Asia / Europe · Georgian (English-taught programmes available)
Study in Georgia
Ultra-affordable tuition with internationally recognised degrees — especially medicine
University intakes
September (main); some February
Medicine degree recognition
Recognised by WHO, ECFMG, GMC (subject to exams)
Visa requirement
Visa-free for up to 1 year for most nationalities
Cost of living
Among the lowest in Europe/Asia for students
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Tbilisi airport
Direct flights from UAE, Kuwait, India, Pakistan
Overview: studying in Georgia
Georgia is a rapidly growing study destination, particularly known for its internationally recognised medical, dental, and pharmacy programmes offered at a fraction of the cost of equivalent degrees in Western countries. Georgian universities are licensed by the Georgian National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) and medical degrees are recognised by major global health bodies. Tbilisi is a welcoming, increasingly cosmopolitan city with very low living costs.
Pros and cons
Advantages of studying in Georgia
- ✓Very low tuition fees for internationally recognised medical and dental degrees
- ✓Visa-free entry for most nationalities — extremely simple initial process
- ✓Very low cost of living — one of the most affordable study destinations
- ✓Medical degrees recognised by GMC (UK), ECFMG (USA), and other global bodies (subject to passing licensing exams)
- ✓Safe, welcoming country with a growing expat and student community
- ✓Direct flights from Middle East and South Asian countries
Things to consider
- –No formal post-study work visa scheme
- –Limited job market in Georgia itself — most graduates leave after qualification
- –Georgian language is required for full integration
- –Medical graduates must still pass licensing exams (PLAB in UK, USMLE in USA, etc.) in their destination country
- –Not a well-known destination in some regions — may require explaining the degree to employers
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
₾2,000–₾8,000USD/yr
Per year. Medicine and dentistry at Georgian universities: typically $4,000–$8,000/year. Business, IT, and humanities: $2,000–$5,000/year. Fees are often quoted in USD.
Postgraduate / Master's
₾2,000–₾6,000USD/yr
Per year for most postgraduate programmes.
MBA (total programme)
₾5,000–₾15,000USD
Total programme cost for MBA at Georgian business schools.
Cost of living in Georgia
Estimated monthly costs — Tbilisi
₾400–₾700USD/month
Includes: Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal costs
Tbilisi is one of the most affordable capital cities in the world for students. Kutaisi and Batumi are even cheaper. Living costs in Georgia are exceptionally low compared to Europe, Australia, Canada, or the UK.
Georgia student visa: No visa required (for most countries) / Residence Permit for long stays
Processing time
Most nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 1 year
Key requirements:
Acceptance letter from a Georgian educational institution
Valid passport
Proof of sufficient funds
Students staying over 1 year must apply for a residence permit (temporary residence permit for study purpose)
Health insurance
Georgia allows visa-free entry for nationals of most countries for up to 365 days. This makes the initial entry process very straightforward. Long-stay students apply for a residence permit. Always verify current rules with the Georgian Embassy or Ministry of Internal Affairs.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic
5.0–6.0 for English-taught programmes
TOEFL iBT
55–80 iBT depending on institution
Exemptions
Many Georgian universities offer their own English proficiency tests. English-taught programmes are widely available, particularly in medicine, business, and IT.
Requirements are generally lower than other major study destinations. Some Georgian universities accept students with limited formal English test results and provide intensive English preparation semesters.
Work rights
During study
Students can work in Georgia — there are no specific restrictions for students holding a residence permit
After graduation
No structured post-study work visa scheme. Graduates wishing to work in Georgia can apply for a work permit/residence permit. Most medical graduates return home to practise.
Georgia does not have a formal post-study work visa scheme like the UK Graduate Route or Canada's PGWP. However, the country's visa-free entry policy makes initial study very accessible.
Top student cities in Georgia
Tbilisi
Capital city, most universities, growing expat community, best amenities
Kutaisi
Second city, Kutaisi Free University, more affordable
Batumi
Black Sea coastal city, Beach Medical University, resort lifestyle
Popular subjects
Practical information
Medical degree recognition
Georgian medical universities are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and graduates are eligible to sit the PLAB exam (UK), USMLE (USA), and other licensing exams in their respective countries. Recognition does not mean automatic licence to practise — graduates must pass the required exams in their destination country. Always verify current recognition status with your intended country's medical regulatory body before enrolling.
Accommodation
Most universities offer dormitory accommodation or help arrange private rentals. Tbilisi is very affordable — a furnished private apartment can cost $300–$500/month, and shared accommodation is even cheaper. The city has a growing international community.
How to apply to study in Georgia
Research Georgian universities and programmes — many are listed on NCEQE database (eqe.ge)
Apply directly to your chosen university
Receive acceptance/admission letter
Obtain a visa if required (most nationalities enter visa-free)
Travel to Georgia and enrol at university
Apply for a temporary residence permit if staying beyond your visa-free period
Register at your local Civil Registry Agency
Scholarships for international students in Georgia
Georgian Government One Step Ahead Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships for outstanding Georgian and international students
Eligibility: Check the Georgian Ministry of Education for current availability.
Visit official website →University merit awards
Several Georgian universities offer tuition discounts or merit scholarships for high-achieving international students
Eligibility: Varies by institution. Check individual university websites.
Visit official website →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Georgia?
Undergraduate tuition typically ranges ₾2,000–₾8,000 USD per year. Per year. Medicine and dentistry at Georgian universities: typically $4,000–$8,000/year. Business, IT, and humanities: $2,000–$5,000/year. Fees are often quoted in USD.
What is the visa process for studying in Georgia?
You will need a No visa required (for most countries) / Residence Permit for long stays. Processing typically takes Most nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 1 year. Key requirements include: Acceptance letter from a Georgian educational institution; Valid passport; Proof of sufficient funds. Georgia allows visa-free entry for nationals of most countries for up to 365 days. This makes the initial entry process very straightforward. Long-stay students apply for a residence permit. Always verify current rules with the Georgian Embassy or Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Can I work while studying in Georgia?
Students can work in Georgia — there are no specific restrictions for students holding a residence permit
What are the post-study work options in Georgia?
No structured post-study work visa scheme. Graduates wishing to work in Georgia can apply for a work permit/residence permit. Most medical graduates return home to practise.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Georgia?
5.0–6.0 for English-taught programmes. Requirements are generally lower than other major study destinations. Some Georgian universities accept students with limited formal English test results and provide intensive English preparation semesters.
Also considering the UK?
The UK has 3-year degrees, a 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route), and 90+ universities. Co Lab Education returns 50%+ of agent commission back to you as an education grant.