Medical education in Georgia has become one of the most preferred options for Indian and international students due to its global recognition, affordable fees, and English-medium instruction. Students often explore the academic structure before applying for MBBS in Georgia, and one common question they ask is: “Is research thesis submission mandatory in Georgia MBBS?”
A research thesis is a significant component of higher education worldwide. In medical education, it plays a vital role in developing a student's analytical, scientific, and practical understanding of the healthcare system. However, not all countries follow the same policy regarding thesis submission.
In Georgia, MBBS programs are designed according to international standards such as the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). These frameworks ensure a balanced combination of theoretical, clinical, and research-based learning. Let’s explore how research thesis fits into the Georgian MBBS curriculum and whether it is mandatory or optional.
Before understanding the role of research thesis, it’s essential to look at the general structure of the MBBS course in Georgia.
Course Duration: 6 years (5 years of academic study + 1 year of internship)
Medium of Instruction: English
Degree Awarded: MD (equivalent to MBBS in India)
Curriculum Framework: Based on European standards with clinical exposure and practical training
The Georgian medical education model is designed to make students globally competent, allowing them to pursue medical licensing exams such as FMGE/NExT, USMLE, PLAB, or AMC after graduation.
A research thesis is a detailed scientific document where students investigate a particular medical or healthcare-related topic. It involves defining a research problem, conducting a literature review, collecting data, analyzing findings, and presenting conclusions.
For MBBS students, a thesis:
Encourages critical thinking and evidence-based medicine
Strengthens problem-solving and research methodology skills
Helps in publishing papers and presenting at conferences
Builds a foundation for post-graduate medical research and PhD opportunities
The answer largely depends on the medical university and its specific academic guidelines.
In most Georgian medical universities, thesis submission is not mandatory for all MBBS students. Instead, it is optional or encouraged, especially during the final year or internship phase.
However, a few top-ranked Georgian universities integrate research projects or dissertations as a part of their credit system, where students must complete a small-scale thesis or project to graduate.
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) – Offers optional research modules and encourages thesis writing under supervision.
David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) – Has a strong research-based curriculum; students complete a scientific paper in later years.
European University, Georgia – Includes a research component within the clinical training years.
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
New Vision University
Georgian National University (SEU)
Thus, while not every student is required to submit a research thesis, those interested in research, medical innovation, or pursuing further education abroad are strongly encouraged to undertake one.
Research activities in MBBS in Georgia generally occur during the 4th to 6th years. Here’s how it is structured:
Students are first introduced to research methodologies, literature review techniques, and ethical considerations. Professors guide them in selecting topics relevant to clinical practice, public health, or medical sciences.
Students prepare a short proposal outlining the research problem, objectives, hypothesis, and methods. The university research committee reviews and approves it.
Students may collect clinical data, conduct surveys, or perform laboratory studies under supervision. Ethical approval is essential before collecting patient-related data.
After data collection, students analyze their results using statistical tools and discuss the findings in the context of existing literature.
If the thesis is mandatory in that institution, students must submit a written document and defend it before a faculty panel.
Even though research thesis submission is not compulsory everywhere, there are several advantages to undertaking one:
A research paper or thesis adds immense value to your academic CV, especially if you plan to pursue PG studies abroad in the USA, UK, or Europe.
Research cultivates a scientific approach. Students learn to make medical decisions based on verified data, not assumptions.
Some universities provide platforms for students to publish their work in international journals or present at student conferences.
Exams like USMLE and PLAB emphasize clinical reasoning and research aptitude. Completing a thesis can give students a competitive edge.
Medical research experience opens doors to clinical research organizations (CROs), public health departments, and academic roles post-graduation.
Despite its advantages, writing a thesis can be challenging for MBBS students due to:
Time Constraints – The academic load and clinical rotations leave little time for research.
Limited Research Experience – Many students lack prior exposure to scientific writing.
Access to Resources – Some institutions may not have advanced research facilities or patient data access.
Language Barrier – Research material may require proficiency in English and sometimes Georgian.
Supervision Availability – Finding experienced mentors for guidance can be difficult in certain universities.
However, with proper planning and university support, these challenges can be overcome effectively.
Georgian universities are increasingly promoting research through structured support systems:
Research Mentorship: Each student or group is assigned a faculty mentor.
Workshops and Seminars: Regular research skill-building sessions are organized.
Funding Opportunities: Some universities provide mini-grants for student projects.
Research Labs: Dedicated labs for microbiology, pharmacology, and public health research.
Collaborations: Partnerships with hospitals, international universities, and research institutes enhance learning exposure.
| Country | Thesis Requirement | Research Exposure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Optional/Recommended | Moderate | Focus on clinical and applied research |
| Russia | Optional | Moderate | Emphasis on practical training |
| Philippines | Not Required | Low | Focused on clinical rotations |
| Bangladesh | Mandatory (in final year) | High | Government-regulated curriculum |
| Ukraine | Optional | Moderate | Research integrated in 5th–6th years |
| USA | Mandatory | High | Research-intensive MD programs |
This comparison highlights that Georgia balances academic and research exposure without making the thesis a burden.
Choosing a relevant and manageable topic is crucial for success. Here are a few examples:
Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in Local Hospitals
Comparison of Diabetes Management Approaches in Georgia
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Hypertension among Students
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination Awareness in Rural Areas
Patient Satisfaction Levels in Primary Healthcare Centers
Students can align topics with their interests, available data, and supervisor expertise.
Completing a thesis in MBBS helps build a strong base for:
Postgraduate studies abroad (MD, MS, PhD)
Clinical research and academic medicine
Public health policymaking
Hospital administration roles
Medical writing and teaching
A well-documented research experience is often considered a key differentiator during interviews or residency selections.
2. When does research work usually begin in the MBBS course?
Research activities typically start during the 4th or 5th year of the MBBS program, once students have a solid foundation in clinical and theoretical subjects.
3. What types of research can MBBS students conduct?
Students can engage in clinical studies, public health surveys, laboratory-based experiments, or literature-based reviews.
4. Do universities in Georgia provide guidance for research?
Yes, most universities assign faculty mentors who assist students in topic selection, methodology, data analysis, and writing.
5. Can students publish their research papers internationally?
Yes, many universities encourage students to publish papers in international journals or present findings at medical conferences.
6. How is the research thesis evaluated?
If required, the thesis is evaluated based on scientific accuracy, originality, ethical compliance, and clarity of presentation.
7. Is the thesis written individually or in groups?
It depends on the university. Some institutions allow group projects, while others prefer individual submissions.
8. What happens if a student doesn’t submit a thesis where it’s mandatory?
Failure to submit a mandatory thesis can affect graduation eligibility, as it’s part of the academic credit system.
9. Does thesis experience help in foreign licensing exams like USMLE?
Yes, research enhances analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable for exams like USMLE and PLAB.
10. Is the thesis topic chosen by the student or assigned by the university?
Generally, students propose topics based on their interests, which are then approved or refined by university supervisors.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English