Georgia has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Indian students aspiring to study medicine abroad. Over the past decade, the country has gained an excellent reputation for offering globally recognized MBBS degrees at affordable tuition fees. The medical universities in Georgia are known for their high academic standards, English-medium instruction, and international accreditation by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the National Medical Commission of India.
While much is said about tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs, one key area that students often overlook during planning is travel expenses. The journey from India to Georgia, visa processing, insurance, and transportation within Georgia can all add up to a considerable amount. Understanding these travel-related expenses is essential for proper budgeting and avoiding financial surprises.
This article provides a detailed analysis of how much travel from India to Georgia costs for MBBS aspirants, covering airfare, visa costs, documentation, luggage expenses, insurance, and other associated charges.
Before analyzing the cost, it is helpful to understand the geographical and logistical aspects of traveling between India and Georgia.
Georgia is a small country situated at the intersection of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The capital city, Tbilisi, hosts most of the major medical universities, and it is the main point of entry for international students. There are no direct flights from most Indian cities to Tbilisi, so travelers often connect through the Middle East or Europe.
Common connecting routes include:
Via Dubai (Emirates or FlyDubai)
Via Doha (Qatar Airways)
Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
Via Sharjah (Air Arabia)
These flights typically take between 8 and 12 hours, depending on the route and layover duration.
When calculating travel expenses from India to Georgia for MBBS, several components need to be considered. Each of these contributes to the overall travel budget and can vary depending on personal preferences, time of booking, and airline choice.
Airfare
Visa Fees and Processing Costs
Travel Insurance
Luggage and Excess Baggage Fees
Airport Transfers and Local Transportation
Documentation and Translation Expenses
Miscellaneous Travel Costs
Let us now explore each of these components in detail.
Airfare is the most significant part of the travel expenses. The price of flight tickets from India to Georgia depends on several factors such as the city of departure, airline, booking time, and travel season.
From Delhi or Mumbai:
Round-trip flights to Tbilisi usually cost between 45,000 and 70,000 Indian rupees when booked in advance. Last-minute bookings can exceed 80,000 rupees.
From South Indian Cities (Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad):
Since there are fewer direct connections, airfare is slightly higher, ranging between 55,000 and 85,000 rupees.
From Kolkata or Eastern India:
Airfare ranges between 50,000 and 75,000 rupees, depending on the connecting city.
For students traveling to Georgia for the first time, a one-way ticket is usually sufficient because the return date is uncertain. One-way flights cost around 30,000 to 45,000 rupees, depending on the route and airline.
Airfare fluctuates based on the time of year. During university admission seasons (August to October and February to March), ticket prices often rise due to increased student demand. Booking two to three months in advance can significantly reduce costs.
Most Indian students prefer airlines such as FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Air Arabia because they offer student-friendly policies, good service, and reasonable baggage allowances.
Indian students require a student visa to study MBBS in Georgia. The visa process is relatively straightforward but involves some fees and documentation expenses.
The visa fee for Georgia typically ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 Indian rupees. This fee covers the cost of processing at the Georgian consulate or embassy.
If students apply through a visa facilitation center or an education consultancy, there may be additional service charges between 2,000 and 5,000 rupees.
All academic and personal documents submitted for visa processing must be translated into the Georgian language and notarized. The cost of translation and notarization usually ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 rupees, depending on the number of pages and the translation agency.
A medical certificate verifying that the student is fit to travel and study abroad is often required. The medical check-up may cost between 2,000 and 3,000 rupees.
Overall, visa and documentation-related expenses amount to roughly 12,000 to 20,000 rupees per student.
Travel insurance is mandatory for international students traveling to Georgia. It protects students in case of medical emergencies, flight cancellations, or loss of baggage during travel.
Short-Term Insurance (Valid for 3 months): Around 1,000 to 2,000 rupees.
Long-Term Insurance (1 year or more): Around 4,000 to 6,000 rupees.
Some universities include the cost of annual health insurance in the tuition package, while others require students to purchase it independently after arrival.
Having travel insurance not only fulfills visa requirements but also offers peace of mind during the journey.
When traveling abroad for education, students often carry a significant amount of luggage, including books, clothing, and essentials for long-term stay. Airlines have different baggage policies, and exceeding the limit can result in additional fees.
Most international airlines allow 30 kilograms of check-in baggage and 7 kilograms of cabin baggage.
Excess baggage charges vary by airline but generally range between 600 and 1,000 rupees per kilogram. Some airlines provide special student discounts or allow up to 40 kilograms for student travelers.
Pack smartly and avoid unnecessary items.
Ship heavy or non-essential belongings later via courier.
Check airline student offers before booking.
On average, baggage-related expenses can add 5,000 to 10,000 rupees to the total travel cost.
Once students arrive in Georgia, they need to travel from the airport to the university or hostel.
Some universities or agents provide free airport pickup for new students, but others charge a small fee ranging between 2,000 and 3,000 rupees.
Public transport in Georgia is affordable. A one-way metro or bus ticket in Tbilisi costs less than 50 rupees, and monthly transport passes cost around 1,000 rupees. However, during the initial days, students might need to use taxis, which cost around 400 to 800 rupees per ride, depending on the distance.
Thus, initial local transportation costs during arrival and settling in can range between 3,000 and 5,000 rupees.
Before traveling to Georgia, students must handle various formalities related to document verification, attestation, and university admission.
Educational documents must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs in India before submission to Georgian authorities. Apostille charges can range between 2,000 and 5,000 rupees, depending on the number of documents.
Students need to carry Georgian currency (Lari) or an international debit card for initial expenses. Currency exchange commissions and transaction fees may add another 2,000 to 3,000 rupees.
Upon arrival, purchasing a local SIM card with an internet package costs around 500 to 1,000 rupees.
Overall, documentation and initial setup costs can total 6,000 to 10,000 rupees.
While most major expenses are predictable, a few additional costs often go unnoticed:
Food and refreshments during travel: Around 1,000 to 2,000 rupees depending on layovers.
Airport taxes or surcharges: Generally included in ticket fare but can vary.
Hotel stay during long layovers: Between 3,000 and 6,000 rupees, if applicable.
Emergency funds for contingencies: Always advisable to keep at least 10,000 rupees as backup for unexpected needs.
Adding up all major and minor costs provides a clear idea of how much a student from India might spend on traveling to Georgia for MBBS studies.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Airfare (One Way) | 30,000 – 45,000 |
| Visa and Documentation | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Travel Insurance | 2,000 – 6,000 |
| Luggage and Baggage | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Airport Transfer and Local Travel | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Apostille and Currency Exchange | 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Miscellaneous/Contingency | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Total Estimated Travel Expense | 66,000 – 1,00,000 |
On average, Indian students should budget between 65,000 and 1 lakh rupees for total travel expenses from India to Georgia, excluding university tuition and hostel fees.
Many students and families seek practical ways to minimize travel-related costs without compromising comfort or safety. Here are some helpful tips:
Book Flights Early
Airfares increase sharply closer to departure dates. Booking two to three months in advance can save up to 20 percent of the ticket price.
Compare Airlines and Routes
Check multiple airlines and booking platforms. Sometimes indirect routes are cheaper than direct connections.
Use Student Discounts
Several airlines offer special student fares with extra baggage allowance and flexible date changes. Always inquire before purchasing tickets.
Group Travel with Fellow Students
Traveling in a group organized by your university or agent can reduce airport transfer and taxi costs in Georgia.
Carry Essentials, Avoid Excess Weight
Excess baggage can be expensive. Carry only necessary items and plan to buy daily-use goods in Georgia after arrival.
Choose Low-Cost Accommodation During Transit
If a layover is required, opt for affordable transit hotels or rest areas within airports.
Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
Traveling slightly before or after the main admission rush can lead to better airfares and fewer surcharges.
Monitor Currency Exchange Rates
Exchange money when the rate is favorable and avoid last-minute transactions at airport kiosks, which usually have higher charges.
Proper financial planning before starting MBBS in Georgia ensures a smooth transition and prevents unnecessary stress. Many students focus only on tuition and hostel costs but underestimate travel-related expenses.
Creating a detailed checklist that includes every travel component helps families understand the total financial requirement. Some students also set aside emergency funds for unforeseen travel delays or document requirements.
Parents should ensure their children carry sufficient funds in both cash and card form, as currency exchange might not always be immediately available upon landing.
Apart from financial planning, students should also focus on ensuring comfort and safety during travel. Long flights and unfamiliar routes can be overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. Choosing reputable airlines, confirming airport pickup services, and keeping all documents safely accessible can make the journey stress-free.
Carrying copies of the admission letter, passport, visa, and contact numbers of university representatives is also crucial. Students should stay in touch with family members during transit and inform them upon safe arrival.
The total cost of studying MBBS in Georgia generally ranges from 30 to 45 lakh rupees, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. Although travel expenses represent a small portion of this total (around 2 to 3 percent), they can still make a difference in budgeting.
By carefully planning travel and avoiding unnecessary costs, students can save a few thousand rupees that can later be used for settling in, buying essentials, or covering the first month’s expenses in Georgia.
Travel expenses from India to Georgia for MBBS students usually range between sixty-five thousand and one lakh rupees, depending on airline choice, visa costs, and other personal factors. While this amount might seem minor compared to total education expenses, understanding and planning for it is essential to ensure a stress-free start to one’s academic journey.
A well-prepared student who books smartly, stays informed, and travels with confidence can begin their MBBS in Georgia smoothly, ready to focus on the rewarding path of becoming a doctor.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
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