Prof. Irakli Natroshvili (Rector)
Professor Irakli Natroshvili serves as Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University, leading Georgia's oldest and top-ranked medical university and its large international student body.
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)
Georgia's #1 and oldest medical university, founded in 1918, teaching medicine in English in Tbilisi with a WFME-recognised degree.
5000+ Students trust us
Georgia
Country
Tbilisi
City
#1 in Georgia
medical university
English
Medium of instruction
Introduction
Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)
- Study program:MD (Medicine), equivalent to MBBS
- Language:English
- Duration:6 Years (5 years study + 1 internship year)
- University type:Public (state) university
- Per academic year fees:USD 8,000 · ₹6,90,000 INR (approx.)
- Admission:Direct by Class 12 results + English interview (no entrance exam)
- Ranking:#1 medical university in Georgia
- Accreditation:WFME-recognised (via NCEQE); WDOMS-listed; NMC; WHO; ECFMG
A Tbilisi State Medical University teaching building in Tbilisi
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Recognition & Prestige
Rankings & Recognition
TSMU is the #1 and oldest medical university in Georgia, WFME-recognised through Georgia's NCEQE, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and recognised by the NMC of India, the WHO and the ECFMG.
#1
medical university in Georgia
84+
nationalities among students
The medical degree is recognised internationally. Tbilisi State Medical University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS); its degree is recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) through Georgia's WFME-recognised agency, the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE); and it is recognised by the National Medical Commission of India, the WHO and the ECFMG. Georgia is part of the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process), though it is not an EU member state. Eligible graduates can sit the Indian screening examination (FMGE/NExT) for licensing.
Accreditations and Recognition
NMC (India)
Recognised for Indian students: TSMU is recognised by the National Medical Commission, so eligible graduates who have qualified NEET can sit the FMGE/NExT screening examination and pursue licensing in India.
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), the global directory of medical schools recognised by the WHO and ECFMG.
WFME
TSMU's degree is recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) through Georgia's national agency, the NCEQE, which has held WFME recognition since 2018 — meeting the 2024 ECFMG requirement for the US route.
Complete Information About TSMU
Get complete information about Tbilisi State Medical University, including tuition, living costs, admission and the licensing route for Indian students.
Success stories
Student Success Stories
Hear directly from students who are studying medicine in Europe with futureMBBS.
Academic Excellence
Why Study MBBS at TSMU
TSMU pairs Georgia's #1 and oldest medical university with a WFME-recognised, English-taught degree, direct admission, a large Indian and international community, and an affordable, welcoming capital city.
Georgia's #1 and Oldest Medical University
WFME-Recognised Degree
Recognised by the NMC
Direct Admission, No Entrance Exam
A Large Indian & International Community
Affordable Tuition and Living
A Safe, Welcoming Capital City
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How to Apply
Admission Process for MBBS
Admission to the MD programme in English at TSMU is direct, based on Class 12 results and an English interview, with no separate entrance exam. Indian students must also qualify NEET to obtain the NMC eligibility certificate required to study MBBS abroad, but the TSMU offer itself is decided on the academic record and interview, not on NEET rank.
Admission Timeline
- 1Year-round (main intakes autumn)Submit Application
International applicants submit the online application with Class 12 certificate and mark sheets, passport and supporting documents to the TSMU international office.
- 2On reviewDocument Check & English Interview
Admission is based on Class 12 results (about 50% or more in Physics, Chemistry and Biology) and an English interview to confirm language readiness; there is no separate written entrance exam.
- 3On selectionOffer & Invitation
Selected applicants receive an admission offer and the invitation/authorisation documents needed for the Georgian student visa or residence permit.
- 4On acceptanceEnrolment & Fees
Admitted students confirm their place and pay the first-year tuition to secure their seat.
- 5Before travelVisa & Residence
Students complete the Georgian student visa (D3) or residence-permit steps using the university's invitation and documents.
- 6Autumn intakeClasses Begin
The academic year begins for the new intake in Tbilisi.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
Applicants must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with about 50% or more in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and Indian students must have qualified NEET for NMC eligibility.
Subjects:
BiologyChemistryPhysicsEnglish
Age Requirement
Candidates should be at least 17 years old in the year of admission, in line with standard MBBS-abroad and NMC requirements.
- Minimum 17 yearsRequired age in the year of admission
Requirements
Applicants submit Class 12 certificates and mark sheets and a valid passport, and attend an English interview; NEET qualification is required for Indian students for NMC eligibility.
Class 12 & English Interview
Class 12 results with about 50% or more in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, plus an English interview to confirm the applicant can study in English. There is no separate written entrance exam.
NEET (for Indian students)
Indian students must qualify NEET to obtain the NMC eligibility certificate required for studying MBBS abroad and for the screening examination on return.
Entrance Examination
There is no separate written entrance examination; admission is by Class 12 results and an English interview, plus NEET qualification for Indian students (for NMC eligibility, not for TSMU ranking).
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Entrance exam | None. Direct admission by Class 12 results (about 50%+ in PCB) and an English interview. |
| NEET (Indian students) | Required for the NMC eligibility certificate to study MBBS abroad and to sit the FMGE/NExT on return; not used for TSMU's own ranking. |
Required Documents
To apply, students need to submit essential academic and identification documents:
- Completed online application and application fee
- Class 12 / secondary-school certificate and mark sheets (attested/apostilled)
- NEET result (for Indian students, for NMC eligibility)
- Valid passport and passport-size photographs
- + More
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Program Structure
MBBS Curriculum & Internship Structure
Students follow a structured six-year MD curriculum: the first years cover theoretical and pre-clinical science, the middle years bring clinical study in Tbilisi's teaching hospitals, and the sixth year is a clinical internship, taught entirely in English.
MD (Medicine) Course
Total Duration:
6 Years (5 years study + 1 internship year)
Degree:
Doctor of Medicine (MD), equivalent to MBBS
Curriculum Phases at TSMU
Years 1–2
Theoretical (Pre-Clinical Foundations)
Basic medical sciences focused on the structure and function of the healthy human body, taught through lectures, laboratories and practical classes:
AnatomyHistology & EmbryologyBiochemistryBiophysicsPhysiologyCellular & Molecular BiologyYears 3–5
Pre-Clinical to Clinical Study
Paraclinical sciences and clinical study in Tbilisi's teaching hospitals, bridging laboratory science and bedside medicine across the specialties:
PathologyPathophysiologyPharmacologyMicrobiologyImmunologyInternal MedicineSurgeryPaediatricsObstetrics & GynaecologyYear 6
Clinical Internship
A final clinical internship year rotating through the major departments, which can be completed in Georgia or, subject to NMC rules, elsewhere, before the MD degree is awarded:
Internal MedicineSurgeryPaediatricsObstetrics & GynaecologyOther clinical departments
Clinical Rotations
Clinical training takes place in Tbilisi's teaching hospitals from the middle years onwards, building to full clinical rotations and the final internship year.
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Years 1–2 | Theoretical and pre-clinical lectures, laboratories and practical classes. |
| Years 3–5 | Clinical study and rotations across the specialties in Tbilisi teaching hospitals. |
| Year 6 | A final clinical internship year across the major departments, before the MD degree. |
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.
Global Exchange
International Partnerships & Exchange
TSMU maintains international cooperation and student-exchange agreements with universities across Europe and beyond, and takes part in mobility programmes such as Erasmus+ (as a partner-country institution). Exchanges are managed by the university's international relations office through its cooperation agreements.
| Country | Partner University |
|---|---|
| Poland | Medical University of Lublin |
| Poland | Medical University of Warsaw |
| Poland | Gdańsk Medical University |
| Poland | Poznan University of Medical Sciences |
| Romania | Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy |
Explore Your Options
TSMU students can take part in international exchange. Get the latest details and guidance from our experts.
Legacy
Faculty and Leadership of TSMU
With more than a century of history, TSMU has trained generations of doctors for Georgia and the wider region and is led today by senior Georgian clinician-academics.
Faculty
TSMU is led by its Rector, Professor Irakli Natroshvili, and teaching is delivered by physicians, surgeons and scientists across its faculties, research institutes and Tbilisi's teaching hospitals.
Academic Expertise
Led by Rector Professor Irakli Natroshvili
Oldest and #1 medical university in Georgia
Experienced physicians and researchers
More than a century of medical teaching
Student Support & Mentorship
Clinical teaching in Tbilisi hospitals
Personal mentorship
A large Indian and international student community
An active international student support network
About University
History Information
A Tbilisi State Medical University building in Tbilisi
Founded in 1918
A Century of Medical Education
Georgia's Leading Medical University
Global Recognition
Get all information about TSMU in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at TSMU.
Role in medicine
Role in medical education
The Home of Medicine in Georgia
Internationally Recognised Quality
A Major Destination for Indian Students
Get all information about TSMU in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at TSMU.
Affordable education
MBBS Living Cost at TSMU, Tbilisi
Tbilisi is an affordable capital city with a low cost of living. Here is the approximate monthly breakdown for an international student, quoted in Indian rupees.
Monthly Living Cost
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (dormitory or shared flat) | ₹9,000 – ₹22,000 |
| Food | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Transportation (student pass / metro) | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Other Expenses (utilities, internet, leisure) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
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Average monthly living cost
₹25,000 – ₹45,000
Housing
Accommodation
TSMU and its partner providers offer student hostel/dormitory places, and many international students also rent private flats in Tbilisi. Both options are affordable and keep students within reach of the university and teaching hospitals.
Student Hostels
TSMU-affiliated student hostels provide affordable, furnished accommodation for international students, a popular base for first-year students new to Tbilisi.
Rooms and Facilities
Hostel rooms are typically shared or twin, with kitchens, study areas, Wi-Fi and laundry, and are connected to the university and hospitals by Tbilisi's metro and bus network.
Indian-Friendly Housing
Given the large Indian community, many hostels are used to Indian students, with Indian food arrangements and mess options available in several student residences.
How to Apply
Hostel places are arranged through the university or approved providers after admission; students should confirm and book early once they receive an offer.
Private Shared Flats
Many students rent private flats, often shared with classmates. A room in a shared flat in Tbilisi typically costs about USD 120 to USD 250 per month, before utilities.
Living Near the University
TSMU is on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue, and Tbilisi's metro and bus network makes it easy to reach the university and clinical sites from student areas.
Support for New Students
The university's international office and student associations help new arrivals with housing and settling into Tbilisi.
Getting Around
Tbilisi has an affordable metro, bus and minibus network with low-cost fares, and Tbilisi International Airport connects the city directly to India and the world.
Need accommodation details?
Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.
Food & Dining
Vegetarian Options and Indian Food in Tbilisi
Tbilisi has a large Indian student community, so Indian and vegetarian food is widely available alongside affordable canteens, grocery stores and easy self-catering.
University canteens and hostel messes serve affordable daily meals, and several student residences offer Indian mess arrangements with vegetarian options.
Location
How to Reach Tbilisi State Medical University
Address
33 Vazha-Pshavela Avenue, Tbilisi 0186, Georgia
Nearest Airport
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is about 17 km from the city centre and has direct and one-stop connections to India via Gulf and other hubs.
Local Transport
Tbilisi has an affordable metro, bus and minibus (marshrutka) network with low-cost fares, connecting the university on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue with student areas and teaching hospitals.
Your Roadmap to Success
Career Pathways After MBBS at TSMU
On completing the programme, graduates earn the TSMU Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, equivalent to an MBBS, from a WFME-recognised university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.
Practising in India
FMGE & NExT Details
To practise medicine in India after graduating from TSMU, Indian students follow a clear pathway set by the National Medical Commission. NEET qualification is required from the start to obtain the NMC eligibility certificate.
Step 1
Screening Examination (FMGE / NExT)
Graduates must clear the qualifying examination that licenses foreign medical graduates to practise in India. This is currently the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is transitioning to the National Exit Test (NExT).
Step 2
Clinical Internship (CRRI)
After qualifying, students complete a one-year Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) in India, gaining supervised clinical experience across the major departments.
Step 3
Medical Registration
The final step is registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the relevant State Medical Council, after which the graduate can practise as a doctor in India.
Student Life Style
Student life at TSMU
Being an MBBS student in Tbilisi is a mix of intensive academics and life in a safe, affordable and scenic capital city, with one of the largest Indian and international student communities in the region.
Academics
City Life in Tbilisi
Challenges and Growth
Social Life
Overall Experience
Scholarship & Financial
Scholarship & Financial Aid
TSMU and the Georgian state offer a small number of scholarship and merit routes, though most international students self-fund the programme, helped by relatively low tuition and living costs.
TSMU offers selected merit-based scholarships and tuition discounts to high-performing students; availability, amounts and criteria vary by year and programme.
Ratings
Reviews & Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience at Tbilisi State Medical University.
4.5
180 reviews
Academics4.6
Infrastructure4.4
Hostel4.3
Campus Life4.6
Value for Money4.7
Compare
Compare Colleges
Compare Tbilisi State Medical University with a leading Indian medical college.
Quick Comparison:
TSMU vs CMC Vellore
| University | TSMUTbilisi, Georgia | CMC VelloreTamil Nadu, India |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public (state) | Private (minority) |
| Medium | English | English |
| Course Duration | 6 years (MD, MBBS-equivalent; 5 years + internship) | 5.5 years (MBBS) |
| Tuition (per year) | ~₹6.9 lakh (USD 8,000) | ~₹3–4 lakh |
| Admission | Direct (Class 12 + English interview); NEET needed for NMC eligibility | NEET-UG |
| Recognition | WFME-recognised (via NCEQE); WDOMS-listed; NMC; WHO; ECFMG | NMC-recognised |
| Ranking | #1 medical university in Georgia (est. 1918) | Among India's leading medical colleges |
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about MBBS at Tbilisi State Medical University.