- Ilia State University
Overview, Fees, Life in institution & the place, Syllabus, Course Details & Student Experiences
About Ilia State University
Academic Overview: Ilia State University (ISU) is one of Georgia’s flagship public research and comprehensive higher education institutions. Its School of Natural Sciences and Medicine offers an English-medium Medical Doctor (MD) program that is meticulously designed to comply with the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) standards. The university is celebrated for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating research with clinical training from the very first year.
Key Information:
Established: 2006 (Following a merger of six different academic institutions).
University Type: Public Research University.
Medium of Instruction: English.
Recognitions: Fully recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and recognized by WHO, ECFMG, and FAIMER.
History & Background: ISU was established as a result of a merger between six independent academic institutions, each with its own legacy. This union created a powerhouse of research and education in the South Caucasus. Since its inception, the university has rapidly climbed global rankings, consistently securing the top spot in Georgia for research and interdisciplinary studies.
Current Statistics & Numbers:
National Rank: 1st in Georgia (THE Interdisciplinary Research Rankings 2026).
Student Body: Over 16,000 students across various disciplines.
International Presence: Home to students from over 15 countries, with a significant Indian student population exceeding 2,000.
Faculty: Over 275 professors and 1,000+ researchers and teachers.
Campus Gallery
Hostel Gallery
Hospital Gallery
Fee Structure of Ilia State University
| 1st Year package | Amount (USD) | 2nd to 6th year (annual) | Amount (USD) |
| Tution Fees | 5,500 | Tution Fees | 5,500 |
| Hostel and Mess | 3,000 | Hostel and Mess | 3,000 |
| Medical, Visa, govt | 550 | Medical, Visa, govt | 550 |
| Administrative Fees (OTC) | 1,500 | ||
| Total | 10,550 | Total | 9,050 |
| Six year total | 55,800 |
Life in Tbilisi: An Indian MBBS Student’s Perspective
Culture:
Language: While Georgian is the official language, Tbilisi is an international hub. English is the primary language on campus, and you will find most young Georgians speak English fluently.
Hospitality: Georgians are famously warm toward foreigners. As a student, you are often treated with great respect and kindness.
Religion & Arts: A city of ancient churches and modern art. Tbilisi hosts numerous student festivals and is known for its tolerant, multicultural atmosphere.
Food:
Indian Options: Tbilisi has a vibrant scene of Indian restaurants (e.g., Spice Garden, Sanjha Chulha). Many student accommodations offer an Indian Mess facility with authentic spices and recipes.
Traditional & International: From the iconic Khachapuri (cheese bread) to global chains like McDonald’s and KFC, the city offers a diverse range of affordable food.
Self-Cooking: Most students prefer self-cooking; local supermarkets like Carrefour and Goodwill stock a wide variety of Indian pulses and spices.
Lifestyle & Relevant Information:
Climate: Moderate with four distinct seasons. Expect warm summers and chilly, snowy winters (avg. 3°C to 30°C).
Transportation: Extremely efficient and cheap. A student “Metro Card” allows nearly free travel on the Metro, buses, and cable cars.
Cost of Living: Approximately $400–$600 per month (₹33,000–₹50,000) including food, rent, and leisure.
Safety: Ranked as one of the top 10 safest countries globally. Tbilisi is safe for students to travel at any hour.
Why Study MBBS at Ilia State University?
Public University Status: As a state-funded institution, ISU maintains higher academic rigor and more stable management compared to many private colleges.
Clinical Training: Affiliated with top-tier clinics like Innova, Aversi, and Medi Club Georgia, providing students with over 1,000 hours of clinical practice.
Research Integration: Unique for Georgia, ISU allows medical students to engage in high-level research projects as early as their second year.
Licensing Exam Support: The curriculum is aligned with global standards, making it easier for students to clear the NExT (India), USMLE (USA), and PLAB (UK).
Course Duration at Ilia State University
The MD program at ISU follows the European ECTS system:
Total Duration: 6 Years (12 Semesters).
Structure: 5 years of academic and clinical modules + 1 year of mandatory clinical clerkship/internship.
Life in Georgia from the students' perspective
Indian Community: A massive, supportive community of Indian students celebrating Diwali, Holi, and Indian Independence Day together.
Nature & Tourism: Georgia is a “Picturesque Paradise.” Students often take weekend trips to the Caucasus Mountains in Gudauri or the Black Sea beaches in Batumi.
Education System: Based on the Bologna Process, the degree is recognized across the European Union.
Local Impression: Indians are viewed as studious and respectful. The “Doctor” title carries significant social weight in Georgia, ensuring high respect for medical students.
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 2021 Compliance: The course meets the mandatory 54-month study + 12-month internship rule set by the National Medical Commission.
No Entrance Exam: Admissions are based on NEET qualification and 12th-grade scores (no IELTS/TOEFL required for most).
Direct Admission: Transparent process with fees typically paid directly to the university’s official bank account.
Safe for Women: Consistently cited by Indian parents as the safest destination for female medical students abroad.
MBBS Syllabus in Ilia State University
| Year | Focus Areas | Key Subjects |
| Year 1 | Foundation | Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Medical Chemistry, Biophysics, Georgian Language. |
| Year 2 | Pre-Clinical | Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Medical Research Methods. |
| Year 3 | Para-Clinical | Pharmacology, Pathology, Bioethics, Clinical Skills, Epidemiology. |
| Year 4 | Clinical Intro | Internal Medicine, Surgery (Basics), Pediatrics, Radiology, ENT. |
| Year 5 | Adv. Clinical | Cardiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, OB-GYN, Oncology, Emergency Medicine. |
| Year 6 | Internship | Hands-on Clinical Rotations in specialized hospitals and family medicine centers. |
FAQ
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.
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.