Thousands of Indians students every year study MBBS in abroad as they have a dream of becoming a doctor. The seats are few, and the tuition in the private Indian colleges is just too high, and students have been opting for the international colleges, where they get a medical degree that is internationally recognized at a very affordable fee. Russia and Georgia are two common nations that hit this list.
When considering the two options, however, there are two factors that many students and parents consider very important, which are: The cost of tuition and the cost of living.
Overview: MBBS in Russia vs. Georgia
Russia and Georgia are the top choices of Indian students who study medicine. They provide English language-based courses, host some of the numerous universities recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission), and the admission processes are relatively easy in comparison to India.
Russia—It has been an established and traditional option for MBBS abroad since the 1990s. The Russian medical universities are openly funded by the government, and there are quite a number of them that are listed under the WHO and ECFMG.
Georgia – Became popular over the past ten years because of the European curriculum, English-only programs in Georgia, and higher percentages of passing FMGE in few students.
Tuition Fees Comparison
MBBS Tuition in Russia: The tuition fees depend on the university levels; however, they range between USD $3,000 and USD $6,000 per annum, which is 2.5-5 lakhs per annum in Indian rupees.
The MBBS course will be 6 years (5 years of course work + 1 year internship).
⇒ Top Russian Universities:
- Kazan Federal University
- Bashkir State Medical University
MBBS Tuition in Georgia
Georgian university fee ranges between 3.3 or 5.8 lakhs INR yearly.
It is about 6-year course (5-year academics and 1-year clinical internship, NMC compliant).
⇒ Top Georgian Universities:
- Tbilisi State Medical University
- Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
⇒ Final Verdict
Russia is a bit ahead of Georgia by offering a cheaper rate of average tuitions fees, but Georgia has been more flexible, offering entirely English program, and more transparent system of fees.
Cost of Living Comparison
⇒ Russia – Monthly Living Expenses (Approx.):
- Hostel accommodation: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
- Food (self-cooked or Indian mess): ₹6,000 – ₹10,000
- Transport & Internet: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
- Total Monthly Cost: ₹18,000 – ₹28,000
- Yearly Estimate: ₹2 – ₹3.2 lakhs
⇒ Georgia – Monthly Living Expenses (Approx.):
- Hostel accommodation: ₹10,000 – ₹14,000
- Food: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
- Transport & Internet: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
- Total Monthly Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000
- Yearly Estimate: ₹2.4 – ₹3.6 lakhs
⇒ Final Verdict:
In comparison, Russia is slightly cheaper than Georgia in terms of monthly spending mostly in those cities outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. Nevertheless, Georgia will be more convenient when getting Indian food, as well as a friendlier environment towards students in such cities as Tbilisi or Batumi.
Medium of Instruction & Language Barrier
⇒ Russia:
- Numerous universities provide bilingual courses (first several years English-first, then Russian).
- Russian language learning begins in Year 2 (in order to interact with the hospital).
- A language barrier may exist during clinical rotations.
⇒ Georgia:
- A high percentage of the NMC- recognized universities have 100 percent of their programs in English.
- There is no need to know the local language, and it is useful to learn the basic Georgian.
- More convenient studying to Indian students.
⇒ Final Verdict:
Georgia should win in this case particularly when a student wants to pursue a purely English-taught curriculum and should not learn Russian to study the clinical practice in some other country.
Visa, Travel & Safety
Visa Process
⇒ Russia: Needs the invitation letter for the visa; the visa is valid for one year and is renewable. The process may take 4 to 6 weeks.
⇒ Georgia: Simple and quicker visa procedures; high visa issuance rate among Indian students.
Flights and Accessibility
⇒ Russia: Direct flights are available, but they are expensive compared to Georgia (35,000-50,000).
⇒ Georgia: Domestic long-haul connections to Tbilisi are cheap, provided they are booked in advance (25000-40000).
Safety
Both of the countries are more or less safe; however, Georgia has a lower crime rate and is more student-friendly.
Final Verdict:
Georgia has a hassle-free visa system, a safe campus, and a friendlier environment where Indian students can settle.
Cultural Adaptation and Student Comfort
In Russia there is cold climate to get used to, Cyrillic language and cultural difference. Not every city will have a large student population of Indians.
The environment is even more hospitable in Georgia, there is the appropriate weather, availability of Indian food and and there is a rapidly increasing numbers of Indian students.
Final Verdict:
Visiting Georgia provides the Indian students with an easier cultural experience particularly those who are visiting the country as first time international travelers.
Final Thought
In case you are primarily looking to save money, then Russia can be a minor winner in tuition costs and accommodation costs.
However, in the case of candidates who value English-medium learning, easy preparation for FMGE/NEXT, better compliance with NMC requirements, and a culturally familiar climate, Georgia would be a better choice in the long term.
Georgia is becoming the most preferred country to pursue MBBS abroad because it provides excellent balance of cost, quality, and employment after graduation to the passionate Indian students.