Overview, Fees, Life in institution & the place, Syllabus, Course Details & Student Experiences

About Akaki Tsereteli State University

Academic Overview: Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU), often referred to as Kutaisi University, is one of the most prestigious and oldest public higher education institutions in Georgia. The university is a multilevel educational institution that provides academic and professional programs and engages in active research. Its Faculty of Medicine is highly regarded for integrating classical medical education with modern clinical practices, making it a top choice for international medical students.

Key Information:

Established: 1930
Type: Government/Public University
Location: Kutaisi, Georgia
Medium of Instruction: 100% English (for international medical programs)
Recognitions: WHO, National Medical Commission (NMC/MCI), FAIMER, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.

History & Background: Named after the legendary Georgian poet and national liberation movement figure Akaki Tsereteli, the university was founded in Tbilisi but relocated to Kutaisi in 1933. It has a rich tradition of over 90 years. In 2006, it merged with the Kutaisi N. Muskhelishvili Polytechnic Institute, further expanding its academic scope and technical research capabilities.

Current Statistics & Numbers:

Total Students: Over 10,000 across various disciplines.
Faculty Strength: Approximately 5,000+ academic staff members.
Alumni: More than 160,000 graduates since its inception.
Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top 5 universities in Georgia.

Number of Students & Faculties: The university comprises 9 faculties, with the Faculty of Medicine being a primary hub for international students. It hosts thousands of students from India, the EU, the USA, and other Asian countries.

Campus Gallery

Hostel Gallery

Hospital Gallery

Fee Structure of Akaki Tsereteli State University

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Life in Kutaisi: An Indian MBBS Student’s Perspective

Culture:

Language & Religion: Georgian is the official language, but English is widely understood in the university and urban areas. Georgia is deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity, yet it is highly secular and welcoming of diverse religious practices, including those of the Indian community.
Hospitality: Kutaisi is known for its warm, traditional Georgian hospitality. Locals are exceptionally helpful toward international students.
Arts and Entertainment: As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Kutaisi offers historic sites like the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery.

Food:

Traditional Cuisine: Students often enjoy local favorites like Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and Khinkali (dumplings).
Indian Options: Many hostels and local areas have Indian mess facilities or restaurants serving authentic dal, roti, and rice.
International Options: There are numerous Turkish, European, and fast-food outlets (like McDonald’s and KFC) catering to global tastes.

Lifestyle and Other Relevant Information:

Climate: A humid subtropical climate with mild winters and long, warm summers—very comfortable for Indian students.
Cost of Living: Kutaisi is more affordable than the capital, Tbilisi. A student can live comfortably on $150–$250 per month.
Transportation: Efficient bus networks and affordable ride-hailing apps (like Bolt) make commuting easy.
Safety: Georgia is consistently ranked among the top 10 safest countries globally.

Why Study MBBS at Akaki Tsereteli State University?

Based on social media reviews and student testimonials:
1. Government Recognition: Being a state university, it offers high academic security and government-subsidized infrastructure.
2. Global Licensing: Graduates are eligible for NExT (India), USMLE (USA), and PLAB (UK).
3. Advanced Clinical Exposure: Students train in top-tier state and private hospitals across the Imereti region.
4. No Entrance Exams: Admission is based on NEET scores for Indian students, with no requirements for IELTS or TOEFL.

Course Duration at Akaki Tsereteli State University

The total duration of the MBBS (MD) program is 6 years.

Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical Training: Years 1 to 5.
Clinical Internship: Year 6 (compulsory rotational internship in university-affiliated hospitals).

Life in Georgia from the students' perspective

Georgia is often described by students as “the most peaceful destination for medical studies.”

Indian Community: There is a large, active Indian student body that celebrates Diwali, Holi, and Eid, creating a “home away from home” atmosphere.
Local Impression: Georgians generally hold Indians in high regard, often influenced by shared cultural values of family and hospitality.
Nature: From the Black Sea coast in Batumi to the snow-capped mountains of Svaneti, students have ample opportunities for tourism during breaks.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Georgia

Indian students applying for MBBS admissions in Georgia must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

Minimum 50% score in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 and passing marks in English.
Attained the age of 17 as of 31st December in the admission year.
Cleared NEET exam (in order to practice medicine in India) (50th percentile for general/EWS category and 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC category)

Benefits of MBBS in Georgia

- NMC-Compliant: The curriculum and 6-year duration strictly follow the latest NMC (FMGL) guidelines for Indian students.
- Direct Fees: Students pay tuition directly to the university’s bank account, ensuring transparency.
- Part-Time Work: Unlike many European countries, Georgia allows international students to work part-time (subject to university hours).
- Safety & Quality: European-standard education at nearly half the cost of private Indian colleges.

MBBS Syllabus in Akaki Tsereteli State University

Year	Phase	Key Subjects
Year 1	Basic Foundation	Anatomy, Histology, Medical Biology, Chemistry, Medical Physics.
Year 2	Pre-Clinical	Physiology, Biochemistry, Advanced Anatomy, Microbiology.
Year 3	Para-Clinical	Pathology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Forensic Medicine.
Year 4	Clinical Intro	Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology.
Year 5	Clinical Advanced	Neurology, Psychiatry, Oncology, Gynecology, Emergency Medicine.
Year 6	Internship	Full rotational training in Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics.

FAQ

Is MBBS abroad better than India?

MBBS abroad is a better options then private medical in India, especially in terms of cost, private medical in India costs a fortune more then that of many countries abroad.

Is FMG Exam tough to crack?

Comparing FMG exam with NEET, we can safely say it is not at all a tough exam. Although there are no specific matrix to judge how tough an exam is, but considering the passing ratio of FMG exam which is roughly 20-25% to that of the percentage of candidates who get selected for government medical college through NEET which is roughly 0.02%, FMG exam is definitely a tough exam in the field of medical studies.