Studying MBBS abroad has become increasingly popular among Indian students due to affordable tuition fees, globally recognized universities, modern infrastructure, and high-quality education. Among the preferred destinations, Georgia has emerged as a top choice for students seeking medical education in English. Georgian medical universities offer internationally recognized degrees, good clinical exposure, and a cost-effective alternative compared to private medical colleges in India.
One of the primary concerns for Indian students and their families is payment security. While tuition fees and hostel charges are generally paid in advance, parents often ask whether it is safe to make payments from an Indian bank to universities in Georgia. This concern is valid because international transactions involve currency conversion, banking regulations, and potential fraud risks. Understanding the process, precautions, and safeguards is essential before transferring substantial sums abroad.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of payment safety, bank procedures, common risks, and best practices for Indian students paying for MBBS in Georgia.
Most Georgian medical universities accept tuition and hostel fees through:
Wire Transfer/Bank Transfer: Direct transfer from Indian bank accounts to the university’s bank account in Georgia.
Online Payment Gateways: Some universities accept payments through platforms that allow international credit/debit cards.
Demand Drafts or Banker’s Cheques: Though less common, some universities accept these instruments from Indian banks.
Wire transfers from Indian banks are the most widely used method due to their convenience, reliability, and direct processing by financial institutions.
Tuition fees are usually quoted in US dollars or euros, so Indian students pay in INR, which is converted at the prevailing exchange rate.
Exchange rate fluctuations may slightly increase or decrease the total payment amount.
Indian banks follow the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations for foreign remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows up to USD 250,000 per financial year for education and other purposes.
Indian students typically use reputed banks such as:
State Bank of India (SBI)
ICICI Bank
HDFC Bank
Axis Bank
Punjab National Bank
These banks provide secure online and offline channels for international payments, including SWIFT transfers, which are globally recognized for secure fund transfers.
Payments from Indian banks are regulated under RBI guidelines. These include:
Verification of beneficiary details
Customer authentication for online transfers
Compliance with anti-money laundering rules
Maintenance of transaction records for accountability
These safeguards make payments from Indian banks generally secure for international transactions.
Indian banks use encryption, secure OTP verification, and transaction alerts for online transfers. This ensures that payment information is transmitted securely to the receiving university account.
While paying through Indian banks is generally safe, students must be aware of potential risks:
Transferring to an incorrect account due to errors in beneficiary name, account number, or SWIFT code can lead to delayed payments or loss of funds.
Always double-check the university’s bank account details before initiating a transfer.
Fees are charged in foreign currency, and the final amount in INR may vary based on exchange rate changes.
Planning payment during favorable exchange rates can reduce costs.
Some Indian banks and receiving banks in Georgia may levy service charges, processing fees, or intermediary bank charges.
Students should calculate total fees to avoid surprises.
Using unverified consultants or agents can be risky. Some may ask for payments to personal accounts instead of official university accounts.
Always pay directly to the university or a verified account.
International transfers may take 1 to 5 business days, depending on the banks involved and cross-border clearance procedures.
Delayed payments can affect admission confirmation or hostel booking.
Obtain official bank details from the university website or admission office.
Confirm the SWIFT/BIC code, account number, and beneficiary name.
Avoid making payments to personal accounts or unverified third-party accounts.
Stick to reputed Indian banks for wire transfers or online payments.
Use official online banking portals or in-branch services.
Ensure OTP or 2-factor authentication is enabled for online transactions.
Maintain payment receipts, SWIFT confirmation, and email correspondence with the university.
These records help track transactions and resolve disputes if needed.
Check with the Indian bank about transaction charges and intermediary bank fees.
Ensure the amount transferred matches the required tuition or hostel fee after deducting all charges.
Initiate payments well before university deadlines to avoid delays due to holidays, bank processing times, or currency conversion issues.
Payments from India are subject to RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which regulates foreign remittances for education. Key points:
Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for education.
Banks require Form A2 and PAN details for processing foreign payments.
Payments are monitored for compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-fraud regulations.
Students should retain RBI transaction acknowledgment and receipts for documentation.
Compliance with RBI regulations ensures legal protection and reduces risk of payment disputes.
Reputation and Reliability: Established banks have secure protocols for international fund transfers.
Customer Support: Banks provide guidance on completing international payments correctly.
Tracking and Transparency: Transaction tracking through SWIFT and confirmation receipts ensures accountability.
Fraud Protection: Indian banks follow strict security and fraud detection measures.
Convenience: Payments can be made online or in-branch, offering flexibility for students and parents.
Some students may consider alternative payment methods:
Some consultants collect fees and transfer to the university.
Risk: Agent mismanagement or fraud.
Advice: Only use licensed agents with verifiable credentials.
Some universities accept payments via online gateways supporting international credit/debit cards.
Risk: Additional service charges and security concerns.
Verified payment gateways provide secure transactions, but bank transfers remain safer for large amounts.
Less common in recent years due to processing delays.
Bank drafts are secure but may take longer to reach the university.
Always Pay to Official Accounts: Never pay fees to personal accounts.
Retain Proof: Keep receipts, SWIFT confirmations, and email communication.
Consult Bank Staff: Seek guidance for international payment procedures.
Avoid Rush Payments: Initiate payments well in advance to account for processing delays.
Monitor Exchange Rates: Transfer funds when rates are favorable.
Check University Policies: Understand refund rules in case of cancellation or withdrawal.
Avoid Cash Payments: Cash payments or money transfer agents outside banking channels are unsafe.
A student from India makes a tuition payment of USD 5,000 through SBI’s online banking portal to the official Georgian university account. SWIFT confirmation is received within two business days, and the university confirms receipt. No intermediary fees were deducted from the agreed amount.
Outcome: Safe and timely payment, admission confirmed without stress.
A student accidentally transfers tuition to a personal account of an unverified agent. Funds are delayed, and the university does not confirm payment. After verification, the bank reverses the transfer, but the student faces admission delays.
Lesson: Always verify beneficiary details and pay only to official accounts.
A student transfers USD 5,000 when the INR is weaker. The university receives less than the required amount, and the student must pay the difference.
Lesson: Monitor currency exchange rates before initiating payment.
Use Reputable Banks: Stick to SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, or other trusted Indian banks.
Verify Beneficiary Details: Cross-check with university official communication.
Plan Early: Avoid last-minute payments to prevent delays or errors.
Keep Documentation: Save receipts, SWIFT confirmation, and correspondence.
Avoid Third-Party Accounts: Pay directly to the university, not to agents or unknown accounts.
Check Bank Charges: Ensure the amount sent matches the required tuition after deducting charges.
Stay Informed About RBI Rules: Follow the Liberalised Remittance Scheme and other regulations.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English