Study Medicine in Georgia: Complete Guide for International Students 2025

Tuition Fees Breakdown by University

Additional One-Time Fees

Application and Registration:

• Application fee: $50 – $200
• Registration fee: $200 – $500
• Library deposit: $50 – $100
• Student ID card: $10 – $20

Visa and Legal:

• Student visa fee: $100 – $120
• Residence permit: $100 – $150
• Document translation: $50 – $100
• Apostille services: $100 – $200

Medical Requirements:

• Medical examination: $50 – $100
• Health insurance (annual): $150 – $300
• Vaccinations (if needed): $50 – $150

Living Expenses in Georgia

Accommodation Costs:

University Hostels:

• Shared room (2-3 students): $50 – $100/month
• Single room: $100 – $150/month
• Utilities usually included
• Basic furniture provided
• Internet and Wi-Fi access

Private Accommodation:

• Shared apartment: $150 – $250/month
• Studio apartment: $250 – $400/month
• One-bedroom apartment: $350 – $600/month
• Utilities (extra): $50 – $80/month

Food and Groceries:

Self-Cooking:

• Monthly groceries: $100 – $150
• Fresh produce: $30 – $50
• Meat and dairy: $40 – $60
• Pantry staples: $30 – $40

Eating Out:

• University cafeteria meal: $2 – $4
• Local restaurant: $5 – $10
• Mid-range restaurant: $10 – $20
• Fast food: $3 – $7
• Monthly eating out: $80 – $150

Transportation:

Public Transport:

• Monthly student pass: $8 – $15
• Single metro/bus ride: $0.20 – $0.50
• Taxi (short distance): $2 – $5
• Marshrutka (minibus): $0.30 – $0.80

Personal Transport:

• Bicycle: $100 – $300 (one-time)
• Car rental (occasional): $25 – $40/day

Utilities (if renting privately):

• Electricity: $20 – $40/month
• Water: $5 – $10/month
• Gas/heating: $10 – $30/month
• Internet: $15 – $25/month
• Mobile phone: $5 – $15/month

Personal Expenses:

• Clothing and footwear: $30 – $100/month
• Personal care items: $20 – $40/month
• Entertainment: $30 – $80/month
• Books and supplies: $20 – $50/month
• Gym membership: $20 – $40/month

Total Monthly Living Costs:

Budget Living: $300 – $400/month

• University hostel
• Self-cooking mostly
• Minimal entertainment
• Public transport only

Comfortable Living: $500 – $700/month

• Shared apartment
• Mix of cooking and eating out
• Regular entertainment
• Occasional travel

Premium Living: $800 – $1,200/month

• Private apartment
• Regular dining out
• Active social life
• Frequent travel and activities

Total Annual Cost Estimate

Budget Option:

• Tuition: $4,000 – $5,000
• Living expenses: $3,600 – $4,800
• Insurance and fees: $500
• Total: $8,100 – $10,300/year

Mid-Range Option:

• Tuition: $6,000 – $7,000
• Living expenses: $6,000 – $8,400
• Insurance and fees: $500
• Total: $12,500 – $15,900/year

Premium Option:

• Tuition: $7,000 – $8,000
• Living expenses: $9,600 – $14,400
• Insurance and fees: $500
• Total: $17,100 – $22,900/year

Money-Saving Tips for Students

Choose university hostels – Significantly cheaper than private rentals

Cook meals at home – Save 50-60% on food costs

Use public transport – Student discounts available

Buy used textbooks – Save 30-50% on books

Take advantage of student discounts – Museums, cinema, events

Share accommodation – Split rent and utility costs

Shop at local markets – Fresh produce at lower prices

Limit international calls – Use WhatsApp and internet calling

Plan travel in advance – Book flights and trains early for discounts

Join student organizations – Free events and networking opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities for International Students

University-Based Scholarships

Tbilisi State Medical University:

Excellence Scholarship:

• ⇾ Covers: 25-50% tuition fee waiver
• ⇾ Criteria: Outstanding academic record (85%+ marks)
• ⇾ Application: Submit with admission documents
• ⇾ Renewable: Based on academic performance

Need-Based Scholarship:

• ⇾ Covers: 15-30% tuition reduction
• ⇾ Criteria: Financial need demonstration
• ⇾ Application: Financial documents required
• ⇾ Limited availability

University of Georgia:

Merit Scholarship:

• Covers: $1,000 – $2,000 annual reduction
• Criteria: High academic achievement
• Application: Automatic consideration for top applicants
• Duration: Throughout program with good grades

Sports Scholarship:

• Covers: 10-20% tuition waiver
• Criteria: National/international level athletes
• Application: Submit sports certificates and achievements

European University Georgia:

Academic Achievement Award:

• Covers: Up to $1,500 annually
• Criteria: Top 10% of applicants
• Application: Based on admission assessment
• Renewal: Maintain GPA above 3.5

Government Scholarships

Georgian Government Scholarships:

• Limited seats for international students
• Full or partial tuition coverage
• Competitive selection process
• Preference for specific countries/regions
• Apply through Georgian Embassy in home country

External Scholarship Opportunities

WHO Scholarship Programs:

• For students from developing countries
• Research and specialization support
• Apply through WHO regional offices

Home Country Scholarships:

• Many countries offer scholarships for studying abroad
• Check with Ministry of Education in your country
• Examples: Indian government schemes, Nigerian scholarships

Private Foundation Scholarships:

• Various international foundations
• Medical education-focused grants
• Research individual opportunities

Application Tips for Scholarships

Apply early – Scholarship deadlines often precede admission deadlines

Demonstrate merit – Strong academic records essential

Write compelling essays – Explain motivation and goals clearly

Gather recommendations – From teachers and mentors

Show financial need – Document genuine requirement

Maintain grades – Most scholarships require continuous performance

Participate in activities – Extracurriculars strengthen applications

Follow instructions – Complete all requirements meticulously

Student Life in Georgia

Accommodation Options

University Hostels:

Universities provide on-campus or nearby hostel facilities with:

• Furnished rooms with beds, desks, wardrobes
• Shared bathrooms and kitchens
• Common study areas and lounges
• Wi-Fi and internet access
• Security and CCTV surveillance
• Laundry facilities
• Close to campus (walking distance)

Private Apartments:

Students can rent apartments in:

• Saburtalo – Student-friendly neighborhood near universities
• Vake – Upscale area with modern amenities
• Isani – Affordable housing options
• Gldani – Budget-friendly, good transport links
• Old Town – Central but more expensive

Homestays:

Some students opt for living with local families:

• Cultural immersion experience
• Meals often included
• Language learning opportunity
• More personal support
• Typically $200-$350/month

Food and Cuisine

Georgian Cuisine:

Students enjoy traditional dishes like:

• Khachapuri – Cheese-filled bread (national dish)
• Khinkali – Dumplings with meat or cheese
• Lobio – Bean stew
• Mtsvadi – Georgian barbecue
• Churchkhela – Traditional candy
• Badrijani – Eggplant rolls

International Food:

• Indian restaurants widely available in Tbilisi
• Chinese, Thai, and Asian cuisines
• Fast food chains (McDonald’s, KFC, Subway)
• Italian and European dining
• Vegetarian and vegan options increasing

Student-Friendly Eateries:

• University cafeterias: $2-$4 per meal
• Local eateries: $5-$10 per meal
• Supermarkets: Well-stocked with international products
• Food delivery apps: Glovo, Bolt Food, Wolt

Transportation

Public Transport System:

Tbilisi Metro:

• 2 lines covering major areas
• Operates 6 AM – midnight
• Fare: $0.20-$0.50 per ride
• Student monthly pass: $8-$10

Buses and Marshrutkas:

• Extensive network throughout city
• Marshrutkas (minibuses) – convenient and frequent
• Fare: $0.20-$0.50
• Use Metromoney card for easy payment

Taxis and Ride-Sharing:

• Bolt and Yandex widely used
• Very affordable ($2-$5 for most city trips)
• Safe and reliable
• English-speaking drivers available

Intercity Travel:

• Train network connects major cities
• Buses to all regions
• Domestic flights available
• Affordable weekend trips ($10-$30)

Climate and Weather

Four Distinct Seasons:

Spring (March-May):

• Temperature: 10-20°C
• Mild and pleasant
• Blooming flowers and greenery

Summer (June-August):

• Temperature: 25-35°C
• Hot and dry
• Perfect for outdoor activities

Autumn (September-November):

• Temperature: 10-20°C
• Cool and comfortable
• Beautiful fall colors

Winter (December-February):

• Temperature: 0-10°C
• Cold with occasional snow
• Skiing opportunities in mountains

Social and Cultural Life

Student Activities:

• International student associations
• Sports clubs and teams
• Cultural exchange programs
• Language exchange meetups
• Volunteer opportunities
• Movie nights and social events

Entertainment:

• Cinemas showing international films
• Music concerts and festivals
• Nightlife and clubs (18+ age limit)
• Cafés and hookah lounges
• Shopping malls and markets

Tourism and Travel:

• Tbilisi – Historic old town, modern architecture
• Batumi – Black Sea beaches
• Kazbegi – Mountain trekking
• Mtskheta – Ancient UNESCO site
• Vardzia – Cave monastery
• Sighnaghi – Wine region

Healthcare for Students

University Health Services:

• On-campus medical clinics
• Basic health checkups
• First aid and emergency care
• Health counseling

Hospitals and Clinics:

• Modern healthcare facilities
• English-speaking doctors available
• Affordable consultation fees ($10-$30)
• Pharmacies widely available

Health Insurance:

• Mandatory for all students
• Covers emergency treatment
• Hospital admissions
• Basic medical consultations
• Cost: $150-$300 annually

Safety and Security

Why Georgia is Safe:

• Low crime rate
• Strong police presence
• Well-lit streets
• Tourist-friendly environment
• Emergency services: 112 (universal number)

Safety Tips:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use registered taxis
• Stay in groups at night
• Keep emergency contacts handy
• Register with your embassy

Mobile and Internet Connectivity

Mobile Networks:

• Magti – Largest provider
• Geocell – Wide coverage
• Beeline – Budget-friendly

Prepaid Plans:

• $5-$15/month
• Unlimited data options available
• Good 4G coverage in cities
• International calling packages

Internet:

• Free Wi-Fi in universities
• Cafés and restaurants offer Wi-Fi
• Home internet: $15-$25/month
• High-speed fiber optic available

Banking and Finances

Opening a Bank Account:

• Easy process for students
• Required documents: Passport, student ID, residence permit
• Popular banks: TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, Liberty Bank
• No minimum balance required

Money Management:

• Georgian Lari (GEL) – local currency
• 1 USD = approximately 2.7 GEL
• ATMs widely available
• Cards accepted in most places
• Money exchange offices abundant

Sending Money Home:

• Western Union, MoneyGram available
• Bank wire transfers
• Online platforms (TransferWise/Wise)
• Reasonable transfer fees

Part-Time Work Opportunities

During Studies:

• Student visa restrictions apply
• Limited work hours permitted
• Opportunities in:
  
  • Language teaching (English, native language)
  • Tutoring fellow students
  • Research assistant positions
  • On-campus jobs
  • Freelance online work

Salary Range:

• $3-$8 per hour
• Monthly: $200-$500 (part-time)

After Graduation:

• One-year job search visa available
• Medical practice requires license
• Residency programs
• Research positions