For Indians considering options for medical studies abroad, Georgia has become a preferred destination given its medical programs taught in English, the European framework for higher education, and the relatively reasonable overall cost. Among the universities that international students apply to, for Medicine, the University of Georgia (UG), Tbilisi, has an English-Medium Medical Doctor (MD) Program for international students.
The official site of the University of Georgia currently charges international students of the English Program of Medical Education (MD) at USD 6,500 per year. The medical program is a single-cycle degree, and the university's published program information states that it is a 6-year, 360 ECTS program with theoretical, laboratory, practical, and clinical training.
However, for Indian students, choosing a medical university abroad is not just about the cost of studying medicine. Consideration must be made for NEET eligibility, NMC requirements, universality and quality of the institution, clinical training, cost of living, and the procedures to return to India.
Quick Facts for University of Georgia for Indian Students
The University of Georgia is a private university in Tbilisi, Georgia. It offers a Medicine program taught in English exclusively for international students. The University's international-student fee section has currently placed the fee for the Medicine/MD program at USD 6,500 per year.
|
Course Duration |
6 years |
|
Academic Load |
360 ECTS |
|
Tuition Fee |
USD 6,500 per year |
|
Approx Total |
USD 39,000 |
|
Tuition Fee |
Fall and Spring |
|
International Students |
Yes |
|
Degree |
Medical Doctor (MD) |
The university's published curriculum outlines topics related to human anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and pathology, pharmacology, epidemiology, biostatistics and public health as divisions of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, neurology, emergency medicine and other clinical specialties.
Why Consider the University of Georgia for MBBS in Georgia?
While the program at the University of Georgia does not conform to the norm of MBBS programs, many Indian students refer to it as MBBS when discussing medical programs abroad, as it awards the degree of Medical Doctor (MD). It is a single cycle degree.
The school's medical program expands on class room education with practical and clinical components. Published program information also articulates clinical rotations and training in affiliated healthcare institutions.
For students searching MBBS in Georgia, the University of Georgia deserves to be on the list of schools to review. It is however, the student's responsibility to determine the current regulatory environment and admissions criteria.
Another critical aspect to note is that the University of Georgia's School of Health Sciences is included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). The WDOMS entry describes the University of Georgia School of Health Sciences as a private medical school in Tbilisi, operational and instructing students from 2016.
Students could also search the WDOMS database prior to application.
WDOMS is an excellent resource for finding information about a medical school’s listing, but being on WDOMS does not equate to Indian regulatory recognition.
MBBS at the University of Georgia for Indians
The official University of Georgia fee page cites the English Program of Medical Education (MD) at USD 6,500 per year for international students.
Based on the published annual tuition:
- Annual tuition: USD 6,500
- Approximate tuition for 6 years: USD 39,000
The amount a student pays can fluctuate, and universities change fees. Other costs associated with a university might include administrative costs, insurance, and accommodation among several others.
Cost of MBBS in University of Georgia (in Indian Rupees)
The conversion of tuition into Indian rupees is done based on the rate of exchange at the time of payment. Let us consider USD 1 is equivalent to ₹85.
- USD 6,500 x ₹85 = approximately ₹5.53 lakh per year
Similarly,
- USD 39,000 x ₹85 = approximately ₹33.15 lakh for 6 years
These conversions are example calculations and are not fixed conversion rates set by the University. Students should use the exchange rate that suits them at the time they pay for their studies.
Cost of Studying MBBS in University of Georgia
Tuition is only one of the costs associated with studying medicine in Georgia. Indians should also consider the costs of food, accommodation, transportation, health insurance, and personal spending.
An estimated practical budget could include:
|
Source |
Amount USD |
|
Accommodation |
2000-3500 |
|
Food |
1500-2500 |
|
Local Transportation |
300-600 |
|
Insurance/Medical Expenses |
200-500 |
|
Books & misc Expenses |
300-700 |
|
Approx Total |
10800-14300 |
Actual cost varies largely depending upon the type of accommodation and personal lifestyle. Students who share accommodation, for instance, may spend less, whereas students who chose to live in private apartments in central Tbilisi may end up spending more.
Hence, one could estimate the approximate total cost for the 6 years to be between USD 65000-86000. This estimate does not include travel cost, currency fluctuation, personal expenses, university fees changes, and other individual travel costs.
Students should consider this an estimate rather than an official cost.
University of Georgia Admission Process for Indian Students
University of Georgia states that international applicants are applicable to their online application system which is open year-round and processing is done for both Spring and Fall semesters.
The general process for admission is as follows:
Check Eligibility
Indian applicants are required to determine if they fulfill the required minimum academic standards set by the university and the applicable Indian requirements for studying medicine abroad.
For an Indian applicant wishing to pursue medicine abroad, fulfilling NEET is quite important. Applicants can find out the latest and applicable information regarding the exam and eligibility on the official sites of NEET and the page of NMC NEET-UG.
NMC provides information regarding NEET eligibility for the purpose of admissions to undergraduate medical courses, including foreign medical education, on its official site.
Prepare required documents
Required documents listed in the application for this university include Passport copy.
The following documents are required if the applicant wishes to apply for residence permit:
- Graduation certificate
- Two photos in passport size
- Passport in original and copy
- Medical insurance (only in case of family members)
- Original marriage certificate (in case of married applicant)
- Birth certificate translation to English
- And other Originals which are required by the country
- School certificate
- Academic transcript
- Photograph
- Application fee receipt
- Required documents for recognition of overseas education
The university also informs international applicants that they may also need to undertake English and program-specific assessments.
3. Submit the Application
The application is submitted via the international admissions section of the university’s website. The admissions team reviews the application and provides feedback.
4. Educational Document Recognition
The university indicates that the Ministry of Education confirms enrollment following the relevant recognition procedure, and currently indicates that the standard process takes about 3-4 weeks.
5. English and Program-Specific Assessment
The university's current admission process states that online examinations can include English and a program-specific test.
The university FAQ also states that applicants who do not provide acceptable evidence of English proficiency are required to undertake the university’s English examination.
6. Receive Enrollment Confirmation
After successful completion of the admission and recognition process, the student receives official enrollment documentation and is able to proceed with the subsequent procedures.
7. Visa and Travel Arrangements
After admission, students must complete the Georgian visa/residence and travel formalities. The university states that visa-support documentation is available under its stated payment and admission conditions.
NMC Requirements for Indian Students
This is one of the most important sections for Indian students considering medical education abroad.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) regulates matters relating to foreign medical graduates in India.
The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021 describe how the duration of the degree, medium of instruction, curriculum, and clinical training impact foreign medical graduates pursuing registration in India.
In its FAQs, the NMC states that foreign medical degrees must be at least 54 months long, taught in English, and comprise theory, practical, and clinical training comparable to the Indian MBBS degree.
NMC has also clarified to Indian students that the foreign medical degree and institution should comply with the requirements of the FMGL before studying abroad to become a medical practitioner.
Therefore, foreign students should not presume that seeking a foreign medical degree and gaining admission in a foreign medical university guarantees medical registration in India. The NMC rules should be verified for the admission year and the course structure.
Is the University of Georgia Recognized by WHO and WDOMS?
Commonly, students search for phrases such as "WHO approved medical college." Terminology such as this may be misleading.
The World Health Organization does not itself grant medical school accreditation. WHO’s information on the World Directory states that the directory contains information on medical schools, and recognition or accreditation is the responsibility of national authorities.
When researching an institution, students may refer to the WHO and the World Directory of Medical Schools.
The University of Georgia - School Of Health Information has an active listing on WDOMS. Having an active listing on WDOMS, having WHO affiliation, and meeting the NMC criteria for medical practice are all separate issues. Therefore, before joining, Indian Students should verify the NMC requirements for themselves.
Clinical Training at the University of Georgia
Clinical exposure at a foreign medical university is important to consider.
Clinical studies in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, neurology, hematology, pediatric and adolescent medicine, psychiatry, oncology and surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, and other specialties are included in the published Medicine program at the University.
According to the program information, practical training is conducted in university and affiliated medical institutions, and clinical rotations are part of the last phase of the program.
Indian students need to analyze the clinical-training structure, hospital affiliations, patient exposure, internships, and if the entire pathway is in accordance with the NMC regulations applicable to their admission year.
Advantages of Studying Medicine at the University of Georgia
The University of Georgia offers a range of advantages for Indian students:
- English-medium medical education
- Six-year single-cycle medical program
- International student admissions
- Tuition of USD 6,500 per year based on the official fee schedule
- Curriculum covering pre-clinical and clinical subjects
- WDOMS listing for the School of Health Sciences
- European educational system
- Opportunity to study in Tbilisi, Georgia
- Convenient online admission
However, one has to keep in mind affordability along with regulatory compliance and clinical quality.
Things Indian Students Should Check Before Admission
Before applying for a program, students should verify:
- the current NMC requirements for foreign medical graduates
- the NEET qualification for Indian students
- the WDOMS Listing and information of the school
- the exact degree title and the curriculum.
- Total duration of the medical program
- Clinical training and internship structure
- Medium of instruction
- Current tuition fee directly from the university
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Visa and residence requirements
- Documents required for admission
- The rules applicable to medical registration in India after graduation
NMC's current advisory specifically states that Indian students must ensure that foreign medical institutions follow the FMGL regulations before seeking admission.
Conclusion
PRELIMINARY VIEW: University of Georgia may be an option for Indian students considering MBBS in Georgia, more especially for students looking for an English taught 6 year medical program in Tbilisi. Presently, the USD 6,500 per year tuition fees published by the university makes the fees component the least of our concerns, leaving the living costs to be the major part of the total estimated cost.
However, NEET eligibility, NMC/FMGL compliance, WDOMS information, clinical training, internship placements and the applicable registration requirements in India should be the major concerns, before considering taking admission.
The best way to compare medical universities is to assess the University of Georgia on the following parameters: total cost, academic curriculum, clinical exposure, regulatory compliances and the ability to practice medicine in India in the long run.
