Many Indian students pursue MBBS abroad for affordable education, high-quality infrastructure, and globally recognized degrees. Countries like Georgia and Kazakhstan have become popular destinations due to:
NMC-recognized universities
English-medium programs
Affordable tuition fees
Growing Indian student communities
However, after completing MBBS, many students ask:
“Can I settle abroad after MBBS?”
“What career opportunities exist in Georgia or Kazakhstan?”
“Can I migrate permanently or work internationally?”
This article provides a comprehensive guide for Indian students on the possibilities of settling abroad after MBBS in Georgia or Kazakhstan, including licensing requirements, work opportunities, postgraduate options, immigration rules, and long-term career planning.
MBBS in Georgia typically takes 6 years, including a 1-year internship.
Curriculum includes pre-clinical, clinical, and rotational internships.
English-medium programs available in universities like:
Tbilisi State Medical University
Batumi Shota Rustaveli University
David Tvildiani Medical University
Georgia MBBS degrees are recognized by NMC.
Indian graduates must clear FMGE (till 2024) or NExT (from 2025) to practice in India.
Georgian medical degree also allows graduates to practice locally after passing licensing exams.
Graduates can work in:
Government hospitals
Private clinics
Research and teaching institutions
Georgian medical jobs often require Georgian language proficiency.
Average starting salary: USD 500–800/month for fresh graduates, higher with specialization.
MBBS in Kazakhstan typically takes 5–6 years, including rotatory internship.
English-medium programs available in universities like:
Kazakh National Medical University
Astana Medical University
Semey State Medical University
MBBS from Kazakhstan is NMC-recognized, allowing Indian graduates to appear for FMGE/NExT.
Graduates can also practice locally after passing the Kazakhstan medical licensing exam.
Job options: hospitals, clinics, research institutes, and NGOs.
Knowledge of Russian or Kazakh enhances employability.
Salary range: USD 600–1000/month for fresh doctors, increases with specialization.
Georgia and Kazakhstan offer temporary work visas for foreign medical graduates.
Requirements:
MBBS degree from recognized university
Internship completion certificate
Local licensing exam clearance
Employment offer from hospital or clinic
Georgia:
Graduates can apply for residence permits if employed in the medical sector.
Path to citizenship usually requires 5–7 years of continuous residence.
Kazakhstan:
Graduates employed under work visa can apply for residency permits.
Citizenship possible after 7–10 years of residence, with local language proficiency.
Observation: Permanent settlement is possible, but language skills and continuous employment are crucial.
Georgian medical graduates must pass the Georgian National Medical Licensing Exam to practice locally.
Exam covers: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and other core subjects.
Language requirement: Georgian or English depending on exam format.
Kazakhstan Medical Licensing Exam required to practice in government or private hospitals.
Knowledge of Russian or Kazakh may be mandatory.
Graduates from Georgia/Kazakhstan can pursue USMLE, PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia) for international practice.
English-medium education helps in clearing international licensing exams.
Postgraduate programs (MD/MS equivalent) available in Georgian universities.
Specializations: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, etc.
Duration: 2–4 years, depending on specialty.
Postgraduate study may improve chances of higher salary, research opportunities, and permanent settlement.
Kazakh universities offer postgraduate programs in English or Russian.
International students may need to learn Russian for effective clinical training.
Specialization enhances employability and facilitates residency and work permits.
MBBS graduates from Georgia/Kazakhstan can pursue:
US: USMLE pathway
UK: PLAB pathway
Australia: AMC exams
EU countries: Local licensing exams
Observation: Postgraduate education increases chances of settling abroad permanently.
| Country | Average Salary (USD/month) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 500–800 | Fresh MBBS graduates; increases with experience |
| Kazakhstan | 600–1000 | Fresh MBBS graduates; specialization improves pay |
With postgraduate degrees, salaries can double or triple.
Opportunities in research, hospital management, or academic teaching are available.
Private clinics and international hospitals may offer higher pay packages.
Local language proficiency is essential for clinical practice, patient interaction, and hospital employment.
English-medium programs help in international licensing exams.
Learning Georgian or Russian is highly recommended for long-term settlement and career growth.
Many Indian graduates work in hospitals while learning Georgian.
Peer networks help in job hunting and cultural adaptation.
Students report safe campus environment and welcoming locals, but learning language is crucial.
Employment opportunities exist in urban hospitals.
Russian language proficiency enhances employability.
Some students migrate to EU countries or Russia for higher-paying jobs after MBBS.
Observation: Success depends on language skills, networking, and postgraduate specialization.
Language Barrier: Georgian or Russian proficiency is often mandatory for clinical work.
Salary Limitations: Entry-level pay may be lower than international standards.
Immigration Policies: Citizenship or permanent residency may require 5–10 years of continuous stay.
Cultural Adaptation: Adjusting to local norms and practices is essential for long-term settlement.
Competition for Jobs: Limited openings for foreign medical graduates without specialization.
Learn the Local Language: Essential for clinical practice and social integration.
Pursue Postgraduate Studies: In Georgia, Kazakhstan, or internationally.
Gain Work Experience in Hospitals: Strengthens residency application and career growth.
Build Peer and Professional Networks: Helps in job hunting and mentorship.
Understand Immigration Policies: Stay updated on visa extensions, work permits, and residency rules.
Consider International Licensing Exams: USMLE, PLAB, or AMC can open global opportunities.
Higher Education Abroad: Pursuing MD/MS or specialization in Europe, US, or Australia can enhance settlement opportunities.
Migration to EU or Gulf Countries: With MBBS and postgraduate specialization, graduates can seek work in Germany, UK, UAE, or Saudi Arabia.
Medical Research and Teaching: Universities and research centers often provide permanent contracts for faculty or research scientists.
| Aspect | Georgia | Kazakhstan |
|---|---|---|
| Work Opportunities | Hospitals, clinics, research, teaching | Hospitals, clinics, research, NGOs |
| Licensing Exam | Georgian National Medical Licensing Exam | Kazakhstan Medical Licensing Exam |
| Language Requirement | Georgian (clinical), English (theory) | Russian/Kazakh (clinical), English (theory) |
| Entry-Level Salary | USD 500–800/month | USD 600–1000/month |
| Residency/Citizenship | 5–7 years | 7–10 years |
| Postgraduate Options | Available in multiple specialties | Available, may require local language |
| International Migration | USMLE, PLAB, AMC possible | USMLE, PLAB, AMC possible |
Can I settle abroad after MBBS in Georgia or Kazakhstan?
Yes, it is possible, but requires careful planning and preparation.
Key factors for settlement include:
Passing local licensing exams
Proficiency in local language
Completing postgraduate specialization
Gaining relevant clinical experience
Understanding immigration and residency policies
Countries like Georgia and Kazakhstan provide safe environments, recognized medical degrees, and moderate pathways to permanent residency.
Entry-level salaries are modest, but career growth is possible with further education and specialization.
Indian students can also explore international migration options using their MBBS degree and additional licensing exams.