MBBS in Georgia

All About MBBS at Ilia State University

Ilia State University (ILIAUNI) is Georgia's premier public research university, established in 2006 through the merger of six distinguished academic institutions in Tbilisi. Its Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine offers a fully English-medium, NMC & WHO-recognised MD (equivalent to MBBS) program, making it a top choice for Indian and international students seeking quality medical education in Europe — combining rigorous research-driven academics, modern infrastructure, and affordable tuition fees.

About Ilia State University

Ilia State University was founded in 2006 as a result of a merger of six prestigious academic institutions, each with long and diverse histories. Located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, it has grown into the country's leading public research university. ILIAUNI upholds three core principles: Unity of Teaching and Research, Unity of Liberal and Specialized Education, and Unity of Universal and Local — reflecting its rich heritage and forward-looking academic vision.

Today, Ilia State University serves approximately 17,000 students, including over 850 international students from more than 80 countries. The university has over 275 professors, 1,000+ researchers and teaching staff, and operates 76 research centres and institutes spread across Georgia. The medical program is run by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, which is WFME-accredited and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). ILIAUNI is ranked 2nd in Georgia and among the top 1,201–1,500 universities globally by Times Higher Education (THE).

Recognition

  • NMC (India) Approved
  • WHO Listed
  • FAIMER Listed
  • ECFMG Certified
  • WFME Accredited
  • WDOMS Listed
  • NCEQE (Georgia) Accredited
  • ABET Accredited (Engineering)
  • European University Association (EUA)
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Why Study Here?

  • Fully English-medium MD/MBBS program
  • NMC, WHO, WFME & ECFMG recognised
  • No capitation or donation fees
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL) & Case-Based Training (CBT) integrated curriculum
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Key Advantages

  • NEET score accepted; no additional entrance exam
  • Multi-profile simulation hospital — first in Georgia
  • 140+ university partnerships across 27 European countries
  • Double degree & student exchange opportunities in Europe
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Course Duration

  • 6 years total duration
  • 5 years academic program
  • 1 year compulsory internship
  • 360 ECTS credits (Bologna Process compliant)
Course MD (Medical Doctor / MBBS equivalent)
Medium English
Location Tbilisi, Georgia

Faculties & Schools

Faculty of Natural Sciences & Medicine Faculty of Arts & Sciences School of Law Business School School of Technology School of Education Public Health (MPH) Applied Genetics (MSc) Computer Engineering (ABET) Life Sciences

Hostel & Accommodation

  • On-campus and nearby off-campus hostel options available for international students at affordable rates, with shared or private room configurations
  • Well-equipped student accommodation with study areas, recreational spaces, and internet access in Tbilisi's safe student-friendly neighbourhoods
  • University assists new international arrivals with accommodation arrangements and orientation support
  • Tbilisi offers a low cost of living ($200–$350/month) in a culturally vibrant, historically rich European-style capital city

MD/MBBS Curriculum Overview

Phase 1 – Foundation (Yr 1–2) Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Medical Biology & Genetics, Medical Terminology, Introduction to Clinical Medicine — PBL and CBT methods integrated from the start
Phase 2 – Pre-Clinical (Yr 3–4) Pathology, Pathological Anatomy, Microbiology & Virology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Immunology — USMLE Step 1 and FMGE/NExT preparation support begins
Phase 3 – Clinical (Yr 5) Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, ENT, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine — clinical rotations at 11 affiliated Tbilisi hospitals
Phase 4 – Internship (Yr 6) Compulsory hospital internship (1,000+ hours) with rotations across Surgery, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Gynaecology, and other specialties at ISU-affiliated public and private clinics

Ranking & Career Scope

Ilia State University is ranked 2nd in Georgia and placed in the 1,201–1,500 range globally by Times Higher Education (THE) 2026. By EduRank, it holds the 2nd position nationally and 2,519th globally, excelling across Biology, Medicine, Environmental Science, and Liberal Arts. ILIAUNI is also ranked No. 1 in Georgia by Webometrics for scientific research and web visibility, and holds the distinction of being the No. 1 research university in South Caucasus according to SCImago Institutions Rankings.

As ILIAUNI is ECFMG certified, NMC approved, and WDOMS listed, graduates are fully eligible to appear for FMGE/NExT (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and other international licensing examinations. Georgia's full participation in the Bologna Process ensures ECTS credits are transferable across European institutions. Graduates can practice in India after clearing NMC screening, and are eligible to work across Schengen countries and other regions.

Type Public University
Established 2006
Students ~17,000 (80+ countries)

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