City Guide · Georgia
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and the single largest hub for Indian MBBS students in the South Caucasus. With over 30 private medical universities operating English-medium programs, it offers more choice per square kilometre than almost any comparable city. Students live in a European-style capital with a walkable old town, reliable public transport, and a growing international community.
The combination of relatively low tuition (many programs start around USD 4,000–6,000 per year at private universities), a fully English-medium curriculum, institutions meeting NMC guidelines, and straightforward student visa access makes Tbilisi a practical first choice. Unlike Central Asian options, Georgia is a stable liberal democracy with open movement rules for Indian passport holders, and Tbilisi's infrastructure is noticeably more developed than most comparable fee-range cities.
Country
Georgia
Region
South Caucasus
Time zone
UTC+4 (GET, no DST)
Population
~1.2 million (metro)
Language
Georgian (English widely understood near universities)
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Admission window
We handle the full process
Our counsellors work with Indian students every admission cycle and can help you compare the colleges in Tbilisi based on NEET score, budget, and NExT pathway. Request a counselling call and get practical guidance today.
August–October for September intake
Distance from India
~5–6 hours flight via Dubai or Istanbul
33 institutions — 1 public, 29 private. Annual tuition ranges from $4,000 – $8,000.
| University | Type | Annual tuition | Medium | Recognition | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central University of Europe Faculty of MedicineMBBS | Private | $4,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| University of Legia and CompanyMBBS | Private | $4,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| David Aghmashenebeli University of GeorgiaMBBS | Private | $4,100 | English | WHO Recognized, WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Quality Control Teaching University of GeorgiaMBBS | Private | $4,500 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Tbilisi Humanitarian Teaching UniversityMBBS | Private | $4,500 | English | WHO Recognized, WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| University Sakartvelo Faculty of MedicineMBBS | Private | $4,500 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| International Black Sea UniversityMBBS | Private | $4,800 | English | WDOMS Listed (FAIMER School ID F0008628), NCEQE-Authorized Medical Program | View details → |
| East European UniversityMBBS | Private | $5,000 | English | NCEQE Accredited (Georgia), WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| East-West University School of MedicineMBBS | Private | $5,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Grigol Robakidze University School of MedicineMBBS | Private | $5,000 | English | WDOMS Listed (FAIMER School ID F0006533), NCEQE Accredited MD Program (accreditation valid through 31 Dec 2027) | View details → |
| Ilia State University Faculty of Natural Sciences and MedicineMBBS | Public/State | $5,000 | English | WHO Recognized, WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| International University of Tbilisi School of HealthMBBS | Private | $5,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| University GeomediMBBS | Private | $5,000 | English | NCEQE Accredited (Georgia), WDOMS Listed, AMEE (Association for Medical Education in Europe) — Member, FAIMER Listed, NMC FMGL 2021 Structurally Compliant (6-year MD, verify current NMC screening status) | View details → |
| Alte UniversityMBBS | Private | $5,500 | English | Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, NCEQE, WFME, NMC, ECFMG, WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Alte UniversityMBBS | Private | $5,500 | English | WDOMS Listed, NCEQE Accredited (Georgia) — MD program re-accredited 8 May 2020 | View details → |
| Georgian American UniversityMBBS | Private | $5,500 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Georgian National University SEUMBBS | Private | $5,750 | English | NMC | View details → |
| Caucasus International UniversityMBBS | Private | $6,000 | English | NCEQE - institutional authorization, third term granted in 2024, NCEQE - Medicine in English accredited one-cycle programme | View details → |
| Caucasus Medicine SchoolMBBS | Private | $6,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| David Tvildiani Medical University AIETI Medical SchoolMBBS | Private | $6,000 | English | WHO Recognized, FAIMER Listed, WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| European UniversityMBBS | Private | $6,000 | English | WDOMS Listed, NCEQE Accredited (Georgia) — MD program re-accredited 16 June 2021 | View details → |
| Tbilisi University 'Metekhi'MBBS | Private | $6,500 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| University of GeorgiaMBBS | Private | $6,500 | English throughout the published one-cycle Medicine programme. | ASIIN / AMSE - accredited one-cycle English Medicine programme, ASIIN - European Qualifications Framework Level 7 compliance certificate | View details → |
| University of Georgia School of Health SciencesMBBS | Private | $6,500 | English | NCEQE Accredited (Georgia), WDOMS Listed, ENIC-NARIC Member Institution, CoHE/YÖK Accreditation (Turkey, since 2015), NMC FMGL 2021 Structurally Compliant (6-year MD, verify current NMC screening status) | View details → |
| Classical and Traditional Medicine AcademyMBBS | Private | $7,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Faculty of MedicineMBBS | Public/State | $7,000 | English | WDOMS Listed (FAIMER School ID F0000307), NCEQE Accredited Medicine Program (accredited 2011) | View details → |
| Ken Walker International UniversityMBBS | Private | $7,000 | English | WDOMS Listed (FAIMER School ID F0007530), NCEQE Authorization Reviewed (site visit June 2021) | View details → |
| New Vision University School of MedicineMBBS | Private | $7,000 | English | WDOMS Listed (FAIMER School ID F0003341), NCEQE Re-Accredited MD Program (7-year accreditation cycle, WFME-aligned review) | View details → |
| Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy Faculty of MedicineMBBS | Private | $7,000 | English | NCEQE Accredited (Georgia), WDOMS Listed, NMC FMGL 2021 Structurally Compliant (6-year MD, verify current NMC screening status) | View details → |
| Tbilisi Medical Teaching University 'Hippocrates'MBBS | Private | $7,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Critical Care Medicine InstituteMBBS | Private | $8,000 | English | WDOMS Listed | View details → |
| Tbilisi State Medical University Faculty of MedicineMBBS | Public/State | $8,000 | English | NCEQE Accredited (Georgia) — authorized across Georgian-, English-, and Russian-medium MD programs (June 2021), WDOMS Listed, Institutional Authorization — 6-year term (August 2024, highest rating), NMC FMGL 2021 Structurally Compliant (6-year MD, verify current NMC screening status) | View details → |
| Georgian Technical UniversityB.E./B.Tech Biomedical | Public | Check official fee | English | EUA (European University Association) -- full member since 2001, NCEQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, Georgia) -- national higher-education accreditor; listed as "member under review" in the ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) membership database, QS World University Rankings 2026 -- ranked in the 1001-1200 band globally, ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) -- implemented across GTU study programmes under the Bologna Process since 2005 | View details → |
| Georgian Technical UniversityB.Tech Computer Science | Public | Check official fee | English | EUA (European University Association) -- full member since 2001, NCEQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, Georgia) -- national higher-education accreditor; listed as "member under review" in the ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) membership database, QS World University Rankings 2026 -- ranked in the 1001-1200 band globally, ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) -- implemented across GTU study programmes under the Bologna Process since 2005 | View details → |
| Georgian Technical UniversityCivil Engineering | Public | Check official fee | English | EUA (European University Association) -- full member since 2001, NCEQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, Georgia) -- national higher-education accreditor; listed as "member under review" in the ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) membership database, QS World University Rankings 2026 -- ranked in the 1001-1200 band globally, ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) -- implemented across GTU study programmes under the Bologna Process since 2005 | View details → |
| Georgian Technical UniversityMBA | Public | Check official fee | English | EUA (European University Association) -- full member since 2001, NCEQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, Georgia) -- national higher-education accreditor; listed as "member under review" in the ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) membership database, QS World University Rankings 2026 -- ranked in the 1001-1200 band globally, ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) -- implemented across GTU study programmes under the Bologna Process since 2005 | View details → |
| Georgian Technical UniversityMechanical Engineering | Public | Check official fee | English | EUA (European University Association) -- full member since 2001, NCEQE (National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement, Georgia) -- national higher-education accreditor; listed as "member under review" in the ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) membership database, QS World University Rankings 2026 -- ranked in the 1001-1200 band globally, ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) -- implemented across GTU study programmes under the Bologna Process since 2005 | View details → |
Annual tuition in USD from published sources. Verify current fees directly with each university before submitting an application.
A realistic picture of every expense — tuition, accommodation, food, personal costs, and the 6-year total. Use this before comparing options.
| Expense | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition | $4,000–$7,000 |
| University hostel | $100–$200/month |
| Indian mess / food | $80–$130/month |
| Personal expenses | $80–$150/month |
| Visa & one-time arrival | $500–$800 |
| Estimated 6-year total | $38,000–$65,000 |
All figures are estimates based on published rates and student-reported costs. Verify current fee schedules directly with each university before making any payment.
Indian community
Tbilisi has one of the largest concentrations of Indian medical students outside India itself. Purpose-built Indian messes, Hindi-speaking grocery stores near university zones, and active student associations exist across the city. WhatsApp groups for each university batch are well established, and peer mentoring from senior students is the norm. Students report feeling socially supported from day one.
Monthly living cost
$250–$450/month
Excluding tuition and hostel. Budget separately for one-time arrival costs — visa, winter gear if applicable, and initial setup.
Climate
Tbilisi has a humid subtropical climate with warm, often humid summers (July highs around 32°C) and cold but not extreme winters (January lows around 0°C to -3°C). Snowfall in the city is occasional rather than heavy. Spring and autumn are mild and very pleasant. Students from South India tend to find the winter manageable, while those from North India find it familiar.
Safety
Tbilisi is consistently rated among the safer capitals in the former Soviet sphere. Petty crime exists as in any large city, but violent crime toward foreigners is rare. Most universities are located in central or well-connected neighbourhoods, and the city is walkable at night in most areas. Female students report generally feeling safe, though standard urban precautions apply.
What actually happens between deciding on Tbilisi and sitting in your first lecture. Follow these steps in order.
NMC compliance is assessed per institution against published FMGL guidelines — not by country or city. Verify through the NMC Eligibility Certificate process at nmc.org.in, not through a brochure or agent printout.
Apply directly to the university's international admissions office with Class 12 marksheets, NEET scorecard, and passport copy. Most universities accept applications year-round with September and February intakes.
Universities issue a conditional or unconditional offer within 2–4 weeks for qualified applicants. This letter is required for visa and travel planning.
Indian passport holders can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 360 days and convert to a student residence permit after enrollment. Confirm the current process with the Georgian embassy before travel, as procedures can change.
On arrival, complete university enrollment, hostel check-in, and the mandatory medical check. Universities guide students through all steps during the first week.
Students must complete residence registration with the Georgian Public Service Hall within 10 days of arrival. Universities facilitate this for most admitted students — confirm with your university before arriving.
Intake months across Tbilisi universities
Confirm the current cycle with your specific university before applying.
Teaching mediums
Clinical rotations in Tbilisi begin from Year 4 in Georgian public and teaching hospitals. Patient interaction is primarily in Georgian, so functional medical Georgian is useful — most programs include Georgian language classes in Years 1 and 2. Tbilisi's teaching hospitals handle a broad range of cases across general medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and paediatrics. The city has several active FMGE and NExT coaching academies that schedule sessions around clinical rotations, which is a practical advantage compared to smaller cities where students rely entirely on online coaching.
Ready to apply?
Our counsellors have supported Indian students across Georgia this cycle. Request counselling and we will help you compare the right college options.
NMC compliance is assessed per institution against published FMGL guidelines, not by city or country. A number of Tbilisi universities meet NMC guidelines, but compliance is institution-specific — verify through the NMC Eligibility Certificate process at nmc.org.in before applying.
Excluding tuition and hostel (which most universities bundle), students typically spend USD 250–450 per month on food, transport, SIM cards, and personal expenses. Indian messes near university campuses charge around GEL 400–600/month for three meals. Budget for a one-time visa fee and initial settlement costs of around USD 500–800.
Yes. Most universities with significant Indian student cohorts have partnered Indian mess operators on or near campus. Standalone Indian restaurants also operate in central Tbilisi. Grocery stores near student areas stock Indian staples including dal, rice, spices, and pressure cookers.
All medical programs marketed to Indian students are taught in English for the first three years (pre-clinical). In clinical years, some degree of Georgian or Russian may be useful for patient interaction, though many hospitals have English-speaking staff in student-facing roles. Georgian language classes are offered by most universities as part of onboarding.
Tbilisi has far more universities to compare, stronger established student communities, and more FMGE coaching infrastructure. Batumi offers a more relaxed coastal lifestyle and slightly lower living costs but fewer options. If peer support, coaching access, and university choice diversity are priorities, Tbilisi is the stronger base.
