Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue MBBS abroad. The country offers a mix of affordable medical education, globally recognized degrees, English-medium instruction, and a safe environment. For most students and their families, however, the financial planning of MBBS is not just about tuition fees—it also includes accommodation and food costs.
Living in a foreign country for six years requires careful budgeting, and two of the largest recurring expenses are hostel charges and mess (food) costs. These charges vary depending on the university, location, facilities, and student lifestyle. In Georgia, the costs are considered affordable compared to Western countries but may still differ across regions.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of hostel and mess charges for MBBS in Georgia, covering year-wise expenses, types of hostels, mess facilities, and total living costs.
Most medical universities in Georgia provide hostel accommodation for international students. These hostels are either located within the campus or nearby and are managed by the university administration.
Separate hostels for boys and girls
Fully furnished rooms (bed, study table, chair, wardrobe)
Shared kitchens and laundry facilities
24/7 security and surveillance
Internet connectivity and Wi-Fi
Central heating and hot water supply
For students who prefer more independence, renting apartments outside the campus is also an option, though it usually costs more than staying in university hostels.
The hostel charges for MBBS students in Georgia depend on the city, university, and type of room.
Shared Rooms (2–4 students): 800 USD – 1,200 USD per year
Twin Sharing Rooms: 1,200 USD – 1,800 USD per year
Single Rooms (limited availability): 2,000 USD – 3,000 USD per year
University Location – Tbilisi (capital city) hostels are more expensive than those in smaller towns like Batumi or Kutaisi.
Room Type – Single rooms are costly, while shared accommodations are more affordable.
Additional Facilities – Hostels with gyms, canteens, or upgraded amenities charge higher.
On average, students spend between 1,000 USD and 1,800 USD annually for hostel accommodation in Georgia.
Food is another major expense for MBBS students. Georgian universities either provide in-house mess facilities or allow students to cook their meals in shared kitchens.
University Mess (3 meals/day): 120 USD – 150 USD per month
Annual Mess Charges: 1,500 USD – 1,800 USD
Self-Cooking: 80 USD – 120 USD per month (cheaper option)
Eating Outside (Restaurants/Fast Food): 150 USD – 200 USD per month
Most Indian and Asian students prefer university mess facilities because they offer Indian food options alongside Georgian and continental dishes. Self-cooking is another popular choice for students who want to save money and maintain dietary preferences.
Let’s analyze the hostel and mess charges year by year for a 6-year MBBS program in Georgia.
Hostel: 1,200 – 1,800 USD
Mess: 1,500 – 1,800 USD
One-Time Security/Registration: 200 – 300 USD
Total First-Year Living Cost: 2,900 – 3,900 USD
Hostel: 1,200 – 1,800 USD
Mess: 1,500 – 1,800 USD
Total Second-Year Cost: 2,700 – 3,600 USD
Hostel: 1,200 – 1,800 USD
Mess: 1,500 – 1,800 USD
Total Third-Year Cost: 2,700 – 3,600 USD
Hostel: 1,200 – 1,800 USD
Mess: 1,500 – 1,800 USD
Total Fourth-Year Cost: 2,700 – 3,600 USD
Hostel: 1,200 – 1,800 USD
Mess: 1,500 – 1,800 USD
Total Fifth-Year Cost: 2,700 – 3,600 USD
Hostel: 1,200 – 1,800 USD
Mess: 1,500 – 1,800 USD
Total Sixth-Year Cost: 2,700 – 3,600 USD
When adding up all the yearly expenses, the total hostel and mess charges for the complete MBBS program in Georgia are:
Minimum Estimate: 16,200 USD
Maximum Estimate: 22,800 USD
This makes up a significant portion of the overall MBBS cost in Georgia, alongside tuition fees and other living expenses.
Some students, especially in their later years, prefer renting private apartments instead of hostels.
Shared Apartment: 150 – 200 USD per month per student
Single Apartment: 250 – 400 USD per month
Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet): 50 – 80 USD per month
While apartments offer more freedom, they are usually more expensive when combined with food costs. Hostels remain the most affordable option for first-year and international students.
International students, especially from India, often worry about food availability. Fortunately, Georgia offers a wide range of options:
University Mess with Indian Menu – Many medical universities provide Indian mess services.
Self-Cooking – Local supermarkets offer rice, pulses, vegetables, and spices.
Restaurants & Cafes – Affordable eating-out culture with a mix of Georgian and international cuisines.
Indian Restaurants in Tbilisi & Batumi – Widely available for students who miss home-style meals.
Apart from hostel and food charges, students should also budget for other essentials:
Transportation: 15 – 20 USD per month
Books & Study Materials: 100 – 200 USD annually
Mobile & Internet: 10 – 15 USD per month
Personal Expenses (clothes, outings, entertainment): 500 – 800 USD annually
Opt for Shared Rooms – Costs are reduced by 30–40% compared to single rooms.
Choose University Mess – Provides affordable and reliable meals, especially for Indian students.
Cook in Groups – Sharing groceries and cooking together lowers food expenses.
Use Public Transport – Georgia has one of the cheapest metro and bus systems.
Avoid Frequent Eating Out – Restaurants are more expensive in the long run.
Affordable compared to European standards
Indian food availability in hostels and mess facilities
Proximity to university campuses
Secure environment with CCTV and wardens
Student community for peer support and cultural exchange
While tuition fees often grab the spotlight when discussing MBBS abroad, the hostel and mess charges form a substantial part of the total expense for studying in Georgia. On average, international students spend 16,000 – 23,000 USD over 6 years for accommodation and food.
Hostels provide a safe, affordable, and community-oriented environment, while mess facilities ensure students get nutritious meals tailored to their cultural preferences. Combined with Georgia’s affordable living costs and modern infrastructure, these facilities make the country a top choice for MBBS aspirants.
For students planning their journey, it is essential to budget for hostel and mess charges alongside tuition fees, ensuring a smooth and worry-free study experience.