More and more Indian students are choosing Georgia as their MBBS study destination abroad. Globally recognized medical universities, affordable fees, modern infrastructure, English medium instruction, and safety are cited as some of the reasons for this preference. However, most students and parents applying to study MBBS in Georgia for Indians ask the same question. What is the total cost of MBBS in Georgia, including hostel and living expenses?
When calculating the total cost to study MBBS in Georgia, the tuition fee is not the only cost. Students have to account for the cost of the hostel, food, visa, travel, medical insurance, daily expenses, and several other living expenses. Parents and students have to understand the total cost to effectively plan and budget for education.
Here is a guide that explains the total cost Indian students can expect when studying in Georgia.
Why Students Opt For MBBS in Georgia
Every year thousands of Indian students choosing Georgia as their study destination is evidence of Georgia's quality education and cost-effective fee structure. Medical universities in Georgia are a part of the European education system and offer internationally recognized medical degrees.
Some of the other advantages are:
- MBBS courses in English
- Compliance with NMC in India
- Recognition by WHO and WDOMS
- Affordable fees compared to private medical colleges in India
- A safe environment for students
- Modern hospitals for clinical training
- No capitation fees
These advantages of studying MBBS in Georgia make this a preferred study destination for many aspiring doctors.
Total Expenditure for Indian Students for MBBS in Georgia
Depending on the university, city, the type of accommodation, and the student’s individual lifestyle, the total expenditure for MBBS will vary. Indian students in Georgia spend on an average about ₹28,00,000 and ₹45,00,000 for an entire MBBS program which is 6 years.
Here is an approximate distribution of total expenditure.
|
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|
Tuition |
₹24–38 lakh |
|
Hostel fees |
₹3–7 lakh |
|
Food & living |
₹4–8 lakh |
|
Visa & documentation |
₹40,000–₹80,000 |
|
Medical insurance (annual) |
₹10,000–₹20,000 |
|
Airfare (each trip) |
₹20,000–₹40,000 |
|
Others |
₹1–2 lakh |
The total expenditure will rely on the personal choice and university selections.
Tuition Fees for MBBS in Georgia
Tuition fees are the largest component of the total budget.
Most universities charge tuition in the range of USD 4,000 to USD 8,000.
Here is the fee structure of some of the universities:
|
University Type |
Annual Tuition Fee (USD) |
Notes |
|
Budget Universities |
USD 4,000–5,000 |
Lower-cost options, may have limited facilities or higher competition |
|
Mid-Range Universities |
USD 5,000–6,500 |
Balanced cost and facilities; good value for many students |
|
Premium Universities |
USD 7,000–8,000 |
Higher fees, often better facilities and reputation |
Tuition for 6 years is generally in the range of USD 24,000 to USD 48,000.
Hostel Fees in Georgia
Most universities arrange separate hostels for their international students.
Gradients hostel fees include
- Furnishing
- Internet Connection
- Heat
- Laundry facilities
- Security
- A shared kitchen
The Average hostel charges is:
|
Accommodation Type |
Annual Cost |
|
University Hostel |
USD 700–1,500 |
|
Private Hostel |
USD 1,000–2,000 |
|
Shared Apartment |
USD 1,500–3,000 |
Students who share apartments frequently minimize their monthly living expenses.
Monthly expenses consist of food, transportation, internet, mobile recharge, personal shopping, entertainment, and laundry. The average monthly living cost is as follows:
|
Expense |
Cost in USD |
|
Food |
120–180 |
|
Transportation |
10–25 |
|
Mobile & Internet |
10–20 |
|
Personal Spending |
40–80 |
|
Miscellaneous |
30–60 |
|
Total (typical range) |
220–350 |
Cooking Yourself
Of the options Indian students have, cooking at home is by far the most economical.
Monthly grocery spending consists of:
- Rice, flour, vegetables, fruits, milk, eggs and spices.
Average of 80 – 120 USD.
Indian Mess
Multiple cities in Georgia have Indian Mess.
Average 120 – 160 USD per month
Meals usually consist of:
- Chapati, rice, dal, sabzi, paneer and chicken (optional).
Restaurants
Eating out every day requires a large budget. The average cost of a meal is 5 – 10 USD. It is affordable to eat out every once in a while, but it is by no means economical to do so on a regular basis.
Transportation Cost
Public transportation in Georgia is well developed and commonly used by students. Monthly cost of transportation is about 10 – 25 USD. Many universities are close to the hostel, allowing students the option to walk.
Medical Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for all international students. The cost of insurance ranges annually from 120 – 250 USD.
Insurance covers the cost of:
- Doctor consultations, emergency treatment, hospitalization and basic medical services.
Visa Expenses
Students should budget an additional 30,000 – 60,000 INR for the visa application, invitation letter, documentation, and translation and verification.
Airfare
Flights from India to Georgia usually cost between 20,000 and 40,000 INR. Prices are based on season, airline and when the tickets are purchased. Students generally visit India once a year or during the vacation.
One-Time Admission Expenses
Students pay these one-time expenses before joining the university:
- Admission fee
- University registration
- Document verification
- Translation charges
- Apostille
- Courier charges
These generally cost:
₹40,000–₹1,00,000
Cost of Study Materials
Medical books are found at:
- University libraries
- Online
- Digital
Students spend this on books:
USD 100–300
Students buy second-hand books to save costs.
Cost of Internet and Mobile Services
Georgia has low telecom costs.
Monthly costs on:
- Mobile recharge
- Internet
Average:
USD 10–20
University hostels have Wi-Fi.
Clothing Expenses
Georgia has cold winters.
Indian students buy these each winter:
- Winter jackets
- Winter boots
- Thermal wear
- Gloves
USD 250–400 is the first-year estimate.
Later years need spending only for winter boots.
Other Personal Expenses
Breakdown of other personal expenses (average over a month) :
USD 30 - 70 (includes expenses for gym, haircuts, stationery, entertainment, weekend trips, visiting cafes)
Annual Budget Sample
|
Item |
Cost (USD) |
|
Tuition Fee |
5,500 |
|
Hostel |
1,200 |
|
Food |
1,500 |
|
Transport |
200 |
|
Insurance |
180 |
|
Personal Expenses |
600 |
|
Books |
200 |
|
Estimated Total (per year) |
9,380 |
Total Budget Sample for Six Years
|
Item |
Estimated Cost (6 years) |
|
Tuition |
₹26,00,000–₹38,00,000 |
|
Hostel |
₹4,00,000–₹7,00,000 |
|
Living expenses |
₹5,00,000–₹8,00,000 |
|
Insurance |
₹80,000–₹1,20,000 |
|
Airfare |
₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000 |
|
Visa & documentation |
₹50,000–₹1,00,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
₹1,00,000–₹2,00,000 |
|
Overall total cost |
₹28,00,000–₹45,00,000 |
Total Cost Determinants
Final budgeting may depend on:
- University selected
- City of residence
- Hostel or apartment accommodation
- Personal lifestyle
- Currency exchange rates
- Travel frequency to India
- Food preferences
Students living in Tbilisi usually have higher expenses compared to students in other smaller cities.
Ways to cut down on expenses for MBBS in Georgia
MBBS students in Georgia can cut down on their expenses with a budget. Some of the tips to follow include:
- Staying in university hostels during the first year
- Cooking meals instead of eating out
- Sharing accommodation with class mates
- Using student discounts on public transport
- Purchasing used text books
- Planning airfare in advance
- Budgeting to track expenses in a month
All the above can help cut down the expenses greatly in a period of six years.
Is MBBS in Georgia a Good Financial Decision?
Studying MBBS in Georgia is an attractive option for many Indian students. When juxtaposed with the exorbitantly priced medical colleges in India, MBBS in Georgia is budget-friendly and provides exposure to modern medical training.
However, in order to practice, students must select universities that are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, meet the latest eligibility criteria of the National Medical Commission in India, and clear the relevant screening/licensing exams of the country where they intend to practice.
FAQ’s
How much does MBBS in Georgia cost for Indian students?
The estimated cost covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, ranges from approximately ₹28 lakh to ₹45 lakh for the whole program (6 years)
Is a hostel mandatory in Georgia?
While most colleges insist on the students staying in the campus hostels for the first year, many students prefer off-campus manacles later on.
What is a reasonable monthly expense for a student in Georgia?
The monthly expense of Indian students in Georgia ranges from USD 220 to USD 350, depending on lifestyle.
Is food in Georgia expensive?
No. Students can manage food expenses by cooking or eating at the Indian mess.
Can students work while studying in Georgia?
International students may be able to obtain part time jobs depending on local customs, university policies, and language skills, but students should check the current visa conditions when prioritizing their studies.
Conclusion
For Indian students, the total amount for pursuing MBBS in Georgia, considering the accommodation and living expenses, is estimated to range between ₹28 lakh and ₹45 lakh. Compared to other countries, Georgia has a much lower amount for pursuing an MBBS. The various fees besides tuition, including accommodation, food, travel, insurance, and living expenses, should be planned for accordingly.
Indian students can have financial security for their medical education in Georgia and the associated expenses by selecting a good university and wisely managing their monthly expenses.
