Over the past decade, Georgia has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS abroad. Affordable tuition fees, globally recognized universities, and a relatively simple admission process make it appealing. However, like every opportunity, studying MBBS in Georgia also comes with certain drawbacks. Students should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
In this blog, we will discuss the major disadvantages of studying MBBS in Georgia so that you can make a well-informed choice.
1. Limited Global Recognition
While many Georgian medical universities are recognized by bodies like WHO and NMC (National Medical Commission), not all institutions enjoy wide international recognition. Graduating from a university with limited accreditation may create challenges when applying for residency programs or practicing medicine in countries outside Georgia.
For example, some hospitals abroad may only consider graduates from highly ranked universities. Therefore, students must ensure the chosen university is recognized in their home country and in the countries where they plan to work in the future.
2. Language Barrier
Though MBBS programs in Georgia are offered in English, daily life and clinical interactions often require knowledge of the local Georgian language. Patients in hospitals usually communicate in Georgian or Russian, which can make it difficult for international students during clinical rotations.
Learning the local language is possible, but it requires extra effort, time, and practice. Without proficiency, students may face difficulties in building patient-doctor relationships, which are essential for medical training.
3. Cost of Living
Compared to countries like Russia or Ukraine, the cost of living in Georgia is slightly higher. Students must budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. While tuition fees might be affordable, the overall cost of living can sometimes stretch a student’s budget.
Additionally, living in big cities such as Tbilisi can be more expensive than smaller towns, which adds to financial challenges for students from middle-class families.
4. FMGE/NExT Exam Requirement
For Indian students, completing MBBS in Georgia is not the final step. To practice in India, graduates must clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) or the upcoming NExT (National Exit Test).
The passing percentage in FMGE has historically been low, which means many students face difficulties in obtaining a license to practice in India. Without dedicated preparation, students may struggle to clear the exam despite completing their MBBS degree.
5. Cultural and Social Adjustment
Moving to Georgia means adapting to an entirely new culture, food habits, traditions, and lifestyle. For many Indian students, the cultural shift can be overwhelming at first. The local cuisine, social practices, and climate differ significantly from India.
While Georgia is known for being safe and welcoming, some students experience homesickness, loneliness, or difficulty in adjusting to their new environment. This can affect their mental well-being and, in turn, their academic performance.
6. Limited Clinical Exposure in Early Years
In some Georgian universities, practical exposure to patients and clinical training starts only in the later years of the MBBS program. For the first few years, students mostly focus on theory. Compared to Indian medical colleges, where students get clinical exposure early on, this delay can make a difference in overall learning and skill-building.
Since hands-on practice is vital in medicine, this aspect can be a disadvantage for students looking for more practical experience throughout the course.
7. Recognition Issues for Postgraduate Studies
If students wish to pursue postgraduate medical education in countries like the USA, UK, or Canada, they may face hurdles. While it is possible, MBBS graduates from Georgia often need to take additional qualifying exams such as USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK).
Competition for postgraduate seats is tough, and not all Georgian universities are equally valued by international residency programs. This can limit career prospects in countries outside Georgia and India.
8. Limited Job Opportunities in Georgia
Students who think about staying back in Georgia after graduation should be aware that the job market for foreign medical graduates is not very strong. Most Georgian hospitals prefer hiring local graduates. For international students, securing a job in Georgia as a doctor can be difficult unless they acquire advanced qualifications or postgraduate degrees.
Therefore, the main purpose of studying MBBS in Georgia remains to either return to India or explore opportunities in other countries.
9. Harsh Winters
Georgia experiences cold winters, particularly in regions outside the capital. Students who are not accustomed to such weather conditions may struggle initially. Harsh winters can impact health, travel, and daily routines, especially for students from warmer parts of India.
10. Quality Variation Among Universities
Not all universities in Georgia offer the same standard of education. Some universities are highly reputed with strong infrastructure, while others may lack proper facilities, qualified faculty, or international exposure. Without careful research, students risk enrolling in low-ranked institutions that may not provide quality medical education.
Conclusion
Studying MBBS in Georgia for Indian students undoubtedly offers many benefits like affordable tuition, international exposure, and recognized degrees. However, the disadvantages—such as language barriers, FMGE/NExT challenges, cultural adjustments, and varying quality of education—cannot be ignored.
For Indian students, it is crucial to choose universities wisely, prepare for licensing exams in advance, and have realistic expectations about career prospects. Ultimately, MBBS in Georgia can be a good option, but only for students who are ready to face these challenges with preparation and determination.
✅ Tip for Students: Before finalizing a university in Georgia, check its recognition status with NMC, research alumni success stories, and compare its global ranking to avoid future setbacks.