Georgia has emerged as one of the top destinations for Indian and international students aspiring to pursue MBBS abroad. Georgian medical universities are well-known for their affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, modern infrastructure, and globally recognized medical degrees. With medical education in Georgia being taught primarily in English, students from India and other countries find it easier to adapt and study.
One of the most frequently asked questions by prospective students is about the difference between the 5-year and 6-year MBBS programs in Georgia. Understanding the distinction is crucial, as it helps students make informed decisions about the duration, curriculum, costs, and career planning.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of both programs, comparing their curriculum, teaching methodology, clinical exposure, internship structure, fees, and advantages. It also addresses the factors that students should consider before choosing between a 5-year and 6-year program.
MBBS in Georgia is structured to meet international medical education standards. Georgian universities offer programs that are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Medical Council of India (MCI), and other global regulatory bodies.
The MBBS program can be pursued in two formats:
5-Year Program
6-Year Program
Both programs aim to produce competent medical professionals, but the structure, duration, and curriculum delivery differ slightly.
Duration: 5 years of academic study + 1 year internship (clinical rotation).
Designed for students who have completed higher secondary education with a science background, usually 12th grade.
Focused on students with strong academic foundations in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Duration: 6 years of academic study + 1 year internship.
Targeted at students who need pre-medical foundation courses or come from non-science backgrounds.
Includes an additional foundation or preparatory year that strengthens knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Key Difference: The 6-year program provides extra preparation for students to adjust to rigorous medical coursework, whereas the 5-year program is more intensive from the start.
Pre-clinical Years (1st and 2nd Year): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medical Ethics, and Basics of Public Health.
Para-clinical Years (2nd and 3rd Year): Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine.
Clinical Years (4th and 5th Year): Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology.
Internship (6th Year): Practical exposure in hospitals under supervision.
Foundation/Preparatory Year (1st Year): Focuses on basic sciences like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and introductory medical concepts.
Pre-clinical Years (2nd and 3rd Year): Same as 5-year program but with slightly slower pace to accommodate new learners.
Para-clinical Years (3rd and 4th Year): Includes pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic medicine, and community medicine.
Clinical Years (5th and 6th Year): Same as 5-year program; intensive clinical exposure in hospitals.
Internship (7th Year): Hands-on practical training in various specialties.
Key Difference: The 6-year program includes a foundation/preparatory year to help students adapt to the MBBS curriculum gradually.
Both programs rely on lectures for theoretical knowledge. Topics include anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical sciences.
5-Year Program: Lectures are more intensive; students need to grasp concepts quickly.
6-Year Program: Lectures in the foundation year are slower-paced to build conceptual clarity before advanced topics.
Labs are an essential part of medical education in Georgia. Students perform experiments, dissection, clinical case analysis, and simulations.
5-Year Program: Practical labs start from the 1st year; students must adapt quickly.
6-Year Program: Lab exposure begins in the 2nd year after foundation courses; students have more confidence and understanding.
Clinical exposure is critical for both programs, including:
Bedside teaching
Patient history taking
Case discussions
Minor procedures
5-Year Program: Clinical exposure begins earlier in the 3rd year.
6-Year Program: Clinical exposure starts slightly later due to the preparatory year.
Both programs have a similar assessment structure:
Internal Assessment: Attendance, assignments, lab performance, mid-term exams.
Final University Exams: Theory, practical, and viva assessments at the end of each academic year.
Internship Evaluation: Practical performance, case handling, and supervisor feedback.
Difference: Students in the 6-year program may have slightly easier early assessments in the foundation year as they adjust to academic rigor.
Completion of 12th grade with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Minimum aggregate marks (usually 50–60%).
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students.
Students with weaker science backgrounds or lower 12th-grade marks.
Pre-medical foundation year compensates for academic gaps.
NEET qualification still required for Indian students.
Key Difference: The 6-year program accommodates students who may not meet strict 5-year program eligibility criteria.
Tuition fees are slightly lower as the program is shorter.
Average annual fees range from $4000–$6000 depending on the university.
Tuition fees include the foundation year; total fees are higher.
Average annual fees range from $4000–$6000, making the total cost higher by 1 year of study.
Key Difference: 6-year program costs more due to the extra preparatory year.
Shorter Duration: Students graduate faster and start their careers earlier.
Lower Total Cost: Less tuition and living expenses.
Early Clinical Exposure: Faster integration into clinical practice.
Foundation Year Support: Helps students with weak backgrounds strengthen knowledge.
Gradual Learning: Less academic pressure in the first year.
Higher Success Rate: Students are better prepared for exams and clinical rotations.
Confidence Building: Foundation year boosts confidence before rigorous clinical work.
Strong Science Background & NEET Qualified: 5-year program is ideal; students can handle rigorous learning.
Weaker Science Background or Needs Extra Preparation: 6-year program is recommended to build strong fundamentals before advanced medical topics.
Academic Readiness: Evaluate your science knowledge and study habits.
Budget: Consider tuition and living expenses for 5 vs 6 years.
Career Planning: Decide if you want to start practicing earlier or prefer a more gradual approach.
Language Adaptation: Both programs teach in English, but patient interaction may require Russian/Georgian knowledge.
University Recognition: Ensure the university is recognized by WHO, MCI, and other global bodies.
Q1: What is the main difference between 5-year and 6-year MBBS in Georgia?
A1: The 6-year program includes an additional foundation year for students needing extra preparation before starting core MBBS subjects.
Q2: Who should choose the 5-year MBBS program in Georgia?
A2: Students with strong science backgrounds, NEET-qualified, and ready for intensive study from the first year.
Q3: Is the 6-year program more expensive than the 5-year program?
A3: Yes, because it includes an extra foundation year, tuition, and living expenses for an additional year.
Q4: Does the 6-year program delay clinical exposure?
A4: Slightly, clinical exposure begins after the foundation and pre-clinical years, giving students more confidence before handling patients.
Q5: Can students from non-science backgrounds join the 6-year MBBS program?
A5: Yes, the foundation year helps non-science students gain required knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Q6: Are both programs recognized globally?
A6: Yes, MBBS degrees from recognized Georgian universities are recognized by WHO, MCI, and other global medical councils.
Q7: How does the 5-year program affect career planning?
A7: Graduating earlier allows students to start internship, licensing exams, and clinical practice sooner.
Q8: Do both programs require NEET for Indian students?
A8: Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students to study MBBS in Georgia.
Q9: Is the teaching methodology different between the two programs?
A9: The methodology is similar; the foundation year in the 6-year program provides slower-paced, easier introductory learning.
Q10: Which program is better for students who struggle with science subjects?
A10: The 6-year program is ideal for students needing extra preparation and gradual introduction to MBBS topics.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English