Is Georgian American University Good for MBBS?

Author : chhotelal kumar | Published On : 04 Aug 2026

Choosing the right medical university abroad is one of the most important decisions for an Indian student. Georgia has become a popular destination because of its English-medium medical programmes, European-style education system and comparatively transparent admission process.

Among the universities considered by international students is Georgian American University, commonly known as GAU. But is Georgian American University good for MBBS, especially for Indian students?

The answer is yes, GAU can be a suitable option, particularly for students looking for an English-medium, six-year medical programme in Tbilisi. However, students must carefully examine the university’s clinical training, internship structure, total expenses and compliance with the latest National Medical Commission regulations before taking admission.

Georgian American University: Quick Overview

Particular	Details
University name	Georgian American University
Common abbreviation	GAU
Location	Tbilisi, Georgia
University type	Private
Medical programme	Undergraduate Medical Doctor programme
Duration	6 years
Academic credits	360 ECTS
Medium of instruction	English
Medical school established	2017
Published tuition fee for 2026–27	USD 6,480 per year
Published total tuition	USD 38,880
World Directory status	Listed
Suitable for Indian students	Yes, subject to NMC compliance

GAU’s Medical School was established in 2017. It offers a six-year Undergraduate Medical Doctor programme consisting of 360 ECTS credits. Although Indian students commonly refer to the course as “MBBS in Georgia,” the qualification awarded is officially called an MD or Medical Doctor degree.

Is Georgian American University Good for MBBS?

Georgian American University can be considered a good medical university for students who want:

• A six-year English-medium medical course
• An integrated curriculum combining theory and clinical education
• Medical simulation and problem-based learning
• A university located in Tbilisi
• Opportunities to participate in medical research
• A multicultural student environment

However, GAU is a relatively young medical school compared with older Georgian institutions. Therefore, applicants should not select it only on the basis of infrastructure, advertisements or admission convenience. The quality and duration of clinical rotations, internship arrangements and licensing eligibility should receive equal attention.

1. Six-Year Medical Programme

The Undergraduate Medical Doctor programme at Georgian American University has a duration of six years and requires students to complete 360 ECTS credits. Students generally earn 60 credits during each academic year.

The curriculum integrates basic medical sciences with clinical learning. Subjects are not taught entirely in isolation; the programme uses horizontal and vertical integration to connect foundational knowledge with clinical applications.

This structure can help students understand how subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and internal medicine are connected in actual patient care.

2. English-Medium Education

GAU offers its Undergraduate Medical Doctor programme in English for international students. This is particularly important for Indian applicants because the NMC’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations require the medium of instruction for an eligible foreign medical qualification to be English.

Students must remember that an English-medium programme does not remove the need to learn some Georgian. During clinical rotations, knowledge of the local language can help students communicate with patients, understand case histories and participate more confidently in hospital-based training.

Before admission, applicants should ask how medical Georgian is taught and how the university supports international students during patient interaction.

3. Integrated and Practical Curriculum

One of the positive features of GAU’s programme is its combination of theoretical study, clinical experience and independent research. The curriculum is designed to gradually increase students’ exposure to clinical subjects and practical learning.

GAU’s published programme information also describes the use of:

• Problem-based learning
• Virtual dissection
• Clinical case scenarios
• High-fidelity medical mannequins
• Simulation-based learning

Students may use virtual dissection for anatomy and practise clinical scenarios through simulation exercises. Problem-based learning is also included in the curriculum from the earlier years of the programme.

Simulation is valuable because students can practise procedures, decision-making and emergency responses in a controlled environment before dealing with real patients.

4. Medical Research Opportunities

Georgian American University has a Biomedical Research Center within its School of Medicine. The centre conducts research in medicine and healthcare and provides opportunities for medical students to participate under faculty supervision.

Research exposure can benefit students who plan to:

• Apply for postgraduate medical programmes
• Prepare academic publications
• Participate in international conferences
• Build a stronger academic profile
• Pursue research-oriented medical careers

However, research facilities should not be confused with clinical exposure. Students must separately examine the hospitals used for clinical rotations, the number of patients available and the amount of direct clinical participation permitted.

5. Location in Tbilisi

GAU is located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Studying in a capital city may provide access to a broader urban environment, healthcare institutions, transportation facilities and a larger international student population.

The university reports that its international community includes students from India and several other countries. It also maintains an International Student Admission Office to assist applicants with enrolment procedures and document processing.

At the same time, living in Tbilisi may be more expensive than studying in a smaller Georgian city. Students should calculate rent or hostel expenses, food, transportation, insurance, residence-permit costs and personal expenditure before finalising their budget.

Georgian American University MBBS Fees

For the 2026–27 academic year, the university publishes the following tuition structure for its Undergraduate Medical Doctor programme:

Fee component	Published amount
Annual tuition fee	USD 6,480
Course duration	6 years
Total published tuition	USD 38,880

These are the university’s published tuition figures and may not include accommodation, food, health insurance, visa or residence-related costs, travel, documentation, examination charges and personal expenses. Students should obtain a complete written fee structure directly from the university before paying any amount.

Exchange-rate fluctuations can also affect the final cost for Indian families. A fee quoted in Indian rupees by an admission representative may change if the university collects payment in US dollars.

Is Georgian American University Recognised?

Georgian American University appears in the World Directory of Medical Schools, where it is listed as a private and currently operational institution in Tbilisi. Its medical instruction is recorded as having started in 2018.

However, students must understand an important distinction:

A World Directory listing does not automatically mean that a medical university is approved, accredited or endorsed for medical practice in every country. The World Directory itself states that inclusion does not represent recognition or endorsement by the directory, WFME or FAIMER.

Recognition for medical practice depends on the laws and licensing requirements of the country where the graduate wants to work.

Is Georgian American University NMC Approved?

The phrase “NMC-approved foreign university” is often used in marketing, but Indian students should focus on whether the entire course structure complies with the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations.

For students admitted under the current regulations, major requirements include:

• At least 54 months of medical education
• Completion of the course in a single institution
• A minimum 12-month internship at the same foreign medical institution
• English as the medium of instruction
• Study of all required medical subjects
• Clinical training that is not divided across different countries
• Eligibility to obtain registration or a licence to practise medicine in the country where the degree is awarded

The NMC has repeatedly advised students to verify these conditions before joining a foreign medical university.

Therefore, Indian applicants considering GAU should obtain written confirmation about:

1.The exact duration of classroom and clinical education

2.Whether the sixth year includes a compliant 12-month internship

3.Where the internship is completed

4.Whether the graduate becomes eligible for medical registration in Georgia

5.Whether the complete clinical training takes place in Georgia

6.Whether all NMC-mandated subjects are included

7.What degree and internship documents are issued after graduation

Students should not rely only on verbal assurances from a counsellor or admission representative.

NEET Requirement for Indian Students

Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India who join a foreign undergraduate medical programme and later wish to practise in India must qualify NEET according to the applicable eligibility rules.

For candidates joining a foreign medical college on or after June 5, 2019, the NMC states that a valid NEET result serves as the eligibility certificate.

Apart from NEET, students must meet the applicable Class 12 requirements and the university’s own admission conditions. GAU’s international admission process includes verification, translation and recognition of the applicant’s educational documents through Georgia’s National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement.

Advantages of Studying Medicine at GAU

English-medium programme

The medical course is available in English, making it more accessible to Indian and other international students.

Six-year curriculum

The published duration and 360-credit structure provide a defined academic pathway.

Modern teaching methods

Virtual anatomy, high-fidelity simulation and problem-based learning can make medical education more interactive.

Research environment

Medical students may participate in projects through the university’s Biomedical Research Center.

Capital-city location

Being in Tbilisi may give students access to a larger international community and wider city facilities.

International student support

GAU has a dedicated office that assists foreign applicants with admission and enrolment procedures.

Transparent published tuition

The university publishes annual and total tuition figures for its international programmes.

Disadvantages of Georgian American University

Relatively new medical school

GAU’s Medical School was established in 2017. It does not have the same long medical history as some of Georgia’s older universities.

Private-university tuition

At USD 6,480 per year, the tuition may be higher than the fees charged by some universities in lower-cost MBBS-abroad destinations.

Clinical exposure must be independently checked

Modern classrooms and simulation laboratories are useful, but they cannot replace regular contact with real patients. Applicants should verify hospital affiliations, patient flow and clinical responsibilities.

Local-language barrier

Even when the course is taught in English, students may need Georgian to communicate effectively with patients during hospital rotations.

Licensing examination preparation

A foreign medical degree does not provide automatic permission to practise in India. Students must satisfy the licensing, examination, registration and internship rules applicable when they graduate.

Total cost is higher than tuition alone

Accommodation, food, travel, insurance, documentation and personal expenses can significantly increase the overall budget.

Who Should Consider GAU?

Georgian American University may be suitable for students who:

• Want to study medicine in Tbilisi
• Prefer an English-medium programme
• Are comfortable with private-university tuition
• Appreciate simulation and integrated learning
• Are prepared to learn basic Georgian
• Understand that licensing-exam preparation requires independent effort
• Have verified the course and internship against NMC regulations

Who Should Look at Other Universities?

Students may want to compare other options when they:

• Prefer a university with a much longer medical history
• Need a lower tuition budget
• Want a university-owned teaching hospital
• Require extensive Indian licensing-exam coaching
• Have not received clear written information about clinical rotations
• Cannot confirm the internship’s compliance with NMC requirements

Final Verdict: Is Georgian American University Worth It?

Georgian American University can be a good option for studying medicine in Georgia, but it should be selected after proper verification rather than solely because admission appears easy.

Its main advantages include a six-year English-medium MD programme, integrated curriculum, medical simulation, research opportunities and a location in Tbilisi. The university also publishes a clear tuition fee of USD 6,480 per year for the 2026–27 academic year.

Its comparatively young medical school, private tuition and the need to verify clinical exposure and internship compliance are the major considerations.

MBBS in Georgia for an Indian student, the most important question is not simply, “Is Georgian American University good for MBBS?” The better question is:

Does the programme, internship and licensing pathway meet my long-term career requirements?

Students should compare GAU with other Georgian medical universities, examine hospital training, speak with currently enrolled students and receive written clarification regarding the internship before paying the admission fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgian American University good for Indian students?

Yes, it may be suitable for Indian students looking for an English-medium medical programme in Tbilisi. Students must independently verify its clinical training and NMC compliance.

What degree does GAU award?

GAU awards an Undergraduate Medical Doctor or MD degree. “MBBS” is the term commonly used by Indian students when discussing equivalent undergraduate medical programmes abroad.

How long is the medical programme at GAU?

The programme is six years long and consists of 360 ECTS credits.

What is the tuition fee at Georgian American University?

For the 2026–27 academic year, GAU publishes an annual tuition fee of USD 6,480 and a total tuition amount of USD 38,880 for the six-year programme.

Is Georgian American University listed in WDOMS?

Yes, Georgian American University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. However, a WDOMS listing should not be interpreted as automatic approval for medical practice in every country.

Is NEET compulsory for admission?

Indian students planning to return and practise medicine in India must qualify NEET according to the applicable NMC eligibility requirements.

Can GAU graduates practise in India?

Graduates may pursue registration in India only after satisfying all applicable NMC conditions, including course and internship requirements and the licensing or screening process in force at the time of graduation.

Does GAU provide an English-medium medical course?

Yes. The Undergraduate Medical Doctor programme offered to international students is taught in English.

Is Georgian necessary while studying at GAU?

The academic programme is in English, but learning Georgian can be important for communicating with local patients during clinical rotations.

Should I choose Georgian American University?