Almost 24 lakh aspirants appeared in the NEET 2024 exam to pursue MBBS in prestigious medical colleges in India. A huge number, right? However, only around 1 lakh aspirants will make it to admissions due to the limited number of seats. The situation is particularly dire for Indian aspirants as a large number of medical seats are in South India, and a big chunk of these seats are reserved for respective states. Those who are not able to get a seat will either reattempt next year or abandon their dream of becoming a doctor altogether. The wise ones will consider heading to foreign medical colleges to fulfil their dream.
In recent years, Georgia, an Eastern European country, has become a popular destination for Indian aspirants looking to pursue MBBS. But why is Georgia becoming a hotspot among Indian MBBS aspirants? Is it about the ease of admission or affordability? Let's find out why Georgia is a better option than some Indian medical colleges for studying MBBS.
Quality Of Education
MBBS is not just about rote learning and passing exams with flying colours, it is about getting practical knowledge. An MBBS graduate will ultimately save lives through surgeries and medications. One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a medical college is the quality of education. Georgian medical colleges have gained recognition for their rigorous academic programs and modern teaching methodologies.
Georgia has universities like Avicenna - Batumi Medical University and BAU International University, which are accredited by international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Medical Commission of India (NMC), the Medical Council of India (MCI), FAIMER, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This accreditation ensures that their medical programs meet global standards and facilitates easier recognition of degrees in other countries, including India. After completing the MBBS degree from Georgia, the students have to pass the FMGE exam in India to practice medicine and gain employment in hospitals.
Moreover, Georgian universities employ highly qualified faculty members with numerous years of experience in their respective medical fields. Many professors have studied abroad, bringing international expertise to their teaching.
Hands-on training is essential for becoming a doctor. Following quality medical education standards, the curriculum in Georgian medical universities presses for practical training, allowing students to refine their surgical and diagnostic skills. They get internship opportunities in public hospitals to gain more experience. This approach prepares medical students for real-world challenges and enhances their clinical proficiencies.
Affordable Tuition Fee
The cost of pursuing an MBBS degree can be a big concern for students and their families. Aside from government medical colleges, private medical universities and colleges in India charge fees ranging from ₹25 to ₹50 lakh per year apart from donations. Due to the high tuition fee, becoming a doctor often feels like a distant dream for students who don’t get a seat in government colleges. Many students take education loans to pursue MBBS in private medical colleges. In contrast, the fees at Georgian medical universities range from ₹2.50 to ₹6 lakh per year, making it a financially viable option.
Also, the cost of living in Georgia is low compared to other foreign countries. Students can find affordable accommodation, food, and free transportation, allowing them to manage their expenses effectively while studying. Moreover, students are eligible for part-time employment to support their studies.
English Medium Programs
The language of MBBS courses in foreign countries can be a barrier to effective learning. In India, education from higher secondary to MBBS is primarily imparted in English. Some states are exceptions where the local language is used to teach MBBS courses. Fortunately, in Georgia, medical universities offer MBBS courses in English, alongside Georgian, which is its official language.
Also, international students are offered orientation programs at the beginning of the course, where they can learn the basics of the Georgian language to help with day-to-day activities. So, language is not a hurdle to pursuing your MBBS in Georgia.
Recognition And Global Opportunities
As previously mentioned, the MBBS courses in Georgia are recognised by various international bodies like WHO and NMC, which makes it easier for MBBS graduates to practice medicine globally. The recognition by international bodies facilitates graduates’ eligibility to take licensing exams in various countries around the globe.
Also, graduated students from Georgian medical universities can pursue further studies or specialisations anywhere in the world. This opens the path to a plethora of opportunities across different healthcare systems.
Safe And Welcoming Environment
Safety can be a concern when you are travelling to a foreign land for education. Fortunately, Georgia is one of the safest countries for foreign students. As per the International Crime Index, it is placed at number 20. That means it fosters a safe and welcoming environment for foreigners, especially students. No major crimes have been reported against international students in the recent past. So, when it comes to safety, Georgia is a better option for pursuing a medical degree.
Post Graduation Support
One of the best things about completing an MBBS degree from Georgia is the post-graduation support services for international students. Many Georgian medical universities provide guidance and assistance with job placements for graduates who are looking to start their careers. Also, students become part of an alumni network, which helps new graduates connect with professionals in the field. It helps them get job opportunities and mentorship.
Easy Admission Process
Getting admission to a medical college in India is a big challenge. First, an MBBS aspirant has to appear for the NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Exam) and then undergo counselling if they score within the top percentiles. Students must work extremely hard just to get shortlisted for counselling.
On the other hand, Georgian medical universities have simple admission criteria based on past academic performance rather than entrance exams. You can apply for admission online, and once your application is accepted, you can proceed to Georgia to pursue your MBBS.
Cultural Exposure
Georgia falls at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. MBBS students in Georgia can easily travel to many adjacent European countries to observe and learn more about their culture. This is also ideal for students who want to travel to new places. With this exposure, they bring a new perspective that can be highly beneficial to their medical careers.
MBBS In India VS Georgia: Which One Is Better?
India and Georgia offer MBBS courses with almost the same curriculum and quality, but many factors make Georgia a better choice for medical education. It offers a quality education at a very affordable fee, a safe environment for international students, and also facilitates post-graduation support for job placements. Moreover, MBBS students get exposure to diverse thoughts, cultures, foods, and languages, which enriches their perspectives on life. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your priorities and what suits you best.
If you want to head to Georgia for MBBS, you must undergo a proper documentation process and also apply for a student visa, which can be a bit tricky. If you are unfamiliar with the process, get assistance from the best MBBS consultants in North India, who will make the admission process hassle-free.