Introduction: The Dream of Being a Doctor (On a Budget)
Hello friend!
Let’s be honest for a second. Becoming a doctor is a dream for millions of students. You want to save lives, wear that white coat, and make your parents proud. But there is a big wall standing in front of you.
Money.
In countries like the USA, UK, or even private colleges in India, becoming a doctor costs a fortune. It can cost as much as a Ferrari or a big house! That is scary.
But what if I told you there is a “secret door”? A place where you can get a high-quality medical degree without selling your house or taking a massive loan?
That place is Georgia.
Wait, which Georgia?
No, not the state in America (the one with peaches). I am talking about the Country of Georgia. It is a beautiful small country located between Europe and Asia.
Every year, thousands of students fly there to study MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). Why? Because it is cheap, safe, and the education is in English.
You are probably asking: “Okay, but exactly how much does it cost? Is it really cheap?”
Don’t worry. I have done all the math for you. In this article, I will break down every single dollar you need to spend. From college fees to the price of a burger, I will tell you everything.
Let’s dive in!
Part 1: The Tuition Fees (The Main Cost)
Let’s start with the biggest bill: The College Fee.
In Georgia, medical universities are divided into two types:
- Government Universities: Run by the country.
- Private Universities: Run by private owners.
Here is the best part: Both are affordable.
If you go to a medical school in the USA, you might pay $60,000 a year.
In Georgia, it is way less.
The Price Range
- Lowest Price: Approx $4,000 per year (About ₹3.3 Lakhs).
- Highest Price: Approx $8,000 per year (About ₹6.7 Lakhs).
- Average Price: Most good colleges charge around $5,000 to $6,000 per year.
Why is it different?
Just like buying a phone, some colleges are “premium” brands (in the capital city, Tbilisi) and charge more. Some are in smaller cities and charge less. But the degree value is usually the same.
Important Note on Duration:
The MBBS course in Georgia is 6 Years long.
- 5 Years of study.
- 1 Year of Internship (working in a hospital).
So, if you pick a college with a $5,000 fee:
$5,000 x 6 Years = $30,000 Total Tuition Fee.
That is the total price for the entire degree! In many other countries, $30,000 is just the fee for one semester. See? It’s a bargain.
Part 2: Accommodation (Where Will You Sleep?)
You cannot sleep in the classroom, right? You need a room.
In Georgia, you have two choices:
- University Hostel: Living inside the college campus.
- Private Apartment: Renting a flat outside with friends.
1. University Hostels
Most colleges have hostels. These are simple but safe. You get a bed, a study table, and shared bathrooms.
- Cost: $150 to $250 per month.
- Pros: Electricity and heating bills are usually included. You are close to class.
2. Private Apartments (Most Popular)
Many students prefer to rent a flat nearby. Usually, 2 or 3 students share one apartment to split the cost.
- Cost for a 1-Bedroom Flat: $300 – $400 per month (Total).
- Your Share (if 2 people live): $150 to $200 per month.
Apartments in Georgia are usually fully furnished. This means they already come with beds, a sofa, a washing machine, and a heater. You don’t have to buy furniture!
Part 3: Food and Living (The Daily Expenses)
Now let’s talk about your tummy. You need to eat!
Georgia is famous for having delicious and cheap food. The cost depends on your lifestyle.
Scenario A: The “Master Chef” (Cooking at Home)
If you buy vegetables, rice, chicken, and milk from the supermarket and cook at home, it is very cheap.
- Cost: $100 to $120 per month.
Scenario B: The “Restaurant Lover” (Eating Out)
If you eat at cafes or order food daily, it will cost more. A meal at a normal restaurant costs about $5 to $8.
- Cost: $200+ per month.
Other Monthly Bills:
- Internet/WiFi: Very fast and cheap ($10 – $15 per month).
- Electricity/Water: Approx $30 – $50 (higher in winter because of heaters).
- Transport: Buses and Metro are super cheap. A student pass costs very little, maybe $5 for a whole month of travel!
Total Living Budget:
To live comfortably (Rent + Food + Bills), you need roughly $300 to $500 per month.
Part 4: The “Hidden” One-Time Costs
This is the part nobody tells you about, and then you get surprised later. I don’t want you to be surprised.
When you go to Georgia for the first time, you have to pay for some extra things. These are mostly one-time payments.
- Admission & Processing Fee:
Colleges don’t just open the door. There is paperwork. Translation of documents, ministry approval, etc.- Cost: Approx $500 – $1,000 (Paid once).
- Visa and Residency Card:
You need a student visa to enter and a TRC (Temporary Residence Card) to stay.- Cost: Approx $200 – $300.
- Health Insurance:
It is mandatory. You must have medical insurance.- Cost: Approx $100 – $150 per year.
- Flight Ticket:
This depends on where you fly from.- Cost: Approx $400 – $800 (One way).
- Consultancy Fee (Optional):
Most students use an agent or consultant to help them apply.- Cost: Variable. Some charge $500, some charge $1,000. Be careful here! Pick a trusted one.
Part 5: The Grand Total (The Final Receipt)
Okay, friend. Let’s do the math. Let’s put everything together to see the final number for 6 Years.
I will calculate an Average Budget (Not too cheap, not too luxurious).
Year 1 Expenses (Most Expensive Year):
- Tuition: $5,000
- One-time Fees (Admission/Visa/Flight): $1,500
- Living (10 months): $4,000
- Total Year 1: $10,500
Year 2 to Year 6 (Cheaper Years):
- Tuition: $5,000
- Living (10 months): $4,000
- Visa Renewal/Insurance: $200
- Total Per Year: $9,200
GRAND TOTAL for 6 Years:
$10,500 + ($9,200 x 5) = $56,500
In simple words:
You can become a fully qualified doctor for a total cost of $50,000 to $60,000 (approx ₹42 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs).
Compare this to a private college in India or the US, where you might pay $150,000+. You are saving almost 60-70% of the money!
Why Is It So Cheap? Is the Quality Bad?
This is a very smart question. Usually, cheap things areof bad quality, right?
But here, it is different.
1. Low Cost of Living:
Georgia is an affordable country. Rent is low, food is low. The teachers’ salaries are lower compared to those in the US. So, the college can afford to charge you lower fees.
2. Government Support:
The Georgian government wants international students. It helps their economy. So they keep regulations friendly and costs reasonable.
The Quality:
The education is European Standard.
- The degree iis recognisedby the WHO (World Health Organisation).
- It is recognised by ECFMG (for the USA) and NMC (for India).
- They use modern hospitals and English textbooks.
So, you are getting a “Mercedes” education for the price of a “Toyota.”
Can You Work While Studying?
Many students ask: “Can I do a part-time job to pay my fees?”
The Answer: Yes, but…
Legally, you are allowed to work.
However, studying medicine is very, very hard. You have classes from morning to evening. You have to study anatomy, pathology, and surgery.
If you work a job, your grades might suffer.
Also, wages in Georgia are not very high. You might make $200-$300 a month working at a cafe or call centre. It helps with pocket money, but it will not cover your tuition fees.
My advice? Don’t rely on working. Make sure your parents or a loan can cover your main costs.
Is It Safe for Students?
Yes! Georgia is one of the safest countries in the world.
- Crime rates are very low.
- People are friendly (they treat guests like God).
- There is no racism.
- Girls can walk safely even in the evening.
It is a peaceful, Christian-majority country with a mix of many cultures. You will find students from India, Nigeria, the UK, the USA, and Arab countries all studying together.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Money?
So, my friend, we have reached the end.
Is doing an MBBS in Georgia worth the cost?
100% Yes.
Think about it.
For roughly $55,000 (total for 6 years), you are getting:
- A global medical degree (MD/MBBS).
- The chance to live in a beautiful European country.
- High-quality clinical skills.
- No donation or capitation fees.
If you have a dream to be a doctor, but your bank account is not allowing you to go to the US or UK, Georgia is your best friend. It is the bridge between your dream and reality.
Start planning, talk to your parents, and check out the universities. Your white coat is waiting for you in Georgia!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some quick answers to things you might be wondering about.
Q1: Is the degree valid in the USA or India?
Answer: Yes! The degree from Georgia is accepted globally. However, if you want to work in the USA, you must pass the USMLE exam. If you want to work in India, you must pass the NEXT/FMGE exam. The college prepares you for these exams.
Q2: Do I need to learn the Georgian language?
Answer: The classes are in English. You don’t need Georgian for exams. But it is good to learn basic Georgian words to talk to patients in the hospital or to buy vegetables at the market.
Q3: Is there an entrance exam to get in?
Answer: Usually, No. Most colleges in Georgia do not have a difficult entrance exam like the EET or MCAT. They look at your 12th-grade marks (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and take a small interview to check your English.
Q4: When does the session start?
Answer: Most colleges have two intakes:
- Fall Intake: September/October (Main intake).
- Spring Intake: February/March.
Q5: Can I pay fees in instalments?
Answer: Yes! Most colleges allow you to pay the tuition fee in two parts (semester-wise). You don’t have to pay $5,000 all at once. You can pay $2,500 every 6 months.
Links:- medical college of georgia at augusta university
Disclaimer: I am your friendly guide, but prices can change slightly due to currency rates (Dollar vs Lari). Always check the official university website or talk to an official representative before booking your flight