European University Tbilisi, Faculty of Medicine

European University in Tbilisi is one of the Medschool Experts partner locations for international applicants. The English-taught MD programme of the Faculty of Medicine is aimed at students from countries outside the European Union — in particular from Iran, Asia and other non-EU regions — who wish to practise as a physician in their home country or internationally.

What Makes the Faculty Stand Out

European University was founded in 2012 and has quickly developed into one of the most internationally oriented universities in Georgia. The Faculty of Medicine offers a six-year MD programme in English that is aligned with European training standards. From the third year of study, the clinical training phase begins with rotations in the university’s teaching hospitals in and around Tbilisi, where students gain broad clinical experience across various specialisms. The pre-clinical curriculum is supplemented by the university’s simulation laboratories and research facilities. The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS/WFME), which opens the way to international licensing procedures.

European University places particular emphasis on an international teaching and learning environment. The majority of students come from abroad, with a strong presence of students from the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia. Campus life is correspondingly multilingual and international in character. The language of instruction is English throughout; everyday life in Tbilisi can be comfortably managed in English.

Where the Limitations Lie

Georgia is not a member of the European Union. A degree from European University Tbilisi therefore does not fall under automatic mutual recognition under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. The path to German licensure requires an equivalence assessment under § 3 of the Federal Medical Licensing Regulations (BÄO) and, as a rule, an additional knowledge examination ordered by the competent state authority. After successfully completing the knowledge examination, licensure can be applied for. This process requires complete study documentation, sufficient German language skills and time for the administrative proceedings.

We currently advise German applicants to arrange a personal consultation before deciding on a Georgian study location — the recognition situation is demanding. For students who wish to practise in Germany with certainty, there are more plannable alternatives within the EU.

Who This Location Suits

European University Tbilisi is a suitable option for international students from non-EU countries who wish to complete an English-taught, WFME-listed medical degree at affordable cost and intend to practise in their home country or a third country. Applicants who consciously plan for the recognition route to Germany and are willing to complete the relevant procedural steps will find a well-structured programme in a lively, cost-effective university city at European University Tbilisi.

The Faculty of Medicine at European University Tbilisi admits students without a numerus clausus. The application process involves submitting complete school-leaving certificates, proof of sufficient English language proficiency and, as a rule, a written entrance test in biology and chemistry. An interview with the admissions committee also takes place. The entire process is conducted online; for most nationalities, a Georgian student visa is straightforward to obtain. The main enrolment period begins with the autumn intake in September; for some programmes a spring intake is also possible. Applicants should allow at least three to six months of preparation time.

Tuition fees at European University are around €6,500 per year, making it one of the more affordable English-taught medical programmes outside the EU. Over six years of study, total tuition fees amount to around €39,000. One-time enrolment fees as well as variable costs for teaching materials and examinations are added.

Tbilisi is a comparatively affordable city for students. Living costs are around €500–600 per month for accommodation, food, local transport and everyday expenses. Affordable university halls of residence and reasonably priced private apartments near the campus are available. For the entire course of study including living costs, an estimated total of around €78,600 should be budgeted — a favourable overall calculation in international comparison for a full-time, English-taught medical degree at a WFME-listed university.

The medical degree programme at European University Tbilisi is structured over six years (twelve semesters). The first three years are devoted to the pre-clinical phase: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology and other foundational subjects build the scientific foundation. The training follows a structured curriculum that systematically develops core clinical competencies and is supplemented by simulation training. From the fourth year, the clinical phase begins with rotations in the teaching hospitals — including internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics and psychiatry. The entire programme is completed in English.

Recognition of the qualification in Germany requires an equivalence assessment under § 3 of the Federal Medical Licensing Regulations (BÄO), since Georgia is not an EU member state and Directive 2005/36/EC does not apply. The competent state authority reviews the equivalence of the qualification and, as a rule, orders a knowledge examination. After successfully completing the knowledge examination, licensure can be applied for. This process requires complete study documentation, sufficient German language skills and time for the administrative proceedings.

We recommend a personal consultation for German prospective students before they decide to study medicine in Georgia. For international graduates who wish to practise in their home country or a third country, the European University qualification is, thanks to its WFME listing, a recognised basis for professional practice in many countries.

Tbilisi combines historical heritage with a vibrant modern city life and offers as a study location a high quality of life at low cost. The well-developed public infrastructure, the lively restaurant and cultural scene and the moderate climate with warm summers and cool but not extreme winters make the Georgian capital an attractive place to live for international students.

European University is centrally located in the city and well connected by public transport. International student groups predominate on campus, creating a multicultural atmosphere. English is the common everyday language on campus; a small German-speaking community exists in Tbilisi. The city’s crime rate is low; Tbilisi is regarded as one of the safer study locations outside the EU.

Rents for student apartments range from €200 to €400 per month depending on location and standard. Food, restaurant visits and public transport are considerably cheaper than in western European cities.

Is a medical degree from European University Tbilisi recognised in Germany?

Not automatically. Georgia is not an EU member state; EU Directive 2005/36/EC on automatic recognition therefore does not apply. To be licensed in Germany, an equivalence assessment under § 3 BÄO is required from the competent state authority. A knowledge examination is then normally ordered. After successfully completing it, licensure can be granted. We recommend a personal consultation for German applicants before taking this route.

Who is a degree from European University Tbilisi suited to?

Primarily for international applicants from non-EU countries — in particular from Iran, Asia and other regions — who are looking for an English-taught medical degree at moderate cost and wish to practise in their home country or internationally. Applicants who consciously plan for the recognition route to Germany and prepare thoroughly are also eligible.

How much are the tuition fees at European University?

Tuition fees are around €6,500 per year. Over six years, total tuition fees amount to around €39,000. Living costs in Tbilisi amount to around €500–600 per month; an estimated total of around €78,600 should be budgeted for the entire programme.

In which language does the programme take place?

The entire medical programme at European University Tbilisi is conducted in English. Knowledge of Georgian or Russian is not strictly required for the programme, but it makes orientation in everyday life easier. Optional Georgian courses for international students are offered.

What distinguishes a Georgian study location from an EU location?

At EU universities, automatic recognition under Directive 2005/36/EC applies: the qualification obtained there generally entitles holders directly to licensure in Germany. In Georgia, this direct route is not available; graduates must complete an equivalence assessment with a knowledge examination. For applicants with a clear goal of working in Germany, EU locations are therefore the more plannable choice.