For Indian students, the big question about studying medicine abroad is cost-related. Understandably so! MBBS is a lengthy program, and Georgia is home to affordable, quality institutions, making it a popular choice. However, for Indian families, the cost of living in Georgia, and the tuition fees, remains cheaper compared to the private colleges in India. Though that's true for most medical universities, neither does each university charge the same fee.
Your total cost can vary based on the university, hostel, city, and the kind of lifestyle you choose. Fees get cheaper compared to many private colleges in India. But that doesn't make each university the same.
This guide is a university-wise breakdown of the costs students should expect to study medicine in Georgia and the other considerations families should know about, before they make the payment.
For more information, families can browse our guide on MBBS in Georgia.
Why Do Indian Families Opt for Georgia Over Other Countries?
Indian families consider Georgia because other countries, including India, are either unaffordable or very competitive. Because of the high cost of a medical degree in India, Georgia ranks just right for many Indian families.
Most MD programs at Georgian universities take six years, covering both academic and clinical training. Some Georgian universities teach in English, which means there's no big barrier to class participation, however students benefit from knowing a little bit of Georgian when they go on clinical rotations.
Another reason is the many universities. In addition to Tbilisi, the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, and others have medical universities that take international students. Some are well-known, and some are not. There is a large difference in fees.
Before you make a decision, independently check the university and the program to make sure you do not solely rely on a consultant's brochure. You can verify most universities at the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and some other official websites.
MBBS in Georgia Cost: The Overall Budget Indian Students Should Expect
Here are the most important numbers.
For Indian students the annual tuition fee is anywhere between USD 4,500 to USD 8,000 (Indian Rupee equivalent will depend on the exchange rate). Keep in mind the exchange rate fluctuates so the fee may go up or down. Consider calculating the final payment based on the exchange rate on the day of admission.
Here are the estimated tuition fees components for the next six years:
- Budget universities: ₹23–30 lakh approximately
- Mid-range universities: ₹30–40 lakh approximately
- Higher-fee universities: ₹40 lakh and above
Then you have the costs for accommodation, food, insurance, visa, travel, and personal spending. This is where many students overlook their budgeting. Sometimes even a little, sometimes a lot.
Living Expenses per month in Georgia can range between USD 250 to USD 500 depending on the city you live in and your lifestyle. Smaller cities tend to be less expensive than Tbilisi where most universities and other services are located. You can also cut down your monthly expenses by sharing an apartment or hostel room with your roommates.
The total cost of a six-year MBBS program would be between ₹35 lakh and ₹55 lakh approximately depending on the fluctuations of the exchange rate for Georgian Lari (GEL). The exact cost will depend on the university selected.
Tuition Fees For MBBS in Georgia for Indian Students
Here are the MBBS tuition fees charged by popular Georgian medical universities (subject to change).
*Author has the sole responsibility for the content of this article. The opinions and views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the opinions of Gadget Bridge.
|
Medical University |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee |
Estimated 6-Year Tuition Cost |
|
Tbilisi State Medical University |
USD 8,000 approx. |
USD 48,000 approx. |
|
University of Georgia |
USD 6,000–7,000 approx. |
USD 36,000–42,000 approx. |
|
Georgian National University SEU |
USD 5,500–6,500 approx. |
USD 33,000–39,000 approx. |
|
New Vision University |
USD 7,000 approx. |
USD 42,000 approx. |
|
European University |
USD 5,500–6,500 approx. |
USD 33,000–39,000 approx. |
|
Alte University |
USD 5,500–6,500 approx. |
USD 33,000–39,000 approx. |
|
East European University |
USD 5,000–6,000 approx. |
USD 30,000–36,000 approx. |
|
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University |
USD 4,500–5,500 approx. |
USD 27,000–33,000 approx. |
Fee figures are approximate and may vary by intake, programme structure, exchange rate, and university policy.
Tbilisi State Medical University – Premium Academic Option
At TSMU, students like that the university is an established medical school with a solid reputation. TSMU tuition tends to be at the upper end of university pricing, but it’s still one of the more economical top-tier options for families in India.
When budgeting for studies at TSMU it’s necessary to look beyond tuition, as costs of living and on-campus housing in Tbilisi will be an additional significant expense. However, the university environment and the respectability of such an established public university is appreciated by many students and their families.
University of Georgia - Popular Choice Among International Students
The University of Georgia is another top name involving discussions regarding MBBS in Georgia. Its fees usually fall in the higher-end with respect to applicable university policies and programs.
What attracts many is the vivid international student environment. Avoid selecting it just because someone said it is popular. Thoroughly examine the teaching approach, available clinical training opportunities, and hostel availability, and then evaluate the total expected financial outflow for the year. That is the intelligent approach.
Georgian National University SEU - Mid Range Fee Structure
Students choosing SEU balance both the fee structure and the offerings of a modern-lay equipped university. The estimated fee structure is lower than some of the premium universities in Tbilisi.
While a lower fee is important, it should not be the most important consideration. Find out about additional costs, hostel fees, the cost of a residence permit and the fee payment schedule. Very few discuss this extensively before admission.
European University and Alte University
Both these universities attract most of the international student applicants. Their fees also fall in the mid range, yet for various reasons they are distinct.
Tbilisi has better advantages with respect to transport and services as well as a larger student population. Of course it is not a cheap place to live. A student is readily able to spend beyond the expected financial range with careless expenditure on cafés, taxis and private accommodation.
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University – Lower Tuition in a Different City
Batumi is another location within Georgia that has affordable tuition and its own unique culture.
That being said, practical considerations matter and you can't choose a university simply for the cheaper tuition. You need to consider clinical exposure and teaching in the language of your profession, infrastructure, accommodations, future licensing, etc.
Additional Costs with University Fees
Tuition is only one expense of an MBBS in Georgia. Indian families should consider several other financial issues to have a more accurate idea of costs.
Approximate Yearly Costs
A student can reasonably expect to spend approximately:
- Accommodation: USD 100-250 per month
- Food and groceries: USD 100-180 per month
- Transport and living costs: USD 30-80 per month
- Health insurance and documents: variable
- Personal expenses: completely up to the student
Students can limit their expenses by staying in shared accommodations and cooking, or living in a private accommodation and eating out frequently, respectively.
Holiday flights back home are sometimes an expense that is easy to overlook. While every student may not travel home every year, it's good to have flexible funding for the family.
Eligibility for MBBS in Georgia
The requirements for most universities are largely the same, but you should still check the specific university you're applying to since they may have their own sets of requirements.
Most Indian students need the following:
- Class 12 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- A score of around 50% in PCB for General Category candidates (as per rules)
- Qualifying NEET, as it is mandatory for Indian students to clear NEET in order to study medicine abroad and have the opportunity to practice in India later
- Valid passport and academics documents
- Unique university documents and admission procedures
For the latest information regarding exams, NEET qualifying standards and other updates pertaining to the student's admission cycle, the NEET official portal (link provided) should be the first point of reference.
Is NEET Required for MBBS in Georgia?
NEET is a primary concern for Indian students who wish to have a medical practice in India. This means they need to consider NEET if they plan to return to India after completing their studies.
For specific categories and years, quota and cut-off percentiles may vary. There is no fixed score that will apply in the future. Cut-offs will not remain the same in the future. Hence, it is best not to rely on social media posts, online forums, etc.
Please be aware: Qualifying NEET and securing a medical education at a foreign university does not automatically fulfill all the requirements for medical practice in India.
Course Duration and Language of Instruction
The medical program at the Georgia University is generally of six years. It is a combination of theory along with practice, both clinical and laboratory, at different levels of the program.
Most Indian and international student-centered university marketing efforts incorporate English-based instruction in their programs. Even so, students need to prepare for the Georgian language in hospitals and in day-to-day communication. Learning some basic local language phrases will contribute to a more seamless experience, especially during the clinical interactions.
An MBBS degree in Georgia requires a 6-year commitment from the prospective student. This commitment cannot be viewed in silos. One also needs to consider if they are able to sustain the journey and prepare themselves for the licensing pathway they wish to take thereafter.
Recognition: What do Students need to check thoroughly before confirming Admission?
Most of the time, the recognition section needlessly elicits the most amount of patience from students. Phrases like ‘internationally recognised’ are used loosely, and are of little value.
Indian students need to refer to the updates and amendments made to the NMC (National Medical Commission) Regulations. Least to say, regulations are constantly changing. Students should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations specific to their batch, and not assume that what was the case with the previous batch will be applicable to them.
Students need to search for the medical schools under WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools) and look for information relative to international health and medical education, and the activities of the WHO (World Health Organization) in particular. WDOMS accreditation or association, or membership should not be used as eligibility for licensing in all countries.
Look specifically for the program, the medical university, and the regulations applicable to you.
Straightforward, yet necessary.
How Does the Admissions Process Work?
Unlike in India, medical university admissions in Georgia happen near the middle and later part of the year. Each university has their own different process. Most Indian students begin preparing their documents months prior.
The admissions process generally consists of a few steps. The steps are as follows;
- Choosing universities that fit your budget and academic preferences.
- Checking your eligibility and the current admission criteria.
- Uploading your documents and passport copies.
- Receiving your admission decision or offer from the university.
- Meeting the university’s requirements for payment and documents.
- Acquiring travel and visa permissions needed for your study travel.
- Finalizing your travel arrangements and booking your accommodations.
Students should be especially cautious of doing anything that costs significant money without having received admission confirmation via a university admission letter. It is common for people to rush their admissions every year.
Merits and Demerits of Studying MBBS in Georgia
Like every other country or place, Georgia has its advantages and disadvantages.
These can be summarize as the following.
Why Choose Georgia?
- English medium medical programs exist.
- Many universities have different price ranges.
- The total cost may even be less when compared to many private MBBS options in India.
- International student communities are located in major university cities.
- Some students may prefer the European location and exposure.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Total costs differ greatly between universities and cities.
- Take into consideration currency exchange rates.
- Students must research future licensing requirements.
- Clinical communication may include local languages.
- Not all universities are right for Indian students.
The greatest advantage of MBBS in Georgia is flexibility in university choices. The greatest risk is making a rash choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do MBBS in Georgia cost for Indian students?
The approximate cost of 6 years of study (tuition plus living expenses) in a Georgian university is between ₹35 lakh to ₹55 lakh or more depending on the university, the city, the type of accommodation and currency exchange rates.
What is the minimum cost of an MBBS in Georgia?
Some universities that charge lower fees may have annual tuition costs in the range of USD 4,500 to 5,000, However, one should not base their decision solely on lowest fees, as quality of education and future plans also matter.
Is Georgia cheaper than private MBBS colleges in India?
For certain students this is the case. Some Georgian public universities usually charge lower fees compared to Indian private medical colleges. However, a detailed analysis should be done for hostel, food, travel, and other related expenses.
Can Indian students study MBBS in Georgia without NEET?
Students should take extra caution here. Indian students who wish to study medicine abroad and practice later in India should consider the applicable NEET and regulatory requirements. Always check what the official rules are and which government portal they are published on, to avoid understanding.
How much money is needed per month in Georgia?
A student should estimate spending around 250-500 USD per month depending on the city, lifestyle, and food and accommodation costs.
Conclusion
Costs for MBBS in Georgia are not fixed, that is most likely the first thing everyone should understand. One student may complete the program on a carefully managed budget, while another spends much more due to university fees, private accommodation, and personal choices, and lifestyle.
Begin with the fees for the university, and roughly establish the living costs. You should keep some exchange rate and unforeseen expenses buffer.
Take this example seriously, but do not rush just because the deadline is being aggressively pushed.
For Indian students, university-wise comparisons can save unnecessary expenditure and stress in the future. Take the time to check verified data and compare different options. Only proceed further if you fully understand the university’s total financial commitment for the next six years. If you would like more updates and resources for MBBS in Georgia, check out MBBS in Georgia. Manageable budget-conscious shortlists will help you make a decision that will help you save money.
