Studying Medicine in Georgia (MD/MBBS) for International Students

Georgia has become one of the leading destinations in the region for international medical students, particularly from India, neighbouring countries, and beyond. Its appeal lies in the combination of English-taught programmes, comparatively affordable tuition fees, and medical schools whose qualifications may be recognised or listed in international directories, depending on the institution.

The most important point to understand, however, is that the right to practise medicine is determined by the country where you intend to obtain a medical licence—not by the university’s marketing materials or the fact that the degree was awarded in Georgia. Before enrolling, always verify that the programme satisfies the recognition and licensing requirements of your intended country of practice.

The programme

Medical education in Georgia leads to a six-year Medical Doctor (MD) qualification, which is often marketed internationally as an MBBS programme. The curriculum typically combines pre-clinical and clinical training and usually includes supervised clinical practice during the later years of study.

A number of Georgian universities offer the entire programme in English for international students, with established medical schools located in Tbilisi and several other cities. Medical education follows the principles of the Bologna Process, and graduation qualifies students to pursue the licensing or registration procedures required by the country where they intend to practise. Completing the programme does not by itself confer the right to practise medicine in Georgia or abroad.

Cost

One of the main reasons international students choose Georgia for medical studies is its comparatively affordable cost. Annual tuition fees typically range from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000, depending on the university, with some private institutions charging higher fees.

Including accommodation, living expenses and mandatory health insurance, many international students budget approximately USD 9,000–13,000 per year. These figures are indicative only. Always confirm the current tuition fees, administrative charges and other costs directly with the university before applying.

Accreditation and recognition — read this carefully

Recognition operates at two different levels.

Within Georgia, the university must hold institutional authorisation issued by the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), and the Medical Doctor (MD) programme must be accredited in accordance with Georgian law.

Internationally, many Georgian medical schools are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). While WDOMS listing is an important prerequisite for recognition in many jurisdictions, it does not by itself entitle graduates to practise medicine internationally.

Whether you may obtain a medical licence in India, the European Union, the United States, the Gulf States, or any other country depends entirely on the laws and licensing requirements of the jurisdiction where you intend to practise. These may include recognition by the relevant medical regulator, eligibility for licensing examinations, internship requirements, postgraduate training, or other statutory conditions. For example, graduates intending to practise in India should verify the current requirements of the National Medical Commission (NMC), while those intending to practise in the United States should confirm the applicable ECFMG certification and state licensing requirements.

Before enrolling, always verify the current recognition and licensing requirements of the country where you intend to practise medicine.

How to choose safely

Before paying any tuition fees, verify four things:

• the university holds current NCEQE institutional authorisation;
• your chosen Medical Doctor (MD) programme is accredited;
• the university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS); and
• the programme satisfies the licensing or recognition requirements of the country where you intend to practise.

Be cautious of agents or promotional materials that promise “guaranteed” international recognition or medical licensing. The right to practise medicine is determined solely by the competent authorities in the relevant jurisdiction, in accordance with that country’s laws and licensing requirements.

Entry, stay and insurance

International medical students follow the same immigration route as other long-term students. Depending on their circumstances, this will generally involve an Immigration (D3) Visa and/or a Study Residence Permit, as explained in the Student Visa and Residence Guide.

Students must also comply with the applicable health insurance requirements under Georgian law. Those entering on a D3 visa must satisfy the insurance requirements applicable to that visa, while students residing in Georgia should ensure they maintain any insurance required for their period of lawful stay. Further information is available in our Health Insurance in Georgia for Foreigners guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the medical degree in Georgia?

The MD (often marketed as MBBS) is a six-year programme, typically including a final-year internship. Many universities teach it fully in English.

How much does it cost?

Tuition is commonly in the range of about USD 4,000–8,000 per year depending on the university; with living costs, students often budget roughly USD 9,000–13,000 per year. Always confirm current fees directly with the university.

Is a Georgian medical degree recognised abroad?

Leading Georgian medical universities are accredited in Georgia and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which many licensing systems require. But whether you can practise in a given country depends entirely on that country's medical board and its licensing exams.

Can Indian students sit the FMGE/NExT after studying in Georgia?

Graduates of recognised, WDOMS-listed Georgian medical universities are generally eligible to sit India's licensing examination, subject to meeting the National Medical Commission's current criteria. Verify a specific university's status before enrolling.

How do I check a medical university is legitimate?

Confirm the university holds NCEQE authorisation, that the medical programme is accredited, and that it is listed in WDOMS. For licensing at home, check your own medical board's recognition rules.