Studying in Georgia 2026: Universities in Tbilisi and Batumi, Costs
Georgia has become an increasingly popular destination for studying abroad in recent years, thanks to its proximity to Azerbaijan, low cost of living, and academic programs aligned with European standards. In particular, English-taught medical programs at universities in Tbilisi and Batumi attract international students.
MegaGroup has been operating in the field of overseas education since 2018, and during this time we have placed more than 1,000 students in over 200 universities. Georgia is one of these destinations, and in this guide we share with you all the details of studying in Georgia.
Why study in Georgia?
A journey of just a few hours from Baku to Tbilisi, low living costs, and medical universities recognized by ECFMG make Georgia attractive. The monthly cost of living in Tbilisi is approximately 300-500 dollars. Graduates can take the USMLE exam in the United States and complete clinical practice in Europe.
Georgia is a country with many advantages for Azerbaijani graduates considering studying abroad. First, the journey from Baku to Tbilisi takes only a few hours — whether by car or by plane. This keeps transportation costs to a minimum and allows students to visit their families frequently.
Second, the cost of living is significantly lower compared to other countries in the region. The monthly cost of living in Tbilisi (dormitory + food + transport) is approximately 300-500 dollars, and in Batumi it is somewhat lower. This makes Georgia an affordable choice, especially for middle-income families.
Third, and most importantly, Georgia's medical universities are recognized by ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). This means that graduates can take the USMLE exam in the United States and complete clinical practice in Europe.
What are the admission requirements for Georgian universities?
Most Georgian universities admit students based on their school certificate, without centralized exams. For medical programs, an additional entrance exam in biology and chemistry is sometimes required. The main documents are the certificate, passport, and photo; the process usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Most Georgian universities admit students based on their school certificate, without centralized exams. For medical programs, some universities may require an additional entrance exam (usually in biology and chemistry), but in many universities a simple document review or interview is sufficient.
The main documents required are: a secondary school certificate (with a notarized translation), passport, photo, and in some cases a motivation letter. The entire process usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Which universities are popular in Tbilisi and Batumi?
The most popular universities are Tbilisi State Medical University (annual tuition ~$4,000-6,000), European University Tbilisi (~$3,500-5,000), AIETI Medical School, Caucasus University, Tbilisi State University, and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. TSMU is the oldest and most prestigious medical university in Georgia.
The most popular universities in Georgia for international students are:
- ✦Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) — the oldest and most prestigious medical university in Georgia. A 6-year English-taught general medicine program. Annual tuition: ~$4,000-6,000.
- ✦European University Tbilisi — English-taught medical program, modern campus. Annual tuition: ~$3,500-5,000.
- ✦AIETI Medical School — affiliated with TSMU, high-quality medical education. Annual tuition: ~$4,000-5,500.
- ✦Caucasus University — strong programs in business, law, and IT. Annual tuition: ~$3,000-4,500.
- ✦Tbilisi State University — the largest classical university in Georgia, a wide choice of majors.
- ✦Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University — located in Batumi, more affordable living, medical and humanities programs.
Why is medical education in Georgia so popular?
Instruction is fully in English, diplomas are recognized by ECFMG, and tuition is lower compared to Western Europe. The general medicine program lasts 6 years, and graduates are awarded an MD degree. Graduates can take licensing exams in the United States (USMLE), the United Kingdom (PLAB), and across Europe.
Medical education in Georgia has become one of the most chosen paths among Azerbaijani students in recent years. There are several reasons for this:
First, instruction is fully in English — making it accessible to international students and opening up global career opportunities for graduates. Second, thanks to ECFMG recognition, graduates can take licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and in European countries. Third, tuition is significantly lower compared to Western Europe and the United States.
The medical program lasts 6 years, and graduates are awarded an MD (Medical Doctor) degree. The final 2 years of clinical practice take place in Georgia's leading hospitals.
How much does it cost to study and live in Georgia?
The total monthly cost of living in Tbilisi is 280-495 dollars, and in Batumi 210-415 dollars. Dormitory or rent in Tbilisi is 150-300 dollars, food is 100-150 dollars, and transport is 10-15 dollars. Batumi is generally somewhat cheaper than Tbilisi.
The costs of studying and living in Georgia are at an average level compared to other countries in the region:
| Expense category | Tbilisi (monthly) | Batumi (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory / rented apartment | $150-300 | $100-250 |
| Food | $100-150 | $80-120 |
| Transport (metro, bus) | $10-15 | $10-15 |
| Insurance and other | $20-30 | $20-30 |
| Total monthly living | $280-495 | $210-415 |
How do I get a student visa and registration in Georgia?
Citizens of Azerbaijan enjoy a visa-free regime for up to 1 year, but for student status you must obtain a residence permit based on the university's admission letter. MegaGroup provides full support from document preparation to obtaining the residence permit.
For citizens of Azerbaijan, a visa-free regime applies for short-term trips to Georgia (up to 1 year). However, to register as a student, you must obtain a residence permit in Georgia based on the university's admission letter.
MegaGroup provides you with full support throughout this process — from document preparation to obtaining the residence permit.
Where is a Georgian university diploma recognized?
Diplomas from Georgian universities are recognized and can be equated in Azerbaijan. Diplomas from medical universities, since they are listed by ECFMG/WFME, are also recognized in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other European countries.
Diplomas from Georgian universities are recognized and can be equated in Azerbaijan. Diplomas from medical universities, since they are listed by ECFMG/WFME, are recognized in many countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other European countries.
What is student life like in Georgia?
Tbilisi and Batumi are comfortable cities for students: the internet is fast and cheap, public transport is well-developed, and food is diverse and inexpensive. Tbilisi is chosen for its historic architecture and nightlife, while Batumi is a seaside resort city. A large Azerbaijani diaspora makes adaptation easier.
Tbilisi and Batumi are comfortable and convenient cities for students. The internet is fast and inexpensive, public transport is well-developed, and food is diverse and affordable. Tbilisi is famous for its historic architecture and nightlife, while Batumi is known as a seaside resort city.
The Azerbaijani diaspora in Georgia is large, and thanks to the Azerbaijani-speaking community, the adaptation process goes smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
MegaGroup's team of education consultants has placed 1000+ Azerbaijani students into 200+ universities across Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Poland since 2018. These guides are written from hands-on placement experience, university requirements, and real cost data.
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