New Vision University Tbilisi, School of Medicine

The New Vision University School of Medicine in Tbilisi is a partner site of Medschool Experts for international applicants. The fully English-language medical programme is aimed at students from countries outside the European Union – particularly from Iran, Asia, and other non-EU countries – who wish to practise medicine in their home country or internationally.

What sets the faculty apart

Founded in 2009, New Vision University is one of Georgia's established private universities. Its School of Medicine offers a six-year MD programme taught in English, with a curriculum aligned to European standards. From the third year onwards, students move into clinical training at partner hospitals in Tbilisi, gaining hands-on experience across a broad range of specialties. The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS/WFME) – an important prerequisite for access to international licensing procedures, including the ECFMG process for practice in the United States.

The faculty's international profile is reflected in its student mix: around 40 per cent of enrolled students come from abroad, with a focus on Asia and the Middle East. The university maintains partnerships with institutions in several countries and has consistently expanded its teaching and research infrastructure in recent years. The language of instruction is English throughout; Georgian or Russian is not required for the programme itself, though basic knowledge of these languages makes everyday life in Tbilisi easier.

Where the limitations are

Georgia is not a member of the European Union. A degree from New Vision University therefore does not fall under the automatic mutual recognition provisions of EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Anyone wishing to practise as a doctor in Germany must apply for an equivalency assessment under § 3 of the German Medical Licensing Act (BÄO) at the competent state authority. Depending on the federal state, a knowledge test may subsequently be ordered before the licence to practise is granted. This process is time-consuming and document-intensive, and a positive outcome is not guaranteed.

We currently recommend a personal consultation for German applicants before they decide on a Georgian study location – the recognition situation is demanding. For applicants who wish to practise in Germany with certainty, considerably more predictable routes are available within the EU.

Who this location is right for

New Vision University School of Medicine is a solid choice for international students from non-EU countries seeking an English-language medical degree at moderate cost. Those who wish to practise in their home country or a third country and want a WFME-listed programme will find a well-structured offering in a vibrant, affordable study environment. Applicants who are knowingly factoring in the recognition steps for Germany should seek thorough advice beforehand.

Admission to New Vision University School of Medicine is granted without a numerus clausus. Applications can be submitted for the autumn start in September and, in some programmes, for a spring start as well. The selection process includes a written entrance test in biology and chemistry and an interview with the admissions committee. A sufficient level of English is required; an IELTS certificate or an English-language school qualification is accepted as proof. International applicants submit their documents via the university's online portal; visas and residence permits for Georgia are straightforward to obtain for most nationalities.

Tuition fees at NVU School of Medicine are approximately EUR 7,000 per year. This is well below the level of Western European private universities and on a par with other English-language medical programmes in the Caucasus region. Over six years of study, this amounts to total tuition fees of approximately EUR 42,000. In addition, there is a one-off enrolment fee as well as costs for teaching materials and examinations, which may vary by year of study.

Living costs in Tbilisi are among the lowest in Europe. Accommodation, food, public transport, and other everyday expenses realistically amount to around EUR 500–600 per month. University student dormitories are available, and affordable private apartments near the university are also easy to find. Overall, total costs including living expenses for six years of study can be estimated at approximately EUR 81,600 – a competitive figure internationally for an English-language MD programme at a WFME-listed university.

The medical programme at New Vision University School of Medicine spans six years and twelve semesters. The first three years are devoted to the pre-clinical section: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, and pathology form the scientific foundation. From the fourth year, students transition to the clinical phase and rotate through internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and other disciplines. The entire programme is conducted in English; Georgian language courses are available as an elective.

The question of recognition in Germany is complex for graduates of Georgian universities. Georgia is not an EU member state, which means the degree does not fall under the automatic recognition provisions of EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Anyone wishing to obtain a medical licence in Germany must apply for an equivalency assessment under § 3 of the German Medical Licensing Act (BÄO) at the competent state authority. The authority will typically order a knowledge test. Upon successful completion of the knowledge test, the licence to practise can be granted. This route is time-consuming and requires complete study documentation as well as a sufficient command of German.

We recommend that German applicants seek a personal consultation before deciding on a Georgian study path. For international applicants from non-EU countries who wish to practise in their home country or internationally, the NVU degree is, by virtue of its WFME listing, a recognised basis for medical practice in many countries.

Tbilisi is a vibrant, comparatively affordable capital city with well-developed student infrastructure. Numerous universities in the region ensure the city has a young, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic old town, modern neighbourhoods, and a diverse dining and cultural scene make Tbilisi an attractive and enjoyable place to study.

Georgia has a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cool but not extreme winters in the capital. Tbilisi is considered one of the safer capitals in the Caucasus region, with a low crime rate. A growing community of international medical students has established itself in the city over recent years. German-speaking student groups exist in small numbers; the shared language of instruction – English – greatly facilitates networking among international students.

Living costs are, by Western European standards, exceptionally moderate. Rent, public transport, groceries, and leisure activities are all affordable – providing a noticeable financial relief in daily student life.

Is a medical degree from New Vision University recognised in Germany?

Not automatically. Georgia is not an EU member state, which means the degree does not fall under EU Directive 2005/36/EC on automatic recognition. To obtain a medical licence in Germany, an equivalency assessment under § 3 BÄO must be applied for at the competent state authority. In most cases, the authority then orders a knowledge test. After successfully passing the knowledge test, the licence to practise can be granted. We strongly recommend thorough advance consultation for German applicants.

Who is a degree from New Vision University suitable for?

Primarily for international applicants from non-EU countries – particularly from Iran, South Asia, and other regions – who are seeking an English-language medical degree at moderate cost and wish to practise in their home country or internationally. Applicants who are knowingly factoring in the recognition steps for Germany are also eligible.

How high are the tuition fees?

Tuition fees at NVU School of Medicine are approximately EUR 7,000 per year. Over six years, total tuition fees amount to approximately EUR 42,000. Living costs of around EUR 500–600 per month in Tbilisi are additional.

What is the language of instruction?

The medical programme at New Vision University is conducted entirely in English. Knowledge of Georgian or Russian is not required for the programme, though it can be helpful in everyday life. Georgian language courses are available as an elective.

What is the difference compared to studying at an EU university?

At EU universities, automatic mutual recognition applies under Directive 2005/36/EC: a degree obtained there generally entitles the holder to a medical licence in Germany directly. At NVU, this direct route is not available; instead, an equivalency assessment with a possible knowledge test must be completed. For applicants who wish to practise in Germany with certainty, EU locations are the more predictable option.