Pursuing MBBS in Georgia has become one of the most popular choices among international medical aspirants. The country offers high quality medical education, advanced laboratories, modern teaching techniques, globally recognized universities, and an affordable fee structure compared to many Western countries. While the tuition fee and living costs are often highlighted by consultants and universities, there are several additional or hidden expenses that students must consider before planning their journey. Two such common extra costs include uniform expenses and hostel deposits. These charges play a crucial role in the initial budgeting process for any student moving to Georgia for MBBS.
This article explains in detail the extra costs international students must bear in Georgia, with special emphasis on uniform charges, hostel deposits, and related expenditures. Understanding these costs in advance helps students and families avoid surprises and ensures smooth financial planning.
Students often calculate only the main tuition fees and forget that studying abroad involves other mandatory expenses. These additional charges may seem small individually, but collectively they can influence the budget significantly. Georgia follows a transparent and organized system, but every university has its own rules regarding deposits, uniforms, medical checks, and other related fees.
Extra costs matter because:
Students must make upfront payments immediately after arrival
Some charges are refundable while others are non-refundable
These expenses ensure efficient arrangement of academic and residential life
They help maintain discipline, hygiene, and uniformity within medical campuses
Understanding these details prevents financial stress and helps students prepare long before they fly to Georgia.
Uniforms form an essential part of medical education anywhere in the world. Georgian universities strictly follow dress codes, especially during practical sessions, laboratory work, preclinical training, and hospital rotations.
Medical uniforms are crucial for several reasons:
They maintain professionalism among students
They help maintain hygiene and safety
They ensure that students are instantly recognized in hospitals or clinics
They cultivate discipline and a sense of identity
They help professors and patients identify student levels
Most universities specify particular designs, colors, and styles that must be followed.
MBBS uniforms in Georgia generally include the following:
A white medical lab coat
Scrubs required for clinical and preclinical practice
Comfortable footwear suitable for hospital rounds
ID badges worn at all times
Optional warm lab coats for winter seasons
Depending on the university, some may also require:
Embroidered name patches
University logo patches
Specific scrub colors for different departments
The uniform cost varies from university to university. Factors affecting the price include fabric quality, stitching requirements, institutional branding, and the number of sets required.
Typical uniform expenses include:
Lab coats
Scrub sets
Name tags
Footwear
Winter versions of uniforms
Most students buy at least two or three sets of scrubs to ensure convenience during busy academic schedules.
Universities rarely include uniform charges in tuition fees because:
Uniforms are personal items
Students require different sizes and custom fittings
Some students prefer additional sets
Universities often outsource uniform production
This extra cost is unavoidable and must be considered as part of the initial expenses for MBBS.
While many students focus on hostel room fees or dormitory rent, a hostel deposit is a separate and mandatory expense charged by almost all universities.
A hostel deposit is an upfront security amount paid by students before they occupy a room in the university hostel. It acts as financial security for the institution and covers:
Potential damages to hostel property
Loss or breakage of furniture
Violation of hostel rules
Failure to maintain room cleanliness
Failure to pay dues on time
This deposit ensures that students respect the property and follow hostel regulations.
One of the most important questions students ask is whether this deposit is refundable. In most cases, the deposit is refundable at the end of the academic year or upon vacating the hostel, provided:
No damage has been done to the room
Keys and ID cards are returned
Hostel rules were followed
Pending dues are cleared
However, refunds may be delayed due to administrative procedures, so students should maintain proper documentation.
The amount of the hostel deposit depends on:
The location of the university
Quality and modernity of hostel facilities
Room type such as shared or single
Special amenities such as heating, laundry, or kitchen access
Security features like CCTV and biometric entry systems
High-end hostels with premium facilities may charge higher deposits compared to basic university dormitories.
While the focus here is on uniforms and hostel deposits, students should be aware of additional hidden charges that can significantly influence their budgets.
Before joining the university or applying for a residence permit, students must undergo medical tests. These tests ensure that the student meets health standards required for studying and living in Georgia.
Every international student in Georgia must apply for a residence permit within a specific time frame. Residence permit charges may include:
Application fees
Biometric data fees
Card issuance costs
These permits must be renewed periodically.
Upon arrival, students must pay certain administrative fees for:
Registration at the university
Student ID card creation
Library access
Laboratory registration
These costs vary by university and are not included in tuition fees.
Health insurance is mandatory. It covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, doctor visits, and other health related services. Students must renew their insurance each year.
Although universities provide online resources, students often purchase textbooks, lab manuals, anatomy charts, and stationaries.
Students living off campus need to budget for monthly transport passes. Even hostel residents may require occasional travel for shopping, hospitals, or city visits.
Georgia has cold winters, and students must purchase warm jackets, boots, gloves, and thermals. This becomes an extra cost for those coming from warm countries.
While food expenses are predictable, students must still plan for groceries, eating out, water supply, kitchen essentials, and personal items.
Many students underestimate extra costs and face financial pressure after reaching Georgia. Planning for these expenses helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Proper planning helps students:
Manage their budget effectively
Avoid borrowing money unnecessarily
Ensure they have all required items for academic and hostel life
Maintain a comfortable lifestyle without overspending
Stay prepared for emergencies
Students should always carry extra funds to cover unexpected expenses during their first few months.
While some costs are fixed and unavoidable, smart financial planning can help reduce unnecessary expenditures.
Some universities offer uniforms at high prices. Students may reduce costs by choosing external vendors as long as they meet university specifications.
Choosing shared hostel rooms helps reduce hostel deposit amounts and rent charges.
Food costs can be reduced significantly by preparing meals in the hostel kitchen instead of eating out frequently.
Local markets and supermarkets often offer better prices on groceries and essentials.
Public transport in Georgia is affordable and reliable, helping students save money on travel.
Even with the extra costs such as uniforms and hostel deposits, studying MBBS in Georgia remains much more affordable compared to many other international destinations.
Students benefit from:
Moderate tuition fees
High quality European standard education
Safe environment
Globally recognized medical degrees
Easy admission process
No entrance exam for many universities
Extra costs are manageable and transparent, allowing students to budget effectively.
Extra costs for MBBS in Georgia, such as uniforms and hostel deposits, are an essential part of studying abroad. These expenses ensure that students maintain professionalism in medical settings and live comfortably in secure accommodations. Uniform costs depend on the number of sets required, university guidelines, and material quality. Hostel deposits serve as security amounts and are usually refundable if students maintain the room and follow hostel regulations. In addition to these, students must prepare for expenses like medical checkups, residence permits, documentation fees, insurance, books, transport, and winter clothing.
Proper financial planning helps students avoid unexpected pressures and ensures that their medical education journey in Georgia is smooth and stress free. While extra costs do add to the overall budget, Georgia still remains a highly affordable and valuable destination for pursuing MBBS due to its quality education, global recognition, and student friendly environment.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English