For Indian students seeking an affordable yet globally recognized medical degree, Georgia has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations. Among its prestigious institutions, Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) stands out as the oldest, largest, and most reputed medical university in Georgia. Established in 1918, the university has produced thousands of successful doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals who are serving across the globe.
TSMU is located in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, which is known for its safety, modern infrastructure, and multicultural atmosphere. With over 10,000 students, including more than 2,500 international students from over 70 countries, the university has gained international recognition for its high-quality medical education, English-taught programs, affordable tuition fees, and global exposure.
In this detailed blog, we will explore everything about Tbilisi State Medical University, including its courses, admission process, eligibility, annual fees, living costs in Tbilisi, career opportunities, and much more.
Historical Legacy: TSMU is over 100 years old and is the most prestigious medical institution in Georgia.
International Recognition: The university is recognized by WHO, NMC (India), ECFMG, FAIMER, and WFME, making its MBBS degree valid across multiple countries.
English-Medium MBBS: Offers a complete MBBS program in English, eliminating the need to learn the Georgian language.
Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to India and Western countries, fees are highly reasonable.
Safe Environment: Tbilisi is considered one of the safest European cities for international students.
Highly Qualified Faculty: Experienced professors, researchers, and doctors from Georgia and abroad.
Modern Infrastructure: Smart classrooms, simulation labs, research facilities, and affiliated hospitals.
Multicultural Campus: Students from India, Nepal, Africa, Europe, and other regions, creating a global learning environment.
TSMU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Some of the popular medical courses include:
MBBS / MD (Doctor of Medicine) – 6 years
Dentistry – 5 years
Pharmacy – 4 years
Nursing – 4 years
Public Health and Health Management – 4 years
Postgraduate Residency Programs – 2 to 4 years
PhD Programs in Medical and Health Sciences
For Indian students, the 6-year MBBS program is the most popular choice, which includes 5 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship.
Indian students must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
Age Requirement: Minimum 17 years by 31st December of the admission year.
Academic Qualification:
Must have completed 10+2 (PCB) with at least 50% marks (40% for reserved categories).
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology must be compulsory subjects.
NEET Qualification: NEET exam is mandatory for Indian students as per NMC guidelines.
English Proficiency: No IELTS/TOEFL required, but students must have studied in English medium or pass the university’s language test.
The admission process is simple and student-friendly:
Application Form: Fill out the application form with required documents (passport, academic certificates, photographs).
Offer Letter: After verification, TSMU issues an official offer letter.
Visa Invitation: Once tuition fees are paid, the university provides an invitation letter for visa processing.
Visa Application: Apply for a student visa at the Georgian embassy or consulate.
Travel and Enrollment: Fly to Georgia and complete the enrollment process at the university.
Valid passport
10th and 12th mark sheets
NEET scorecard (for Indian students)
Birth certificate
Passport-size photographs
Medical fitness certificate
Bank statement for financial proof
The tuition fee at TSMU is highly affordable compared to Indian private colleges and universities in Western countries.
Annual Tuition Fee: Around USD 8,000 per year
Duration: 6 years (5 years study + 1 year internship)
Total Tuition Fees for MBBS: Around USD 48,000 (approx. 40 lakhs INR)
Hostel Accommodation: USD 2,000 – 3,000 per year
Food Expenses: USD 1,200 – 1,500 per year
Medical Insurance: USD 300 per year
Visa Extension & Residence Permit: USD 300 – 500 annually
Living in Tbilisi is comfortable and relatively affordable. The city offers student-friendly accommodation, transport, and lifestyle facilities.
Accommodation (Hostel/Flat): USD 150 – 250
Food & Groceries: USD 100 – 150
Transportation: USD 20 – 30 (metro, buses, taxis)
Miscellaneous (entertainment, internet, etc.): USD 50 – 80
Total Living Cost: Around USD 350 – 500 per month (approx. INR 30,000 – 40,000).
Thus, on average, students spend USD 4,000 – 5,000 annually for living in Tbilisi, apart from tuition fees.
Multicultural Campus: Students interact with peers from diverse nationalities.
Sports & Cultural Activities: University organizes sports tournaments, cultural festivals, and student clubs.
Clinical Training: Students gain hands-on experience in affiliated hospitals from the 3rd year onwards.
Library & Research Centers: Equipped with modern facilities for academic excellence.
Safe & Friendly Environment: Georgia is ranked among the safest countries in Europe.
Graduates from Tbilisi State Medical University have opportunities to:
Appear for FMGE (MCI Screening Test) in India.
Apply for USMLE (United States), PLAB (UK), or licensing exams in other countries.
Pursue PG programs in Georgia, Europe, USA, UK, or India.
Work as doctors in hospitals, research institutes, or healthcare organizations worldwide.
No donation or capitation fees
English-medium instruction
Affordable tuition fees and living expenses
WHO and NMC approved
High-quality education with modern infrastructure
Indian food available in Tbilisi
Easy travel connectivity to India
Yes, TSMU is approved by NMC, meaning Indian students can practice in India after clearing the FMGE exam.
The MBBS program is 6 years long, including 1 year of internship.
The annual tuition fee is approximately USD 8,000.
Including tuition fees and living costs, the total expense is around USD 55,000 – 60,000 for the entire course.
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students to study MBBS abroad.
Yes, TSMU offers a complete English-medium MBBS program for international students.
Students must have at least 50% marks in PCB in 10+2 (40% for reserved categories).
No, there is no entrance exam. Admission is based on NEET score and academic performance.
Yes, the university offers hostel facilities for international students with affordable rent.
On average, hostel accommodation costs USD 150 – 250 per month.
Yes, Georgia is among the safest countries in Europe with a student-friendly environment.
Yes, Indian restaurants and mess facilities are available near the university.
Yes, international students can work part-time, but it is advisable to focus on studies.
English is the medium of instruction for international students.
Yes, from the 3rd year onwards, students get clinical training in affiliated hospitals.
Yes, the degree is recognized globally by WHO, NMC, FAIMER, and other medical councils.
The average living cost ranges between USD 350 – 500 per month.
For day-to-day communication, learning basic Georgian is helpful, but academics are in English.
Yes, merit-based scholarships are offered to outstanding students.
Yes, graduates can pursue PG programs in Georgia, India, USA, UK, or other countries after passing required licensing exams.