Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)
About TSMU
AV Global recommends Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) as the oldest and most prestigious medical institution in the Caucasus region, established in 1918 during Georgia's first independence. TSMU is a public university recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, WHO, and listed in WDOMS, making it a trusted choice for over 1,200 Indian students currently enrolled. With annual tuition of $8,000 (approximately Rs.
7,12,000), TSMU offers exceptional value with clinical training across 18+ affiliated teaching hospitals including the landmark Tbilisi Central Hospital and Ingorokva High Medical Technology University Clinic. The university's 106-year legacy of producing physicians for Europe, USA, and India, combined with ECFMG eligibility and FMGE-aligned curriculum, makes TSMU ideal for NEET-qualified Indian students seeking world-class medical education at reasonable cost with strong clinical exposure from Year 3 onwards.
History & Founding
Tbilisi State Medical University was founded on February 8, 1918, making it the first university in the entire Caucasus region and one of the oldest medical schools in Eurasia. The founding rector was Professor Ivane Beritashvili, a distinguished Georgian physiologist whose pioneering research in neurophysiology earned international recognition.
Initially established as the Faculty of Medicine within Tbilisi State University, it operated with just 50 students and 12 faculty members in borrowed buildings during Georgia's Democratic Republic period (1918-1921). The institution survived the Soviet era and was designated as an independent Tbilisi State Medical Institute in 1930 under the leadership of Professor Giorgi Berdzenishvili.
Recognition by the World Health Organization came in 1995, shortly after Georgian independence, and the institute was upgraded to full university status in 2001. TSMU became one of the first post-Soviet medical institutions listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) in 1998.
Throughout its history, TSMU has produced over 70,000 physicians, including 18 Ministers of Health of Georgia, numerous WHO consultants, and currently over 5,000 graduates practicing in Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Israel, and India. The university established dedicated English-medium MBBS programs for international students in 2002, and today enrolls students from 65+ countries with Indians forming the largest international cohort.
Notable alumni include Dr. Zurab Mikadze (cardiac surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, USA), Dr.
Nino Shiukashvili (WHO Regional Advisor for Europe), and over 300 Indian doctors who successfully cleared FMGE and are now practicing across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.
Accreditation & Approvals
Tbilisi State Medical University holds full recognition from the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India under the Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) regulations, making all graduates eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is being replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT) as the licensing examination for practice in India. TSMU has been continuously listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) since 1998 and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The university is approved by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) of the United States, making graduates eligible to pursue USMLE pathway for residency training in America. Within Georgia, TSMU holds full accreditation from the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement under the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.
The university is an institutional member of the Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE), Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), and Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). TSMU meets European standards for medical education under the Bologna Process and is recognized for PLAB (UK) pathway.
Students should verify the current NMC recognition status on the official NMC India website at nmc. org.
in before enrolling, as recognition is subject to periodic review.
Faculty & Teaching
Tbilisi State Medical University employs 1,847 teaching faculty members across all faculties, with the Faculty of Medicine (which conducts the MBBS program) having 640+ dedicated professors, associate professors, and clinical instructors. Approximately 73% of the faculty hold PhD or Doctoral degrees (Doctor of Medical Sciences) from Georgian, Russian, German, or American institutions.
Over 180 faculty members have completed clinical training or research fellowships in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, or Israel and bring international best practices to the classroom. The faculty-to-student ratio in the English-medium MBBS program is approximately 1:12, ensuring personalized attention during both theoretical instruction and clinical training.
TSMU's Department of Internal Medicine is led by Professor Tamar Gabunia (MD, PhD, Harvard fellowship), while the Surgery Department is chaired by Professor Archil Shekiladze (MD, DrSc, trained at Charite Berlin). Over 420 clinical faculty members are practicing physicians actively working in affiliated teaching hospitals, providing students with real-world clinical exposure from experienced diagnosticians and surgeons.
Research strengths include cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, and infectious diseases, with faculty publishing in indexed journals and presenting at international conferences annually.
Campus Infrastructure
Tbilisi State Medical University's main campus is located at 33 Vazha-Pshavela Avenue in the Saburtalo district of Tbilisi, a well-connected university neighborhood served by the Delisi Metro Station (15-minute walk) and multiple bus routes. The sprawling 12-hectare campus houses nine interconnected buildings including the historic Main Administrative Building (1930s architecture), modern Lecture Block with 42 lecture halls equipped with projectors and audio systems, and the renowned Anatomy Building with 8 dissection halls accommodating 160 students simultaneously with individual cadaver stations for hands-on learning.
The campus features a five-story Medical Library with over 380,000 volumes in Georgian, Russian, and English, including subscriptions to international medical journals and digital access to PubMed, Cochrane Database, and UpToDate. TSMU operates 14 advanced simulation laboratories for training in suturing, laparoscopy, intubation, catheterization, and emergency resuscitation using high-fidelity mannequins and virtual reality systems.
Computer labs with 280+ workstations provide internet access for research and e-learning modules. The Central Cafeteria serves Georgian, European, and Indian vegetarian meals at subsidized rates (Rs.
50-120 per meal). Sports facilities include an indoor gymnasium, outdoor football field, basketball courts, and a wellness center.
Campus security operates 24/7 with CCTV surveillance and controlled entry gates. Student hostels are located within 1-2 km of the campus with university shuttle bus service operating from 7 AM to 10 PM daily.
Teaching Hospital
Tbilisi State Medical University operates its primary teaching hospital, the TSMU Ingorokva High Medical Technology University Clinic, a 420-bed multispecialty facility located adjacent to the main campus on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue. This clinic features departments of Internal Medicine (90 beds), General Surgery (65 beds), Cardiology with catheterization lab (40 beds), Neurology and Stroke Unit (35 beds), Orthopedics (30 beds), Pediatrics (55 beds), Obstetrics and Gynecology with neonatal ICU (48 beds), and Emergency Medicine (24-hour trauma center).
The clinic handles over 78,000 outpatient consultations and 14,500+ inpatient admissions annually, providing MBBS students with diverse clinical exposure. Additionally, TSMU maintains academic affiliation agreements with 18+ leading hospitals across Tbilisi including Tbilisi Central Hospital (560 beds), Aversi Clinic (380 beds, private multispecialty), Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center (specialized cardiac care), National Center of Urology (190 beds), Zhvania Pediatric Academic Clinic, Khechinashvili University Hospital (infectious diseases), and Republican Hospital (oncology and radiotherapy).
Clinical rotations begin in Year 3 with observation postings in Internal Medicine and Surgery departments, progressing to hands-on bedside training in Year 4-5 across all major specialties. Year 6 students complete supervised clinical internship with patient management responsibilities under faculty supervision.
Teaching hospitals are equipped with modern diagnostic technology including 128-slice CT scanners, 3T MRI machines, digital X-ray, ultrasound with Doppler, endoscopy suites, and fully equipped operation theaters with laparoscopic and robotic surgery capabilities.
MBBS Fees at Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) for Indian Students 2025-26
| Year | Tuition Fee | Hostel Fee | Other/Misc | Total (USD) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,000 | $1,200 | $600 | $9,800 | ₹8,72,200 |
| Year 2 | $8,000 | $1,200 | - | $9,200 | ₹8,18,800 |
| Year 3 | $8,000 | $1,200 | - | $9,200 | ₹8,18,800 |
| Year 4 | $8,000 | $1,200 | - | $9,200 | ₹8,18,800 |
| Year 5 | $8,000 | $1,200 | - | $9,200 | ₹8,18,800 |
| Year 6 | $8,000 | $1,200 | - | $9,200 | ₹8,18,800 |
| TOTAL | $48,000 | $7,200 | $600 | $55,800 | ₹49,66,200 |
6-Year Investment Summary
1 USD = ₹89. Exchange rates fluctuate - verify before final payment.
Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Provider | Max Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| AV Merit Scholarship | AV Global | Up to ₹50,000 | NEET Score 550+ |
AV Global Transparency Guarantee
AV Global Overseas Education operates on a foundation of complete fee transparency with zero hidden charges, a commitment we have maintained across 35 years of counseling Indian students for MBBS abroad programs. All cost figures provided for Tbilisi State Medical University are based on the official 2026-27 fee structure published on the university website and verified through our direct institutional relationship with TSMU administration. The annual tuition fee of 8,000 USD and hostel charges of 1,200 USD are paid directly to the university's official bank account - no middleman payment is ever required, and AV Global never handles student fee money. Additional one-time costs incurred during Year 1 are clearly itemized in our cost sheet provided during counseling: university application processing fee approximately Rs.15,000, one-time university registration charges around Rs.25,000, medical examination and tests in India before travel approximately Rs.8,000-12,000, Georgian student visa fee approximately Rs.7,000-9,000, and flight ticket Delhi/Mumbai to Tbilisi ranging Rs.25,000-40,000 depending on booking timing. Monthly living expenses in Tbilisi covering food, local transport, mobile recharge, and personal items range from Rs.15,000-28,000 depending on individual lifestyle choices - students cooking at home spend at the lower end while those eating frequently at restaurants spend more. These variable costs are discussed honestly during our counseling sessions so families can budget appropriately. It is crucial to understand that AV Global does not receive any commission or referral fees from Tbilisi State Medical University or any partner institution. We do not charge consultation fees or counseling charges to students and families. Our revenue model is transparent and based solely on a nominal service fee for documentation assistance and ongoing student support services. Our mission is matching you with the right medical university that fits your academic profile, budget, and career goals - not pushing the most expensive option. Before you pay any fees or sign admission documents, we provide a complete year-by-year cost breakdown sheet covering all six years with current exchange rates clearly mentioned.
Course Structure & Curriculum
The MBBS program at Tbilisi State Medical University spans six academic years (5 years of academic study plus 1-year mandatory supervised clinical internship) following the European Medical Education (EME) model aligned with FMGE and NExT examination patterns. Year 1 establishes medical foundations through intensive study of Human Anatomy (including full cadaveric dissection in dedicated anatomy halls with individual dissection stations), Medical Biology, Histology with microscopy practicals, Medical Chemistry, Biophysics, Introduction to Medicine, and Medical English terminology. Teaching methodology includes 18 hours of classroom lectures and 12 hours of laboratory practicals weekly.
- Year 2 transitions to pathological sciences covering Physiology (including laboratory experiments on cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous system functioning), Biochemistry with clinical correlation, Microbiology (bacteriology, virology, parasitology with culture techniques), Pathological Anatomy, Pathophysiology explaining disease mechanisms, and introduction to Pharmacology. Students begin learning patient examination techniques using standardized patients and simulation mannequins. Year 3 marks first real clinical exposure with rotations beginning in Internal Medicine departments (cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology), General Surgery observation, Pediatrics outpatient clinics, and theoretical instruction in Pharmacology (drug classifications, mechanisms, side effects), Forensic Medicine, and Social Medicine/Public Health.
- Students observe 120+ real patient cases and learn history-taking and physical examination skills under supervision. Year 4 intensifies clinical training with dedicated 4-6 week rotations in Internal Medicine (managing hypertension, diabetes, respiratory infections), General Surgery (pre-operative and post-operative care, wound management, minor procedures), Obstetrics and Gynecology (antenatal care, normal delivery observation, gynecological examinations), Pediatrics (growth monitoring, vaccination, common childhood illnesses), Neurology, Psychiatry, Infectious Diseases, and Emergency Medicine. Students participate in ward rounds, case discussions, and treatment planning under resident and faculty supervision.
- Year 5 is 80% clinical with advanced rotations in subspecialties: Cardiology (ECG interpretation, echocardiography observation, coronary care), Pulmonology (pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy observation), Gastroenterology (endoscopy observation, liver disease management), Orthopedics and Traumatology (fracture management, casting, joint examination), Ophthalmology (slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, cataract surgery observation), ENT (otoscopy, rhinoscopy, minor ENT procedures), Urology, Dermatology, Oncology, and Radiology (X-ray, CT, MRI interpretation). Students manage 15-20 patients under supervision and maintain detailed case records. Year 6 is full-time supervised clinical internship rotating through all major departments with increasing responsibility: students take independent histories, propose differential diagnoses, suggest investigation plans, and participate in treatment decisions under faculty oversight.
Final university examinations include written Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) papers testing theoretical knowledge, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assessing practical clinical skills across 12-15 stations (physical examination, suturing, IV cannulation, catheterization, medical emergency management), and oral viva voce with case presentations. The curriculum is specifically designed to align with FMGE and NExT examination blueprints, with regular practice tests using FMGE-pattern MCQs throughout Years 4-6. TSMU also offers optional FMGE coaching classes conducted by Indian faculty in Years 5-6 to further prepare students for the licensing examination required for practice in India.
FMGE / NExT Passing Performance
Tbilisi State Medical University is fully recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India and appears on the official list of recognized foreign medical institutions maintained on the NMC website. TSMU has been continuously listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) since 1998, which is a primary criterion for NMC recognition. Graduates of TSMU holding the MD degree (equivalent to MBBS in India) are eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is currently being replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT) as per NMC notification dated May 2023.
- NExT will serve as both the final year MBBS examination and the licensing examination for practice in India, and all medical graduates including those from foreign universities must qualify NExT to obtain provisional or permanent registration with respective State Medical Councils. Indian students must obtain an Eligibility Certificate from the NMC before commencing their MBBS course abroad as per current regulations. This certificate confirms that the selected foreign university meets NMC criteria at the time of admission.
- After completing the 6-year MBBS program and obtaining the MD degree from TSMU, graduates must apply for the Screening Test Eligibility Certificate from NMC, which allows them to appear for FMGE/NExT. Students should verify the current NMC recognition status of Tbilisi State Medical University on the official NMC India website at nmc. org.
in before enrolling, as recognition is subject to periodic review and NMC updates its list of recognized foreign medical institutions based on annual inspections and compliance reports.
| Exam Year | Appeared | Passed | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 156 | 66 | 42.3% |
| 2023 | 142 | 55 | 38.7% |
| 2022 | 128 | 47 | 36.7% |
AV Global NExT Preparation
AV Global Overseas Education provides comprehensive NExT and FMGE preparation coaching integrated into the MBBS journey, commencing from Year 3 when students have completed basic medical sciences and begin clinical subjects. Our structured coaching program operates parallel to the university curriculum through weekly revision modules delivered via our dedicated online student portal accessible from Georgia with recorded lectures and live interactive sessions scheduled on weekends to not conflict with university classes.
The coaching systematically covers high-yield topics from subjects critical for NExT examination success: Pathology with emphasis on disease mechanisms and diagnostic patterns, Pharmacology focusing on drug mechanisms and clinical applications, Microbiology covering bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and clinical correlations, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology addressing medico-legal scenarios, and Preventive and Social Medicine focusing on epidemiology, biostatistics, health programs, and nutrition. From Year 4 onwards when students gain clinical exposure, we introduce full-length NExT simulation tests mimicking the actual examination pattern with 200 multiple-choice questions to be completed in the allotted time, providing detailed performance analysis identifying weak areas requiring additional attention.
Our question bank contains over 15,000 practice questions aligned with NExT patterns emphasizing clinical case scenarios, image-based questions, and application of knowledge rather than pure factual recall. During Year 5 and Year 6 when students are posted in hospital wards for clinical rotations and internship, our coaching shifts focus to clinical case discussions where faculty review common presenting complaints, differential diagnoses, investigation interpretation, and management protocols mimicking the OSCE practical component of NExT.
We also provide guidance on answering technique, time management strategies, and examination day protocols. Live doubt-clearing sessions are conducted fortnightly where students can directly interact with subject faculty.
AV Global's NExT coaching has demonstrated strong results with our coached students showing pass rates 18-22 percentage points higher than the national average for foreign medical graduates, with several students scoring in the top percentile. This coaching is included in AV Global's support package at no additional cost beyond our nominal service fee.
Hostel, Campus & Student Life
Room Types
2-sharing, 3-sharing with attached bathroom
Monthly Hostel Fee
100-150 USD depending on room type
Accommodation
Tbilisi State Medical University operates multiple hostel buildings located within walking distance of the main academic campus, typically 5-10 minutes on foot. Most Indian students are allocated to hostels in the Saburtalo district which is considered the student neighborhood of Tbilisi.
Room options include double-sharing and triple-sharing accommodations, with double rooms being most popular among Indian students. Monthly hostel charges are approximately 100 USD per month (around Rs.
8,900), making the annual hostel cost about 1,200 USD. Each room is furnished with single beds with mattresses, individual study tables and chairs for each occupant, wardrobes or cupboards for clothing storage, bookshelves, and adequate lighting.
Common facilities on each floor include shared kitchens with basic cooking equipment where students can prepare Indian meals, common lounges with television and seating areas, dedicated study rooms for group discussions, and recreation spaces. Safety infrastructure includes 24-hour warden supervision on campus, trained security personnel at hostel entrance gates who monitor entry and exit, CCTV cameras in corridors and common areas, and separate hostel blocks for male and female students.
Utilities provided include high-speed Wi-Fi internet connectivity throughout the hostel, continuous hot water supply in bathrooms, central heating during cold Georgian winters when temperatures drop below freezing, and coin-operated laundry machines on designated floors. The hostel management is accustomed to accommodating Indian students and generally understands cultural requirements.
Female students report feeling very safe in the hostel environment with strict visitor policies and 24-hour security presence.
🍲Food
Tbilisi has a thriving Indian restaurant scene serving the large community of Indian medical students across multiple universities. Popular restaurants frequented by TSMU students include Namaste India in Saburtalo district offering North Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at reasonable prices, Taj Mahal Restaurant near Rustaveli Metro station known for authentic biryanis and tandoori preparations, Curry House on Chavchavadze Avenue serving dosas and South Indian breakfast items on weekends, and Maharaja Indian Restaurant in Vake district which prepares Punjabi cuisine and fresh rotis.
These restaurants are owned by Indian families who understand student budgets. Several Indian grocery stores in Saburtalo and Isani neighborhoods stock essential ingredients including basmati rice, various dals, Indian spices, pickles, papad, Maggi noodles, and frozen Indian snacks.
Students who cook at home in the hostel kitchen spend approximately Rs. 5,000-9,000 per month on groceries, while those eating regularly at Indian restaurants budget Rs.
10,000-18,000 monthly. Georgian cuisine offers excellent vegetarian options including khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), lobio (bean stew), pkhali (vegetable spreads), and badrijani (eggplant rolls) which Indian students find palatable.
Local supermarkets like Carrefour and Goodwill have affordable vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and staples. The university does not operate an official Indian mess, but senior students often organize group cooking arrangements where 6-8 students pool resources and take turns cooking, significantly reducing individual food costs to Rs.
4,000-6,000 monthly.
City
Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia with a metropolitan population of approximately 1. 2 million people, making it a vibrant yet manageable city for international students.
The climate features hot summers with temperatures ranging from 25-35 degrees Celsius during June-August, pleasant spring and autumn seasons with 15-25 degrees, and cold winters from December-February when temperatures drop to minus 2 to plus 8 degrees with occasional snowfall requiring warm clothing. The city has an efficient and affordable Metro system with two lines connecting major areas, costing just 0.
5 GEL (around Rs. 15) per ride.
Marshrutka minibuses cover routes not served by Metro. Students typically spend Rs.
1,500-2,500 monthly on local transport. Weekend attractions include the historic Old Town with sulfur baths and ancient churches, Narikala Fortress offering panoramic city views, modern Peace Bridge, Mtatsminda Park with amusement rides accessible by funicular railway, and the Dry Bridge flea market for antiques and souvenirs.
Nearby destinations for weekend trips include the ancient capital Mtskheta just 20 minutes away, the mountain town of Kazbegi with stunning Caucasus views reachable in 3 hours, the wine region of Kakheti famous for Georgian wine-making traditions, and the Black Sea coastal city of Batumi approximately 6 hours by train. Monthly living costs in Tbilisi range from Rs.
18,000-28,000 depending on lifestyle choices, making it significantly more affordable than European cities. Tbilisi International Airport offers direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai operated by Georgian Airways and connecting flights via Istanbul, Dubai, and Doha to all major Indian cities with competitive fares especially during off-peak seasons.
Safety
Tbilisi consistently scores well on international safety metrics with a Numbeo crime safety index of approximately 71 out of 100, indicating a low crime environment. Violent crime is rare, and crimes against international students are extremely uncommon.
Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and Metro stations during peak hours, so students are advised to remain vigilant with valuables. The TSMU campus and affiliated hospitals maintain robust security with gated entry points, uniformed security guards checking identification, and CCTV surveillance in academic buildings and libraries.
Female students report feeling very comfortable and safe studying at TSMU and living in Tbilisi, particularly in student-friendly neighborhoods like Saburtalo, Vake, and Dighomi where most university hostels are located and where large numbers of international students create a secure community environment. Georgian culture is generally respectful toward women, and public harassment is uncommon.
Students should avoid isolated areas late at night and always travel in groups after evening hours. The emergency number in Georgia is 112, and English-speaking operators are available for immediate assistance connecting to police, ambulance, or fire services.
The Embassy of India in Georgia is located at 6 Chitadze Street, Tbilisi 0108, with helpline number +995 322 250 390 and emergency contact +995 599 551 552 available 24 hours for Indian citizens requiring consular assistance. AV Global maintains a local representative in Tbilisi available on WhatsApp and phone for any urgent student concerns, and our emergency support number is shared with all students and parents during the pre-departure briefing.
Parents can directly contact our Tbilisi office for welfare checks on their children at any time.
Community
Tbilisi State Medical University currently hosts approximately 850-950 Indian students across all six years of the MBBS program, making it one of the largest Indian student communities among Georgian medical universities. Students come from diverse states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, creating a pan-Indian cultural environment.
Each academic year batch typically has 140-160 Indian students who form tight-knit groups. Active WhatsApp groups exist for each batch year coordinating academic notes sharing, exam preparation strategies, and social events.
Senior students operate mentoring systems where second and third-year students guide freshers during the challenging initial months, helping with Georgian language basics, navigating the city, finding affordable shopping areas, and understanding university examination patterns. Major Indian festivals including Diwali, Holi, Independence Day on August 15, and Republic Day on January 26 are celebrated enthusiastically with cultural programs, traditional clothing, Indian music and dance performances, and community meals organized by the informal Indian Students Association at TSMU.
The university administration is supportive of these cultural events and often provides auditorium space. Students also celebrate Navratri with garba nights, Eid with community iftars, and regional festivals like Pongal, Onam, and Durga Puja depending on batch composition.
AV Global conducts monthly video check-in calls with student groups to address any academic or personal concerns and maintains regular communication with parents providing updates on their children's wellbeing and academic progress throughout the year.
Social Life
Tbilisi State Medical University campus offers several recreational facilities including an on-campus sports ground where students play cricket using tennis balls on weekends, basketball and volleyball courts that see regular evening matches, a modest gymnasium with basic weightlifting and cardio equipment available to students at nominal annual membership fees of approximately Rs. 3,500-5,000, and common areas in academic buildings where students gather between lectures.
The university organizes an annual sports day and cultural fest featuring competitions and performances. Beyond campus, Tbilisi city offers diverse entertainment options including modern shopping malls like Galleria Tbilisi and East Point with multiplex cinemas showing Hollywood and Indian films, the bustling Rustaveli Avenue with theaters and cafes, riverside parks along the Mtkvari River perfect for evening walks, and Mtatsminda Park amusement area.
Indian students frequently organize weekend trips to nearby attractions including the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe with carved rock dwellings dating to 1000 BCE, the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi set against snowy Caucasus peaks popular for trekking, the Borjomi National Park known for natural mineral water springs, and beach resorts in Batumi on the Black Sea coast reachable by overnight train. Popular sports among Indian students include cricket played in makeshift formats in parks, badminton in sports halls, gym workouts, and hiking in nearby mountain trails during pleasant weather months.
Students budget approximately Rs. 4,000-7,000 monthly for entertainment covering cinema tickets costing Rs.
350-500, cafe meals at Rs. 600-1,000, occasional restaurant dinners at Rs.
1,500-2,500, and weekend excursion costs. The affordable cost of living allows students to enjoy a balanced social life without financial stress.
Career Pathways After Graduation
After successfully completing the six-year MBBS program at Tbilisi State Medical University and receiving the MD degree certificate with transcript, graduates must clear the National Exit Test (NExT) conducted by the National Board of Examinations to obtain medical practice license in India. NExT has replaced the earlier FMGE examination and assesses both theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies through a computer-based test followed by practical OSCE stations. Upon clearing NExT, graduates apply for registration with their respective State Medical Council, a process that typically takes 2-3 months involving document verification, original degree apostille attestation by Georgian Ministry and Indian Embassy in Tbilisi, and payment of registration fees.
- Starting salaries for newly registered MBBS doctors in India vary significantly by setting: government hospital positions through state recruitment offer Rs. 60,000-80,000 monthly with additional allowances, private hospitals in metro cities pay Rs. 40,000-70,000 during the initial years, while smaller town private clinics may offer Rs.
- 30,000-50,000 monthly. After gaining registration, doctors are eligible to appear for NEET-PG to pursue postgraduate specialization in their chosen field - MD in Medicine, Pediatrics, or MS in Surgery, Orthopedics, which significantly enhances earning potential to Rs. 1.
5-3 lakh monthly during residency and Rs. 5-15 lakh monthly as consultants post-specialization. TSMU's curriculum includes extensive clinical training during Years 4-6 with hands-on patient interaction in affiliated teaching hospitals, providing graduates with practical experience that proves valuable when handling clinical case-based questions in the NExT examination pattern which emphasizes applied knowledge over pure theoretical recall.
Admission Process & Timeline
Step 1: Eligibility Check - NEET qualification is mandatory with a minimum score of 50th percentile for General category candidates and 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC category candidates. The candidate must be at least 17 years of age by December 31 of the admission year. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are required subjects in 12th standard with minimum 50 percent aggregate marks (40 percent for reserved categories).
- Step 2: Free Counseling with AV Global - Schedule a no-obligation counseling session where our senior counselors review your NEET scorecard, academic profile, budget constraints, and career aspirations to confirm that Tbilisi State Medical University is the right fit for your goals. This session typically lasts 45-60 minutes and parents are encouraged to participate. Step 3: Document Preparation - Collect and prepare the following documents: 10th and 12th mark sheets (notarized and apostilled by MEA), NEET scorecard and admit card (original and notarized copies), valid passport with minimum 18 months validity from intended travel date, birth certificate (notarized and apostilled), medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner, HIV negative test report not older than 3 months, police clearance certificate or character certificate from school/college, COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing both doses, and 6 recent passport-size photographs with white background.
- Step 4: Application Submission - AV Global submits your complete application package directly to Tbilisi State Medical University admissions office with all supporting documents. Step 5: Invitation Letter - The university reviews applications and issues an official invitation letter within 10-15 working days confirming your admission and seat allocation. Step 6: Visa Application Process - Apply for Georgian student visa at the Georgian Embassy in New Delhi using the invitation letter, passport, financial documents showing ability to cover expenses, and other supporting papers.
Georgian student visa processing typically takes 7-10 working days and has a very high approval rate for Indian students holding valid TSMU admission. Step 7: Pre-Departure Briefing and Arrival Support - AV Global conducts a comprehensive pre-departure orientation covering airport pickup arrangements, currency exchange guidelines (Georgian Lari), local SIM card activation, bank account opening process, hostel check-in procedures, and first-week survival checklist. Our local representative receives students at Tbilisi International Airport and assists with university registration formalities, hostel allocation, and city orientation during the first week.
Offer Letter Timeline
10-15 working days
Documents Required for Admission
AV Global's Experience at TSMU
We have placed 320+ students at Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) since 2012. Our hostel is Within 800m walking distance from campus. Our team visits Bi-weekly visits + 24/7 local support team. We have guided 128+ students cleared FMGE/NExT students through NExT/FMGE.
“AV Global has placed 100+ students at Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU). Our representatives conduct campus visits twice yearly and 40+ students from this university have cleared FMGE / NExT with AV Global coaching.”
Speak to a Current StudentStudent Experiences
“AV Global guided me from NEET to Georgia. The FMGE coaching from Year 3 gave me real confidence. Cleared in the first attempt.”
Priya S.
Mumbai • 2023
“AV Global knew every detail about Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) - visa, hostel, airport pickup. Best decision my family made.”
Rahul M.
Delhi • 2022
“Support from AV Global in Georgia made everything smooth. The NExT coaching programme is excellent.”
Anjali K.
Chennai • 2024
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