In recent years, Georgia has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for international students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. The country offers a globally recognized MBBS degree, affordable tuition fees, and English-medium instruction, making it a strong alternative to studying medicine in countries like India, Russia, or Ukraine.
One of the most common questions among aspiring students is:
Does Georgia hold entrance exams for MBBS, or is admission direct?
The answer is straightforward: Georgia does not conduct separate entrance examinations for MBBS admissions. Instead, admission is largely based on a student’s academic performance in secondary and higher secondary school (10+2 or equivalent). However, international students must meet certain eligibility requirements, and students from India need to qualify NEET (as per Indian regulations).
In this article, we will provide a detailed 2000-word guide covering the admission process for MBBS in Georgia, the role of entrance exams, eligibility requirements, and why thousands of students choose Georgia as their medical education destination.
Course Duration: 6 years (including 1 year of internship).
Medium of Instruction: English and Georgian (international students study primarily in English).
Recognition: Approved by NMC (India), WHO, UNESCO, FAIMER, and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Institutions: Over 20 well-known medical universities, both government and private.
Affordability: Tuition fees range between USD 4,000–7,000 per year.
Unlike India, where MBBS admission requires qualifying in a highly competitive entrance exam like NEET, Georgia does not have any national-level medical entrance test for international students.
No separate entrance exam is conducted by Georgian medical universities.
Admission is direct, based on marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the 12th standard (or equivalent).
Universities may conduct basic interviews or online assessments to evaluate communication skills and subject knowledge.
For Indian students, NEET qualification is mandatory (as per Indian Medical Council guidelines) if they want to practice medicine in India after graduation.
Thus, Georgia offers a hassle-free admission process compared to countries where students need to go through multiple exams and quotas.
Although entrance exams are not required, students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements set by both the universities and their home country’s medical council.
Must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (for general category).
Minimum 40% aggregate in PCB (for reserved categories – applicable to Indian students).
Minimum age: 17 years (at the time of admission).
No upper age limit for many universities.
Most universities do not require IELTS/TOEFL.
Some may conduct a basic English test or interview.
Must qualify NEET in the admission year.
NEET score validity is 3 years for studying abroad.
Since there is no entrance exam, the admission process is simple and transparent.
Shortlist universities approved by NMC and WHO.
Compare tuition fees, living expenses, and global rankings.
Fill the online application form of the chosen university.
Submit scanned copies of documents (educational certificates, passport, photos).
The university reviews the application.
Eligible candidates receive an official admission/offer letter.
Students confirm their seat by paying the initial admission fee.
Submit documents to the Georgian Embassy/Consulate for a student visa.
Provide medical fitness certificate, financial proof, and police clearance.
Once the visa is approved, book tickets and join the university.
Georgia focuses on attracting international students by keeping the admission process simple. The reasons for no entrance exams include:
International Focus – Georgian medical universities cater largely to foreign students, and simplifying admissions increases global enrollment.
Academic-Based Selection – Universities prefer judging students by their academic records rather than a one-time exam.
Encouraging Foreign Investment in Education – International students contribute to the Georgian economy, so easy admissions make it more attractive.
Global Curriculum – The MBBS curriculum is designed to match international standards, reducing the need for local entrance tests.
No Entrance Exam Stress – Students avoid the pressure of national-level exams.
Transparent Admission Process – Selection based on clear academic eligibility.
International Recognition – Degree recognized worldwide.
Affordable Fees – Lower compared to Western countries.
English Medium Education – Suitable for international students.
High FMGE/NEXT Success Rate – Indian students from Georgia perform well in licensing exams.
Multicultural Environment – Students from India, Africa, Middle East, and Europe study together.
“There is no NEET requirement at all” – Wrong. NEET is not required for admission in Georgia itself, but Indian students must qualify NEET if they want to return and practice in India.
“Any student can get admission regardless of marks” – Wrong. Students must have at least 50% (40% for reserved) in PCB subjects.
“Degrees from Georgia are not globally accepted” – Wrong. Most Georgian universities are NMC, WHO, and FAIMER approved.
While direct admission is an advantage, students should also be aware of challenges:
Cost of Living – Higher compared to some Asian countries.
Cultural Differences – Students may need time to adjust.
Limited Government Scholarships – Most universities are self-financed.
Cold Climate – Harsh winters may be challenging for students from tropical countries.
Tbilisi State Medical University
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
David Tvildiani Medical University
European University Georgia
So, does Georgia hold entrance exams for MBBS or is admission direct?
The answer is admission is direct, without any entrance exams. Students are selected based on their 10+2 academic performance and fulfillment of basic eligibility requirements. However, Indian students must remember that NEET qualification is mandatory for practicing medicine in India after graduation.
Georgia’s MBBS admission process is simple, transparent, and globally recognized, making it an excellent choice for aspiring doctors who want to avoid the stress of competitive entrance exams.