Study Abroad MBBS in Georgia vs MBBS in Russia: The Right Choice for Indian Students?

MBBS in Georgia vs MBBS in Russia: The Right Choice for Indian Students?

Study Abroad Team 24/06/2025

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In 2024, more than 17,000 Indian students travelled overseas to pursue their MBBS, out of which Georgia and Russia accounted for almost 42% of the admissions.

With increasing expenses and fewer seats in Indian medical colleges (just one seat for 16 NEET applicants), students have been driven to seek opportunities abroad. Both Georgia and Russia are in the top 10 countries to study MBBS abroad for their low tuition fee, NMC-approved universities, and quality education.

This blog provides a complete comparison of MBBS in Georgia vs MBBS in Russia on key factors such as fees, FMGE pass rate, medium of instruction, student life, safety, and so on — so that you can make the best decision according to your academic aspirations and future plans.

MBBS in Georgia – The Overview

MBBS in Georgia is gaining popularity due to its entirely English-medium education, European standards, and student-friendly culture. With over 5,000 Indian students undergoing medicine studies in Georgia, it has become a part of the top 3 European destinations for Indian medical students.

NMC-approved and world-recognised by bodies such as WHO, ECFMG, and FAIMER, most of the universities are. The MBBS duration is 6 years, including clinical internships in well-reputed hospitals.

Key Highlights

Duration of Course: 6 years (inclusive of internship)

Medium of Instruction: 100% English

Tuition Fee: ₹3.5 to ₹5 lakh per annum

Most Popular Universities: Tbilisi State Medical University, European University, University of Georgia

MBBS in Russia – The Overview

Russia has been a reliable destination for Indian students for the last 30 years, and there are over 15,000 Indian students studying in various medical universities. Its government-operated universities, low fees, and rich academic tradition make it a popular option.

Russian MBBS courses are 6 years long, but bilingual teaching (English + Russian) is the norm. Clinical rotations from the third year onward require students to learn Russian.

Key Highlights

Course Duration: 6 years (may or may not include internship)

Medium of Instruction: English + Russian

Tuition Fees: ₹2.5 to ₹5 lakh annually

Top Universities: Kazan Federal University, First Moscow State Medical University, Bashkir State Medical University

Comparison Table: MBBS in Georgia vs MBBS in Russia

Here's a side-by-side analysis of major factors that determine your choice to pursue MBBS abroad. From the duration of studies and fee structure to FMGE passing percentage and lifestyle, this table presents the main differences.

Feature	MBBS in Georgia	MBBS in Russia
Course Duration	6 years (including internship)	6 years (internship may not be included)
Medium of Instruction	100% English	English (initial) + Russian (clinical)
Total Cost (Approx.)	₹30 – ₹40 lakhs	₹25 – ₹35 lakhs
Living Expenses	₹25,000 – ₹35,000/month	₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month
FMGE Pass Rate	18% – 24%	12% – 16%
Climate	Moderate, student-friendly	Cold winters in most cities
Language Barrier	Low	High (particularly during clinical years)
Safety for Indians	High	Moderate to High (city-wise)

Cost of Studying MBBS: Georgia vs Russia

In India, pursuing MBBS from a private college may cost between ₹60 lakh and ₹1.2 crore, so most students opt for cheaper alternatives like Georgia and Russia.

In Georgia, the entire 6-year MBBS course will cost ₹30–₹40 lakh, including tuition fees, hostel, food, travel, and living expenses. The entire course is conducted in English, and students have greater comfort and care.

In Russia, the overall cost is around ₹25–₹35 lakh. Fee for studies is lower, but students might have to incur additional costs for learning Russian history and FMGE preparation since clinical training is conducted in Russian.

Academic Infrastructure & Reputation

Russian institutions such as Sechenov University (established in 1758) and Kazan Federal University carry a legacy of more than 100–250 years and global reputation.

Georgian universities, while younger (10–30 years old), emphasize small batch sizes, cutting-edge tools, and personalized attention, helpful to many Indian students.

If you like learning at old, research-oriented institutes that enjoy good academic reputations, Russia is the preferred option.

But if your concern is a more student-centred learning environment with smaller student-teacher groups, completely English-medium teaching, and simpler communication, then Georgia is a better place for your MBBS pursuit.

FMGE Pass Rate: Why Georgia Is Ahead

According to the National Board of Examinations (NBE), the FMGE pass rate from Georgian medical colleges is 18–24%, while Russia trails at 12–16%.

Why Georgia excels:

100% English-medium teaching

No language barrier during clinical training

NMC-aligned syllabus

In contrast, Russian students face challenges during hospital training due to language gaps, which affect concept clarity and exam preparation.

Student Life Abroad: Georgia vs Russia

Georgia offers a more comfortable lifestyle, especially for Indian students. English is commonly spoken, the climate is moderate (avg. 5°C to 25°C), and local cuisine and Indian food options are easily available.

In Russia, one has to adapt to very severe winters (up to -25°C). In rural towns, language can be a challenge in everyday communication. But Russia has much to offer in terms of culture and studies, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg cities.

Internship & Medical Licensing: What You Need to Know

In Georgia, internship is included in the 6-year course and is often recognized by the NMC, enabling students to directly appear for the FMGE at graduation.

In Russia, most universities do not include internship in the course. Post-clearance of FMGE, students need to undergo a 1-year internship in India before practicing.

Admission Process & Eligibility

Admission into both countries is easy and trouble-free. Students do not have to appear for extra entrance exams, but they need to be NEET qualified.

Basic Eligibility

Minimum 50% in PCB (General Category), 40% for Reserved

NEET Qualification Certificate

Age: Should be 17 years or above as on 31st December of admission year

Intakes

Georgia: February & September

Russia: September only

Strengths and Challenges – Georgia vs Russia

Why MBBS in Georgia?

100% English education throughout

FMGE pass rate of 18–24%

Contemporary syllabus as per European standards

Safer for Indian and female students

More individualized learning with fewer students per class

Challenges in Georgia

Faintly higher cost of living (₹25K–₹35K/month)

Fewer global rankings than Russia

Why MBBS in Russia?

Lower fees (₹2.5–₹5 lakh/year)

Home to top medical schools over 100 years old

Strong research and clinical training focus

Challenges in Russia

Bilingual teaching may limit clarity

FMGE pass rate lower than 16%

Difficult winters and potential cultural/language issues in rural regions

Final Thoughts: MBBS in Georgia or Russia?

If you want a completely English-medium MBBS, improved FMGE results, and a comfortable, secure lifestyle, Georgia is a good option — particularly for students who value student-centered learning.

But if you're willing to spend less, aren’t averse to acquiring a foreign language, and want to graduate from a world-renowned university, Russia may still be the ideal place.

Key Decision Factors

Budget: ₹25–₹40 lakhs

Language ease: English vs Russian

Career objective: FMGE/India vs global practice

It is important to decide wisely depending on your future medical career goals!

FAQs – MBBS in Russia vs MBBS in Georgia

1. Is MBBS from Russia or Georgia acceptable in India?
Yes, qualifications from both nations are recognized in India, as long as the university is NMC-approved. Once the course is finished, Indian students have to pass the FMGE to work in India. More than 6,000 students take this exam annually, so preparation is essential in becoming successful.

2. Which nation has a higher FMGE pass rate?
Georgia boasts a higher FMGE pass rate (18–24%) than Russia (12–16%). This is primarily because of improved clinical exposure and English-only teaching throughout the course.

3. Is the Russian language mandatory for MBBS?
Yes. Russian universities need students to acquire knowledge of Russian by the 2nd or 3rd year, particularly for hospital clinical practice, which is done mostly in Russian. Inadequacy of proficiency can affect clinical training and test preparation.

4. Which country's living costs are cheaper?
Russia is a bit cheaper to live in (₹15,000–₹25,000/month) compared to Georgia (₹25,000–₹35,000/month), but Georgia provides greater comfort, ease of communication, and Indian community presence. Living experience is normally rated higher by Indian students in Georgia.

5. Which country is safer for Indian students?
Georgia is one of the safest nations in Europe, particularly for women students. Georgia has a low crime rate, and international students find cities such as Tbilisi to be safe. Indian parents like Georgia because the country emphasises the safety of students and extends support services.

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