universities. However, there are many mandated and optional costs borne by students that are not accounted for in the tuition fees.
Having an adequate financial plan enables students to:
- Avoid unforeseen financial shocks
- Make the necessary preparations in advance
- Make an informed decision when selecting a university
- Budget living expenses
- Be less reliant on family for financial support
Completing an understanding of the costs associated with your studies will keep you financially secure.
Tuition Fees Are Just One Expense
Many students think that after the tuition fees are paid there is not much more to pay. The reality is that tuition fees cover instruction only.
Other costs usually consist of:
- Visa fees
- Documents
- Medical insurance
- Hostels
- Food
- Transportation
- Residence permit renewal
- University fees
- Exams
- Other personal expenses
These complete a substantial amount of the total costs.
Student Visa Fees
Some of the first hidden expenses are incurred before you even leave your home country.
Even though Georgia has a relatively easy visa system, students still have to pay for:
- Visa fees
- Document verification
- Translation (if applicable)
- Visa assistance
- Couriers
- Embassy documentation
These expenses will depend on the individual situation and the agency.
Students should set aside funds in case there are additional requirements during the visa application.
Document Verification and Legal Costs
Verification of some educational documents is required prior to enrollment.
These may be your:
- Class 10 and 12 certificates
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance
- Medical certificate
Many students forget to budget for:
- Notarization
- Apostille
- Translation
- Courier documents
Approximately, each of these expenses is small, but in total they are not.
Flight Tickets Can Disrupt Your Original Budgeting
Air travel is a big cost.
How expensive your flight can be depends on:
- What season you are traveling in
- How far in advance you are booking
- Which airline you choose
- Baggage policies
- The routes the airlines offer
If students are flying at peak times during the year, they will likely have to pay more.
If students book flights as far in advance as possible, it can lead to less travel spending.
Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance
If a student is traveling abroad, they will likely need some form of travel health insurance.
Medical insurance plans usually cover:
- Inpatient Hospital Stays
- Emergency Care
- Accidents
- Basic health needs
To protect students from large debt from medical expenses in other countries and for additional peace of mind, travel health insurance is a must.
It is important for students to know if the university provides health insurance or if they have to pay for it.
Hostel Security Deposit
Hostel expenses can seem cheap from the flyer, but a security deposit that can be claimed back is usually not included.
Students may have to pay before they are able to stay in the hostel:
- Security deposit
- Room maintenance deposit
- Utility deposit
Students will have to pay all of these at the beginning of their course even if some of these will be refunded.
Utility Bills Are Not Always Included
Hostel accommodations usually do not cover the cost of utilities.
For hostel students services that may cost extra are:
- Electricity
- Heat
- Water
- Internet
- Laundry
When heating is needed to keep the hostels warm, it may raise the cost of the other utilities.
These costs will help students realize what their true monthly costs will be.
Food Expenses Vary According to Lifestyle
Food costs will depend on habits.
Students usually eat in the:
- University mess
- Indian hostel mess
- Cook for themselves
- Eat out at restaurants
- Get food delivered
The cheapest option usually is cooking your own food.
Students that order food and eat out a lot tend to blow a lot of money.
There are Indian grocery stores in some cities in Georgia, but usually the imported food is more expensive than the locally sourced food.
Transportation
You should also consider the cost of getting around.
Most students rely on the:
- Metro
- Public buses
- Rideshare taxis
- City transport cards
Living near the university saves the cost of commuting.
Students living farther away should be careful to budget for commuting.
Residence Permit and Renewal Fees
Most international students in Georgia will be doing some sort of residence permit formalities.
Most will have to budget for the:
- Application fee
- Renewal fee
- Document fees
- Admin fees
These can happen multiple times, so they should be budgeted for course fees.
University Admin Fees
Most universities have a fee list, and many admin related fees are not a part of tuition.
These fees can be:
- Registration fee
- Enrollment fee
- Student ID fee
- Library fee
- Lab fee
- Portal fee
Make sure to get the complete fee list from the university before accepting to the program.
Exam and Academic Fees
There are various charges for activities that students do throughout their MBBS program.
These fees can be for:
- Semester exams
- Practical exams
- Clinical sessions
- Prep for labs
- Transcripts
- Degree documents
Although the fees are very small, they are for many years.
Medical students also have to constantly invest in learning resources like:
- Medical text books
- Anatomy atlases
- Clinical handbooks
- Lab coats
- Stethoscope
- Medical tools
Most people will try to save money by buying used books or using books in digital form.
Currency Exchange Losses
An expense families often overlook is forex fluctuation.
The Indian Rupee's value changes compared to other currencies.
Because of this:
- Tuition can be a little more expensive.
- Incurring expense for daily living can go up.
- International transfers cost more.
Having a financial buffer can negate currency fluctuation costs.
International Banking Charges
It is common for students to receive international transfers from India.
Possible costs include:
- Wire transfer fees
- Currency conversion fees
- ATM fees
- Account maintenance fees
Choosing a better international banking option can lower these costs.
Mobile SIM and Internet Expenses
Students tend to get a local SIM after arriving in Georgia.
Possible monthly costs include:
- Mobile recharge
- Internet data
- International calls
- Communication packages
These costs are small, but they may add up and should be included in a monthly budget.
Winter Clothing Expenses
Some students may have to buy more winter clothing in Georgia.
Winter can be especially cold in some of Georgia's cities.
Students tend to buy:
- Winter jackets
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves
- Boots
- Wool clothing
Buying these in Georgia can go up the initial cost of settlement.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Some health care expenses are out of pocket, even when insurance is provided.
Students should also set aside funds for:
- Medications
- Tests
- Dental procedures
- Surgery
- Emergency travel
Having funds set aside for emergencies may be useful during the course.
Recreational and Personal Expenses
Living overseas means personal expenses.
Students typically spend money on:
- Weekend activities
- Movies
- Cafes
- Shopping
- Gyms
- Festivals
- Trips
While these expenses are not necessary, they should be included in a monthly budget.
Internships and License-Related Expenses
While completing the MBBS program, there are additional expenses for bills, internships, and licensing.
These may consist of:
- Verification of Degree
- Internship Application Fees
- Fees for Transcripts
- Translation of Personal Documents
Students who wish to go back to India should do their due diligence to stay informed on the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) updates and the requirements for licensure and stay eligible after passing the NEET. They should also check that the medical school they plan to attend is in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
How to Avoid Hidden Expenses While Studying MBBS in Georgia
Students can avoid unnecessary expenses if they use these strategies.
Some tips are:
- Request a detailed breakdown of all fees offered by the university before confirming attendance.
- Ask what is included in the hostel fees.
- Evaluate all accommodation opportunities.
- Book flights well in advance.
- Follow a budget.
- Eat home-cooked meals when possible.
- Limit online shopping.
- Set money aside for emergencies.
- Pay attention to currency exchange rates before paying tuition to help concentrate on the financial aspect of studying.
Before proceeding with the admission process, students must verify the following:
- Inclusions in tuition fees.
- Availability of hostel accommodation.
- Coverage by insurance.
- Administrative costs.
- Arrangements for clinical training.
- Global recognition of the program.
- Student support services.
Students are encouraged to research the admission process for MBBS in Georgia and verify that the university of choice has the latest updates from the National Medical Commission (NMC), is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and is aligned with the NEET eligibility criteria for Indian medical aspirants.
Conclusion
Pursuing MBBS from Georgia has much to offer Indian students from an excellent quality to cost-effective medical program. Taking a myopic focus on tuition fees will result in a distorted cost of studying abroad. Other expenses such as visa fees, initial accommodation charges, insurance costs, utilities, study supplies, currency conversion fees, and administrative costs, coupled with a contingency or emergency fund, are among the many additional costs that students must plan for.
If students are aware of these costs, they can plan and budget well to cover these costs and pursue their studies in a foreign country without financial stress. Transparent universities, the most recent updates from NMC, NEET, and WDOMS, and diligent students enable students to mitigate risks and complete their medical studies in Georgia. Students may refer to MBBS in Georgia for the latest admission-related information, and in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
