MBBS at Tbilisi State Medical University (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 Nationa...
MBBS Fees at Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) for Indian Students 2025-26
$55,800 (approx. Rs.50.0 Lakhs)
Total MBBS Cost (6 Years)
Eligibility & Admission Process
Admission Process
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.
Documents Required for Admission
About TSMU
History & Legacy
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 & Recognition
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.
What You'll Study (Year-by-Year)
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.
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.
Campus & Hostel Life
Tbilisi State Medical University campus spans 12 hectares in the heart of the Saburtalo district on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue, one of Tbilisi's primary university neighborhoods. The campus comprises nine
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 h
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.
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.
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.
After MBBS: Your Career Paths
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.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) pathway involves clearing three sequential examinations: Step 1 testing basic medical sciences typically taken after Year 3 or Year 4 of MBBS, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge assessing clinical sciences usually taken in final year, and Step 2 Clinical Skills (recently suspended but subject to reinstatement) involving patient interaction scenarios. Tbilisi State Medical University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and holds ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) eligibility, meaning graduates can apply for ECFMG certification which is mandatory for entering US residency programs. After obtaining ECFMG certification by passing USMLE Steps and completing medical degree, graduates apply for residency positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) which conducts the annual Match process connecting applicants with training hospitals.
Residency training duration varies by specialty from 3 years for Internal Medicine and Pediatrics to 5-7 years for surgical specialties and lasts. During residency, doctors earn salaries ranging from 55,000-70,000 USD annually in the first year (approximately Rs. 49-62 lakh) increasing incrementally each year.
After completing residency and obtaining board certification, attending physicians in the USA earn substantially higher incomes: primary care physicians average 200,000-250,000 USD annually (Rs. 1. 78-2.
23 crore), while specialists like cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists command 350,000-500,000 USD (Rs. 3. 1-4.
5 crore) annually, and surgical specialists including orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons can earn 400,000-700,000 USD (Rs. 3. 6-6.
2 crore) or more annually depending on practice setting and geography. The total cost of USMLE examinations including Step 1 registration fee of approximately 1,000 USD, Step 2 CK around 1,000 USD, ECFMG certification fees, and preparatory courses typically amounts to 3,500-5,000 USD (Rs. 3.
1-4. 5 lakh). The USMLE pathway is highly competitive requiring dedicated preparation, strong examination scores, and clinical experience typically gained through observerships or externships in US hospitals.
The United Kingdom pathway requires clearing the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination system administered by the General Medical Council (GMC). PLAB Part 1 is a computer-based theoretical examination testing clinical knowledge across multiple medical specialties, which can be taken at British Council centers in India or other international locations at a cost of approximately 260 GBP (Rs. 28,000).
After clearing PLAB Part 1, candidates must pass PLAB Part 2, a practical OSCE-format examination conducted only at the GMC center in Manchester, UK, testing clinical and communication skills through standardized patient scenarios, costing around 900 GBP (Rs. 98,000) plus travel and accommodation expenses in the UK of approximately Rs. 1.
2-1. 8 lakh. Graduates from Tbilisi State Medical University are eligible for the PLAB pathway as TSMU is recognized in WDOMS and meets GMC's acceptable medical qualification criteria.
Upon clearing both PLAB parts, candidates apply for GMC registration and must secure a training position in the NHS Foundation Programme, which is highly competitive with limited positions available for international medical graduates. Foundation Year 1 doctors in the NHS earn approximately 29,000-34,000 GBP annually (Rs. 31-36 lakh), Foundation Year 2 salaries increase to 34,000-40,000 GBP (Rs.
36-43 lakh), and subsequent specialty training posts offer 40,000-58,000 GBP (Rs. 43-62 lakh) with additional pay for out-of-hours work and night shifts. After completing specialty training and obtaining CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training), consultant physicians earn 88,000-119,000 GBP (Rs.
94 lakh-1. 27 crore) with potential for additional private practice income. The total PLAB examination cost including both parts, preparatory courses, travel, and initial relocation expenses typically amounts to Rs.
3. 5-5 lakh. Many TSMU graduates have successfully cleared PLAB and are currently working in NHS hospitals across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Georgia offers a pathway for foreign medical graduates to obtain local medical licensure and practice within the Georgian healthcare system by completing the Georgian language proficiency requirement and passing the national licensing examination administered by the Georgian Ministry of Health. However, practicing medicine in Georgia is not a common pathway for Indian students due to the language barrier - patient communication requires fluency in Georgian - and relatively lower physician salaries compared to India, USA, or UK, with Georgian doctors earning approximately 1,500-3,000 GEL monthly (Rs. 45,000-90,000).
Tbilisi State Medical University does offer postgraduate residency programs in various specialties including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and others, conducted in English medium for international students, spanning 3-5 years depending on the specialty. Some Indian graduates opt to pursue postgraduate specialization at TSMU particularly in research-oriented fields, while building a profile for USMLE or PLAB attempts simultaneously. The Georgian residency can provide valuable additional clinical experience and international credentials.
However, for the majority of Indian students, Georgia serves as a high-quality, affordable location to complete the MBBS degree, with the intention of returning to India for NExT examination and State Medical Council registration, or pursuing further licensing examinations for USA, UK, Canada, or Australia. TSMU provides the necessary documentation including degree certificate, transcript, and internship completion certificate required for all these pathways. A small number of graduates remain in Georgia for a few years gaining clinical experience in private hospitals or clinics serving the expatriate community before moving to their destination country.
PG & Specialization Options
After clearing FMGE / NExT, Indian graduates must register with the State Medical Council. PG admissions are via NEET-PG. Foreign graduates may also pursue USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia).
NMC + Exam Info
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.
Year: 2024 | Appeared: 156 | Passed: 66 | Pass Rate: 42. 3% || Year: 2023 | Appeared: 142 | Passed: 55 | Pass Rate: 38.
7% || Year: 2022 | Appeared: 128 | Passed: 47 | Pass Rate: 36. 7% || Note: Data compiled from NMC screening test results and alumni surveys; TSMU graduates consistently perform above Georgia country average in FMGE due to structured clinical training and dedicated FMGE coaching support provided by the university.
AV Global NExT Prep
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.
What Our Students Say
“Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia They didn't just hand us a glossy brochure; they opened the ledger. AV Global saved my father from a ₹10 Lakh trap.”
“AV Global guided me from NEET to Georgia. The FMGE coaching from Year 3 gave me real confidence. Cleared in the first attempt.”
“AV Global knew every detail about Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) - visa, hostel, airport pickup. Best decision my family made.”
“Support from AV Global in Georgia made everything smooth. The NExT coaching programme is excellent.”
Complete Guide to MBBS at TSMU
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, TSMU is listed in WDOMS and recognized by NMC India. Graduates are eligible to appear for FMGE/NExT exam and practice in India after clearing the licensing examination.
The total 6-year MBBS cost at TSMU is approximately ₹$55,800 (approx. Rs.
50. 0 Lakhs).
This includes tuition fees, hostel accommodation, and basic living expenses. AV Global provides transparent fee structure with no hidden charges.
TSMU teaches MBBS in English medium. Universities in Georgia do not require IELTS or TOEFL for Indian students.
The medium of instruction is English, making it accessible for Indian medical aspirants.
Indian students need a valid NEET scorecard to apply for MBBS at TSMU. The cutoff varies each year based on seat availability.
Students from all categories including reserved are eligible with qualifying NEET marks.
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.
TSMU provides well-maintained hostel accommodation for international students. Tbilisi State Medical University operates multiple hostel buildings located within walking distance of the main academic campus, typically 5-10 minutes on foot.
The MBBS program at TSMU is 6 years including a 1-year internship. The curriculum follows international medical education standards and prepares students for global licensing exams including FMGE, USMLE, and PLAB.
Yes, graduates from TSMU can practice in India after clearing the FMGE/NExT licensing exam conducted by NMC. The university has a 42% (2024 estimate) FMGE pass rate.
The degree is recognized for medical practice in India.
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.
After MBBS from TSMU, graduates can practice in India via FMGE/NExT, pursue USMLE for USA, PLAB for UK, or practice in Georgia. After clearing FMGE / NExT, Indian graduates must register with the State Medical Council.
PG admissions are via NEET-PG.
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