- Ivane Javakhishvilli Tbilisi State University
Overview, Fees, Life in institution & the place, Syllabus, Course Details & Student Experiences
About Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Academic Overview: The Faculty of Medicine at TSU is a prestigious center for medical education that offers a 6-year MD (Medical Doctor) program. The curriculum is 100% English-medium and is designed to meet international standards, focusing on a student-centered approach that integrates clinical practice with scientific research.
Key Information:
Established: 1918 (The first national university in the Caucasus).
University Type: Public (State-run).
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.
Intake: September.
Medium of Instruction: English.
Accreditations: Recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WHO/WDOMS), and accredited by the Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE).
History & Background: Founded by the renowned Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili, TSU was the first university of its kind in the region. It has survived numerous historical transitions, consistently maintaining its status as the intellectual heart of Georgia. The Faculty of Medicine was formally established in 1918 and reorganized in 1930, eventually evolving into the modern, research-intensive hub it is today.
Current Statistics & Numbers:
National Ranking: 1st in Georgia.
Student Body: Over 22,000 students across all faculties.
International Presence: Significant percentage of international students, primarily from India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Faculty Strength: The Faculty of Medicine alone boasts over 760 academic staff members, including 25+ high-ranking professors.
Campus Gallery
Hostel Gallery
Hospital Gallery
Fee Structure of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi 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, English is widely spoken in Tbilisi, especially by the youth and within the university.
Religion & Hospitality: Georgia is an Orthodox Christian nation famous for its hospitality. Locals are exceptionally welcoming to Indian students, often treating them as family.
Arts & Education: Tbilisi is a cultural capital with world-class opera houses, museums, and a vibrant student-run arts scene.
Food:
Indian Options: Tbilisi has a growing number of Indian restaurants (e.g., Spice Garden, Sanjha Chulha). Many student groups organize their own “Indian Mess” with dedicated Indian cooks.
Cuisine: Traditional Georgian food like Khachapuri (cheese bread) and Khinkali (dumplings) are delicious and affordable.
Street Food: Fresh bread from clay ovens (Tonis Puri) and international chains like McDonald’s and KFC are easily available.
Lifestyle & Other Information:
Climate: Pleasant and humid subtropical. Summers are warm (28-32°C) and winters are manageable (0-5°C), which is easier for Indian students than the harsh Russian winters.
Transportation: Students get a Student Metro Card, allowing unlimited travel on the metro and buses for approximately 25 GEL (₹800) per month.
Cost of Living: Affordable compared to Western Europe. Monthly expenses range from $400 to $600 (₹33,000–₹50,000), including food and shared accommodation.
Safety: Consistently ranked among the top 10 safest countries globally. Students can safely walk the streets at night.
Why Study MBBS at Ivane Javakhishvilli Tbilisi State University?
Top National Rank: TSU is the #1 university in Georgia, giving its degree immense prestige.
No Entrance Exams: Admission is based on NEET scores and 12th-grade marks; no IELTS or TOEFL is required.
Modern Labs: Students frequently highlight the “State-of-the-Art” simulation centers and high-tech research labs.
FMGE/NExT Success: TSU graduates historically have a higher passing rate in the Indian licensing exam compared to many other foreign universities.
Course Duration at Ivane Javakhishvilli Tbilisi State University
The Medical Doctor (MD) program at TSU is a 6-year full-time course.
Years 1–5: Focus on theoretical knowledge, para-clinical subjects, and clinical rotations.
Year 6: Dedicated to a compulsory internship and clinical clerkship in university-affiliated hospitals.
Life in Georgia from the students' perspective
Indian Community: A massive community of Indian students ensures that festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated with great energy.
Nature: From the snowy peaks of Gudauri to the Black Sea beaches of Batumi, students enjoy diverse weekend getaways.
Education System: Following the Bologna Process, the degree is recognized across the European Union.
Career: Opportunities to appear for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and NExT (India) are well-supported by the university’s curriculum.
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 Compliance: The 6-year duration and English medium satisfy all NMC FMGL Regulations 2021.
Safe for Women: Georgia is widely cited as the safest European destination for female Indian students.
Verifiable Quality: Degrees are globally recognized by WHO, ECFMG (USA), and FAIMER.
High ROI: Premium education at a total cost (fees + living) much lower than Indian private medical colleges.
MBBS Syllabus in Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
| Year | Phase | Focus Subjects |
| Year 1 | Pre-Clinical | Anatomy, Medical Chemistry, Bioethics, Biophysics, Georgian Language. |
| Year 2 | Pre-Clinical | Histology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Immunology. |
| Year 3 | Para-Clinical | Pathology, Pharmacology, Physical Diagnosis, Public Health. |
| Year 4 | Clinical | Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, ENT, Radiology. |
| Year 5 | Clinical | Oncology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Cardiology, OB-GYN. |
| Year 6 | Internship | Clinical Rotations in Emergency, Surgery, and Family Medicine. |
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.