Study Medicine in Georgia
Georgia is one of the fastest-growing destinations for UK medical students with affordable English-medium degrees.
Why Study Medicine in Georgia?
Overview: Medical Education in Georgia
Georgia has emerged as one of the most popular budget medical study destinations for UK students in recent years. Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant and culturally rich capital, is home to several English-medium medicine programmes, led by Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU), and New Vision University School of Medicine.
Georgian medical programmes are 6-year English-medium MBBS degrees that have attracted growing numbers of UK applicants seeking an affordable European medical education with a pathway back to NHS practice via PLAB. Tuition is typically £4,000–£7,000/year and living costs in Tbilisi are remarkably low (£450–£700/month).
The GMC recognition pathway is via PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 as an International Medical Graduate. Georgian degrees are not on the European Primary Medical Qualification list, so PLAB is required. This is the same pathway used by graduates of Chinese, Indian, and many other international medical schools and is well-established and achievable.
Tbilisi is a fascinating, historically rich city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Georgian cuisine is outstanding, the country is safe, the people are extraordinarily hospitable, and the overall experience is memorable. The Caucasus landscape — mountains, ancient monasteries, wine regions — is exceptional. Medicine Clearing has placed many UK students in Georgian medical schools and can guide you through every step.
Georgia for UK Medical Students — In Depth
Georgia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing medical study destinations for UK students, offering an extraordinary combination of affordability, English-medium instruction, and a genuinely unique cultural experience at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. For students who need the most accessible and affordable route to a medical degree with a viable GMC registration pathway, Georgia delivers a proposition that is extremely difficult to match.
The financial case for Georgia is compelling: tuition of just £4,000–£7,000 per year combined with living costs of £450–£700 per month in Tbilisi means a complete six-year medical degree can cost as little as £35,000–£50,000 total — less than many UK students spend on maintenance alone over five years. This makes Georgia particularly attractive for families where budget is the primary constraint.
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), founded in 1918, is the Caucasus region's most established medical institution. David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) and New Vision University offer more modern, internationally-focused programmes. All teach in English, removing the language barrier entirely for UK applicants. Entry requirements are more accessible than European counterparts (typically BBC–ABB at A-level), making Georgia suitable for students who narrowly missed UK or Eastern European entry thresholds.
The GMC pathway from Georgia is via PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 as an International Medical Graduate. This is the same well-established pathway used by graduates from India, Pakistan, China, and many other countries — it is achievable and well-supported by Medicine Clearing's PLAB preparation programme.
Georgia's unique advantage for UK citizens is its extraordinarily generous visa regime: UK passport holders can stay in Georgia for up to 360 days without any visa. This eliminates the bureaucratic burden of student visa applications entirely — a significant practical advantage over most other international destinations.
Tbilisi itself is a fascinating, historically rich city that students consistently describe as one of their most memorable life experiences. Georgian hospitality is legendary (guests are considered gifts from God in Georgian culture), the cuisine is world-class and extraordinarily affordable, the Caucasus mountain landscapes are breathtaking, and the country's 8,000-year winemaking tradition adds cultural depth. Georgia is not just a place to study — it is a transformative personal experience.
Georgia vs UK — Medical Education Comparison
| Category | Georgia | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Annual) | £4,000–£7,000/year | £9,250/year (home fees) |
| Programme Length | 6 years | 5 years (+ Foundation) |
| Minimum A-Level Grades | BBC (Chemistry + Biology) | AAA typically required |
| Admission Test | None or basic assessment | UCAT or BMAT |
| Visa Required | No (360 days visa-free for UK) | N/A (domestic) |
| Living Costs (Monthly) | £450–£700 | £1,200–£1,800 (London) |
| Language of Instruction | English | English |
| Total 6-Year Cost | £35,000–£50,000 | £80,000–£130,000 |
| GMC Registration | Via PLAB 1 & PLAB 2 (IMG route) | Direct (UKMLA from 2025) |
| Cultural Experience | Unique (Caucasus crossroads) | Familiar (domestic) |
UK Student Experience — Georgia
“Georgia was the best decision I ever made. I had BBC at A-level and could not get into any UK or European medical school. Medicine Clearing suggested TSMU in Tbilisi and I have absolutely thrived here. My tuition is £5,500 per year and I live on about £500 per month — my entire degree will cost less than £50,000 total. The teaching is in English, the clinical training is improving rapidly, and Tbilisi is an incredible city. Georgian people are the most hospitable in the world — I have been invited to more family supras (feasts) than I can count. I am preparing for PLAB now and feel confident about returning to the NHS. Georgia gave me the chance the UK system denied me.”
Marcus J.
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) — Year 5
Entry Requirements for UK Students
Most Georgian medical universities require BBC–ABB at A-level with Biology and Chemistry. No UCAT. English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.0 or equivalent). Admission is more accessible than European counterparts, making Georgia suitable for students who narrowly missed UK or Eastern European entry requirements.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs
Annual Tuition Range
£4,000–£6,000/year
Tbilisi is one of Europe/Caucasus's most affordable capital cities. Eating out is cheap and Georgian cuisine is world-class. Student dormitories are very inexpensive. Overall exceptional value for money.
Application Timeline — Georgia
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Consultation with Medicine Clearing Discuss your A-level grades, budget constraints, and career goals. We assess suitability for Georgian medical schools. | 6–9 months before intake |
| 2 | University Selection Choose between TSMU (most established), DTMU (private, modern), or New Vision University based on your preferences. | January–May |
| 3 | Application Submission Medicine Clearing submits your application with academic transcripts, passport copy, and health certificate. | March–July |
| 4 | Receive Acceptance Georgian universities typically issue acceptance letters within 2–4 weeks of application. | Within 2–4 weeks of application |
| 5 | No Visa Required UK citizens enter Georgia visa-free for up to 360 days. No visa application process needed. | No action required |
| 6 | Accommodation Arrangements Secure dormitory (£80–£150/month) or private apartment (£150–£300/month) in Tbilisi. | 1–2 months before arrival |
| 7 | Travel to Georgia Fly to Tbilisi (approximately 5 hours from London with one connection, or direct seasonal flights). | September |
| 8 | Begin Studies Complete university registration and start your medical degree. Register at the local municipality for residence. | September–October |
Top Medical Universities in Georgia — Comparison
| University | City | Tuition | Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) | Tbilisi | £4,500–£6,000/year | 6 years | Caucasus's most established medical school (founded 1918); largest clinical network in Georgia |
| David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) | Tbilisi | £5,000–£7,000/year | 6 years | Private; modern facilities; well-organised English programme; growing UK student community |
| New Vision University School of Medicine | Tbilisi | £5,000–£6,500/year | 6 years | Newest option; modern campus; innovative teaching methods; international partnerships |
Medical Universities in Georgia
7 universities in our network — all vetted for GMC eligibility.
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
Batumi · 6 years
Caucasus International University
Tbilisi · 6 years
David Tvildiani Medical University
Tbilisi · 6 years
European University (Georgia)
Tbilisi · 6 years
New Vision University
Tbilisi · 6 years
Tbilisi State Medical University
Tbilisi · 6 years
University of Georgia (Tbilisi)
Tbilisi · 6 years
GMC Recognition & NHS Return Pathway
GMC pathway via PLAB. Georgian degrees are not on the European Primary Medical Qualification list. Graduates from approved Georgian schools apply via PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 for GMC registration. Ensure your specific school is verifiable by the GMC before enrolling.
Pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 for GMC registration, then apply for NHS foundation or specialty training. Medicine Clearing provides PLAB preparation support as part of our Georgian admissions package.
Student Accommodation in Georgia
On-Campus
TSMU and DTMU have student dormitories at approximately £80–£150/month. Practical and cheap. International students often stay in dormitories for the first 1–2 years.
Off-Campus
Private apartments in Tbilisi are affordable — a furnished room or studio is typically £150–£300/month. SS.ge is the main Georgian property portal.
Accommodation Tip
Tbilisi is safe and walkable. The old town (Mtsaminda area) and Vake are popular student areas. Uber and Bolt are widely used and very cheap. Georgian universities have active international student offices.
Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
UK citizens can visit Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year (360 days) without a visa — a unique advantage. For longer stays, a Georgian residence permit can be obtained. Georgia is not an EU/Schengen member. Processing is straightforward.
Medicine Clearing handles all student visa applications. No visa expertise is required from students or parents.
Did You Know? — Georgia
- 1
Georgia invented wine — archaeological evidence of winemaking in Georgia dates back 8,000 years, making it the world's oldest wine culture
- 2
UK citizens can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year — one of the world's most generous visa policies for British passport holders
- 3
Georgian polyphonic singing is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — music is central to Georgian culture
- 4
The Caucasus Mountains near Tbilisi are among Europe's most dramatic — skiing at Gudauri is world-class and affordable
- 5
Georgia's hospitality tradition (guests are gifts from God in Georgian culture) makes it one of the world's most welcoming destinations for UK students
Climate & Lifestyle in Georgia
Georgia has a diverse climate — Tbilisi enjoys hot summers (30–38°C) and mild winters (0–8°C) with little snow in the city. The Caucasus Mountains nearby offer world-class skiing at Gudauri (2 hours from Tbilisi) and stunning alpine hiking at Kazbegi. Georgian culture revolves around the supra (feast) tradition — elaborate multi-course meals with toasts, wine, and extraordinary hospitality. Georgian cuisine is outstanding and incredibly affordable: khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), and mtsvadi (barbecue) can be enjoyed for £2–£5 per meal. Georgia has an 8,000-year winemaking tradition — the oldest in the world — and excellent local wine costs £2–£3 per bottle. Tbilisi's sulphur baths, ancient churches, vibrant arts scene, and friendly locals create a living environment that students find genuinely transformative.
Your NHS Return Path from Georgia
Graduate from Georgian medical university
Complete 6-year MD programme from TSMU, DTMU, or New Vision University
Verify GMC eligibility of your specific school
Ensure your Georgian university and degree are verifiable through the GMC's IMG pathway. Medicine Clearing confirms this before enrolment
Pass PLAB 1
180-question MCQ. Can be sat at British Council test centres including in Georgia — convenient for final-year students
Pass PLAB 2
18-station OSCE at the GMC Assessment Centre in Manchester. Requires travel to UK
Obtain GMC registration
Provisional registration granted upon passing both PLAB examinations
Apply for NHS posts
Apply for Foundation Year or clinical posts. Entering as an IMG (International Medical Graduate)
Begin NHS career
Start practising in the NHS. Georgian graduates follow the same pathway as thousands of successful IMGs from worldwide institutions
Monthly Living Costs Breakdown — Georgia
| Expense | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £150–£350/month |
| Food & Groceries | £150–£220/month (Georgian food is excellent and very cheap) |
| Transport | £15–£30/month |
| Total Monthly Budget | £450–£700 |
Tbilisi is one of Europe/Caucasus's most affordable capital cities. Eating out is cheap and Georgian cuisine is world-class. Student dormitories are very inexpensive. Overall exceptional value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions — Study Medicine in Georgia
20 questions answered by our senior admissions team.
Can UK students study medicine in Georgia?
Is a Georgian medical degree recognised in the UK?
Do I need UCAT for Georgian medical schools?
How much does it cost to study medicine in Georgia?
Do I need a visa to study in Georgia as a UK citizen?
What is Tbilisi State Medical University like?
What is David Tvildiani Medical University like?
What is the PLAB pathway for Georgian graduates?
What entry grades do I need for Georgian medical schools?
Is Tbilisi a safe city for UK students?
What is Georgian clinical training like?
What is Georgian food like?
How does Georgia compare to Eastern European medical schools?
Is the medicine degree in Georgia an MBBS or MD?
Can I sit PLAB 1 in Georgia?
What is New Vision University School of Medicine in Tbilisi like?
What outdoor activities are available near Tbilisi?
Are there scholarships for UK students at Georgian medical schools?
How does Medicine Clearing help with Georgian medical school applications?
What is the visa situation for Georgia after Brexit?
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