Quick Summary
- ✅ Visa type: D5 Student Visa — required for Indians & Bangladeshis studying in Georgia.
- ✅ No IELTS/NEET required — Georgia has no minimum language test score for MBBS admission or visa.
- ✅ Processing time: 10–20 working days at Georgian Embassy.
- ✅ Residence permit: Must apply within 30 days of arrival at House of Justice.
- ✅ Low cost: Total visa + permit costs under INR 20,000 — one of the cheapest globally.
- ✅ NMC-approved universities: Tbilisi State Medical University, David Tvildiani, Batumi Shota Rustaveli — all recognized for FMGE.
Why India & Bangladesh Students Are Choosing Georgia for MBBS
Georgia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing MBBS destinations for South Asian students. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it offers European-standard medical education at fees comparable to Russia and Philippines — with an exceptionally straightforward student visa process.
No IELTS
Required for admission or visa
~₹20–30L
Total MBBS cost (6 years)
6 Years
MBBS program duration
NMC Listed
All major universities recognized
Georgian medical universities follow the Bologna system and are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, allowing graduates to appear for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and practice in India. For Bangladeshi students, Georgia is recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC).
Understanding the Georgia Student Visa (D5 Category)
Georgia issues long-stay visas under the "D" category. Students fall under the D5 — Education category. Here's what you need to know about this visa:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Category | D5 — Education / Student |
| Validity | Typically 1 year (renewable via residence permit) |
| Entry Type | Single-entry (converted to residence permit after arrival) |
| Issued By | Embassy of Georgia in New Delhi / Consulate in Dhaka |
| Processing Time | 10–20 working days |
| Application Fee | Approximately USD 20–50 |
| Language Requirement | None — no IELTS/TOEFL required |
| Key Condition | Must apply for Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival |
NMC-Recognized Georgian Medical Universities
Only study at universities recognized by the National Medical Commission (India) and BMDC (Bangladesh). Admission to a non-recognized institution means your degree will not be valid for licensing in India or Bangladesh. The following are the major NMC-listed Georgian medical universities Band9 works with:
| University | City | Annual Fees (USD) | NMC Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) | Tbilisi | USD 4,500–5,500 | Recognized |
| David Tvildiani Medical University (AIETI) | Tbilisi | USD 5,000–6,000 | Recognized |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | Batumi | USD 4,000–5,000 | Recognized |
| University of Georgia (Medical School) | Tbilisi | USD 5,500–6,500 | Recognized |
| New Vision University | Tbilisi | USD 5,000–6,000 | Recognized |
| Teaching University Geomedi | Tbilisi | USD 4,500–5,500 | Recognized |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change. Contact Band9 for current verified fee structures before making a decision.
Complete Document Checklist for Georgia Student Visa
Prepare all documents carefully before visiting the embassy. Missing or improperly attested documents are the most common cause of delays and refusals.
📋 Core Documents
- ☐ Valid passport (min. 1 year validity beyond course start)
- ☐ Official admission/enrollment letter from Georgian university
- ☐ Completed D5 visa application form (signed)
- ☐ 2 recent passport-size photographs (white background)
- ☐ Visa application fee payment receipt
🎓 Academic Documents
- ☐ 10th/SSC marksheet & certificate (attested)
- ☐ 12th/HSC marksheet & certificate with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (attested)
- ☐ NEET scorecard (required for Indian students per NMC guidelines)
- ☐ Transfer certificate (if applicable)
- ☐ Gap year certificate (if applicable, notarized)
💰 Financial Documents
- ☐ Bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing sufficient funds
- ☐ Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
- ☐ Sponsor declaration letter (parent/guardian)
- ☐ Sponsor's bank statements and income proof
- ☐ First year tuition fee payment receipt (from university)
🏥 Medical & Other
- ☐ Medical fitness certificate from registered doctor
- ☐ HIV test report (negative, from accredited lab)
- ☐ Vaccination certificate (Hepatitis B recommended)
- ☐ Travel insurance (covering medical for initial period)
- ☐ Police clearance certificate (state/national)
⚠️ Document Attestation Requirement
All academic certificates must be attested in the following order: School/Board → State Education Department → Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) → Georgian Embassy. Do not skip any step. Embassy-submitted documents without proper attestation chain will be rejected. Band9 guides you through the full apostille and attestation process.
Step-by-Step Georgia Student Visa Application Process
Secure Admission at an NMC-Recognized University
Apply to a recognized Georgian medical university. Receive your official admission/enrollment letter. This is the anchor document for your visa — do not apply without it. Band9 assists with shortlisting and application.
Pay First Year Tuition & Get Payment Receipt
Most Georgian universities require first-year tuition payment (or at least a deposit) before issuing the formal enrollment letter used for the visa. Keep the official payment receipt — it is required for the visa application.
Gather & Attest All Documents
Compile the complete document checklist. Get academic certificates attested through the Board → MEA → Georgian Embassy chain. Arrange financial documents, medical certificate, and police clearance. This step typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Book Appointment at Georgian Embassy
Indian students apply at the Embassy of Georgia in New Delhi. Bangladeshi students apply at the Georgian Embassy in Dhaka or through an authorized visa service. Book your appointment well in advance — slots fill up quickly during admission season (July–September).
Submit Application at Embassy
Attend your appointment with all original documents and copies. Submit the completed D5 visa application form. Pay the visa fee. The officer may ask about your program, financial support, or future plans — answer clearly and confidently.
Collect Visa & Travel to Georgia
Visa processing takes 10–20 working days. Once approved, collect your passport. Book your flight. Arrive in Georgia before or on the course start date mentioned in your enrollment letter.
Apply for Residence Permit Within 30 Days of Arrival
After arriving in Georgia, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (student category) at the Public Service Hall (House of Justice) within 30 days. Bring your passport, enrollment letter, accommodation proof, and application form. Your university registrar will guide you. The permit is renewable each academic year.
Timeline & Costs at a Glance
Application Timeline (Sept Intake)
| Period | Task |
|---|---|
| Mar–Apr | Apply to Georgian universities |
| Apr–May | Receive offer letter, pay tuition deposit |
| May–Jun | Attest documents (MEA + Embassy) |
| Jun–Jul | Submit visa application at Embassy |
| Jul–Aug | Visa issued (10–20 working days) |
| Aug–Sep | Travel to Georgia, university orientation |
| Within 30 days | Apply for Residence Permit at House of Justice |
Visa & Documentation Costs
| Item | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|
| D5 Visa Fee | USD 20–50 (~₹1,700–4,200) |
| Document Attestation (MEA) | ~₹500–1,000 per document |
| Embassy Attestation | ~₹1,000–2,000 |
| Medical Certificate & HIV Test | ~₹1,500–3,000 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | ~₹500–1,000 |
| Residence Permit (House of Justice) | GEL 50–210 (~₹1,500–6,000) |
| Total Estimate | ~₹10,000–20,000 |
Temporary Residence Permit: What to Do After You Arrive
Your D5 student visa allows you to enter Georgia. But to legally reside and study beyond the visa validity, you must convert it to a Temporary Residence Permit (student category). This is mandatory — failure to apply within 30 days makes you an illegal resident.
Where to Apply
Public Service Hall (House of Justice) branches in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and other cities. Your university registrar will direct you to the nearest branch.
Documents Needed
Passport, D5 visa, university enrollment confirmation, accommodation proof (lease or university dorm agreement), completed application form, and payment for permit fee.
Processing Time
Standard: 30 days (GEL 50). Expedited 5-day processing available (GEL 200). Most students use standard processing and apply on day 1 of arrival.
Annual Renewal
The residence permit is issued for 1 year and must be renewed before expiry each academic year. Your university will remind you. Renewal requires updated enrollment letter and fee payment.
Georgia vs Other MBBS Destinations: Visa Comparison
| Country | Visa Processing | IELTS Required | Visa Cost (Approx) | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 10–20 working days | No | USD 20–50 | ⭐ Simple |
| Russia | 2–4 weeks | No | USD 35–65 | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Kazakhstan | 4–8 weeks | No | USD 50–80 | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Philippines | 4–6 weeks | No | PHP 3,000+ | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Canada | 8–14 weeks | Yes (IELTS) | CAD 150+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Complex |
| UK | 3 weeks | Yes (IELTS 6.5+) | GBP 363+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Complex |
Georgia MBBS Expert Guidance
Ready to Apply for MBBS in Georgia?
Band9 counselors will help you choose the right NMC-recognized university, prepare your documents, navigate the attestation process, and secure your D5 visa — all before your preferred intake.
Do Indian and Bangladeshi students need a visa to study in Georgia?
Yes. Indian and Bangladeshi nationals require a student visa (D5 category) to study in Georgia. You apply at the Georgian Embassy in New Delhi (for Indian students) or Dhaka (for Bangladeshi students). The visa is typically single-entry and must be converted to a residence permit after arrival.
How long does it take to get a Georgia student visa?
The Georgian student visa typically takes 10–20 working days to process from the date of application submission. Additional time may be required for document verification. Band9 recommends applying at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date.
Is IELTS or English proficiency required for a Georgia MBBS visa?
No. Georgia does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admissions or the student visa. Most Georgian medical universities teach MBBS in English and use their own admission interview process to ensure English proficiency. This is one of Georgia's biggest advantages over countries like Canada or the UK.
What is a residence permit and when do I need to apply for it?
After entering Georgia on your student visa (D5), you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (student category) within 30 days of arrival. This is done at the House of Justice (Public Service Hall) in Tbilisi or other major cities. Your university will guide you through this process. The permit is renewable annually.
What is the total cost of a Georgia student visa and residence permit?
The visa application fee is approximately USD 20–50 (varies). The residence permit at the House of Justice costs GEL 50–210 depending on processing speed (standard: 30 days GEL 50; expedited: GEL 100–210). Total visa + permit costs are well under INR 20,000 — significantly cheaper than most other study destinations.
Can I work in Georgia on a student visa?
Georgian law does not explicitly prohibit students from working part-time, but MBBS students have extremely demanding schedules and clinical rotations. Most medical universities discourage working during the undergraduate program. The focus for Indian and Bangladeshi MBBS students should be completing the degree and preparing for FMGE/NMC screening.