Studying medicine abroad is a dream for many aspiring doctors in India, especially when medical seats in home country become limited and competition becomes fierce. Among the popular international destinations, Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)–Georgia’s oldest and most prestigious medical university–stands out as an affordable and quality choice for MBBS aspirants. But what does it really cost to study there? Let’s break it down comprehensively for Indian students planning this journey.

1. Tuition Fees: The Core Expense

The most significant part of your MBBS in Georgia budget is the tuition fee.

·       At TSMU, the annual tuition fee for the MBBS program is approximately USD 8,000 per year, which translates roughly into ₹6–7 lakh per year depending on current exchange rates.

·       Since the MBBS program is 6 years long (5 years academic + 1 year internship), this results in roughly USD 48,000 or ₹35–40 lakh total tuition over the entire course.

Why is this appealing?
Compared to private medical colleges in India where fees can soar to ₹1 crore or more, TSMU offers one of the most cost-effective pathways to earning a globally recognized medical degree.

2. Accommodation & Hostel Costs

While tuition forms the base of the budget, accommodation is the next essential consideration.

Hostel / University-arranged Housing

TSMU offers both university-linked hostels and private hostel options arranged through agencies.

·       Annual hostel + mess fees can range from around USD 2,000 – 3,500 per year (about ₹1.8–2.6 lakh depending on amenities and type of hostel).

·       Shared rooms or basic hostel plans can help in cutting costs further.

Private Rental Apartments

Many students choose to live off-campus in shared apartments to reduce costs or opt for more privacy:

·       Rental flats near Tbilisi State Medical University typically cost between USD 150–250/month in rent.

·       Utilities, internet, and other bills add another USD 30–50/month or so.

Total Living (Accommodation + Utilities): Around USD 2,000 – 3,500 annually depending on lifestyle and sharing arrangements.

3. Cost of Living in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is known to be one of the more affordable European capitals for students. Apart from tuition and hostels, students must budget for daily life expenses such as food, transportation, and personal items.

Monthly Living Expenses

Estimated monthly costs include:

This translates into about USD 4,000 – 5,000 per year for living expenses outside of hostel costs.

4. Additional Academic & Administrative Expenses

While tuition and living cost are major components, don’t forget the following:

·       Medical Insurance: Often mandatory for international students and may cost roughly USD 200 – 500 per year.

·       Visa & Residence Permit Fees: Student visa processing and yearly permit renewals can add up to around USD 300 – 500 annually.

·       Study Materials & Books: Though not very heavy in cost, budget a few hundred dollars per year.

·       Travel (Airfare): Flights from India to Georgia and back generally cost between ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 one way depending on season and airline.

Adding these could add another ₹1–3 lakh over the span of 6 years.

5. Total Estimated Cost (6 Years)

Now, let’s bring all expenses together into a complete picture:

Conservative Budget Estimate

·       Tuition Fees (6 years): ₹35–40 lakh

·       Hostel & Accommodation: ₹10–16 lakh

·       Living Expenses: ₹12–18 lakh

·       Additional Charges (visa, insurance, travel): ₹2–3 lakh

👉 Total: ₹60–77 lakh (approx.) over 6 years

More Budget-Friendly Option

If you choose shared apartments, cook budget meals, and avoid premium services:

👉 Total: ₹45–55 lakh (approx.) over 6 years

These totals still compare favorably with the cost of private medical colleges in India and provide you with a globally recognised degree that’s valid for medical licensing exams worldwide.

6. Is It Worth It?

TSMU is widely recognized by bodies like WHO, NMC (India), FAIMER, and others, meaning graduates can appear for Indian FMGE/NExT exams or pursue USMLE and PLAB abroad.

Moreover:

·       No donation or capitation fees — which are common in Indian private colleges.

·       Courses are taught in English with strong clinical exposure.

·       Tbilisi has safe student-friendly infrastructure and multicultural environment.

These benefits combined make the cost of studying at TSMU a strong value proposition for international medical aspirants.

Conclusion

Going to Tbilisi State Medical University to pursue an MBBS degree is significantly more affordable than many alternatives worldwide. While it’s not “cheap” by everyday standards, the combination of competitive tuition, reasonable living costs, and international recognition makes it one of the most viable options for Indian students dreaming of becoming doctors. With careful planning and budgeting, your journey to TSMU can be both financially manageable and academically rewarding.