Medicine in Tbilisi: New Vision University – Costs & Recognition

Tbilisi at a Glance

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and home to approximately 1.2 million people. As a crossroads between Europe and Asia, the city combines historical heritage with modern city life. For medical students, it offers well-developed infrastructure, an active international student scene, and significantly lower living costs than Western European university cities.

New Vision University and Its School of Medicine

New Vision University (NVU) was founded in 2009 in Tbilisi and has since developed into one of Georgia's established private higher education institutions. The School of Medicine is the university's flagship and offers a six-year English-language MD programme consistently aimed at international students. Teaching staff consists of Georgian and international lecturers; the language of instruction in the MD programme is exclusively English.

Clinical training sections begin from the third year of study in teaching and partner hospitals in Tbilisi. NVU is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) of the WFME, which provides the foundation for international career pathways – including ECFMG certification for medical practice in the USA or Canada. The university is state-accredited in Georgia by the Ministry of Education and Science. Around 40 percent of students come from abroad, with a focus on South Asia and the Middle East.

What Programmes Are Offered and in What Language?

The School of Medicine at New Vision University primarily offers the six-year MD programme in English. The programme is designed entirely for international students; all lectures, seminars, and clinical training blocks are conducted in English. A separate Georgian-language programme is aimed at local students and is not relevant to international applicants.

The MD title from NVU is an independent academic degree that differs from the German state examination (Approbation). For practice in Germany, additional recognition steps are required after graduation, which are described in detail below.

How Does Admission Work?

New Vision University does not require a numerus clausus. Instead, applicants go through a structured admission process that includes a written entrance test and an interview. A school-leaving qualification that grants university access in the home country is required. English language skills are a prerequisite and are usually demonstrated through school certificates or a recognised language test.

The entire application – from pre-registration to the allocation of a study place – can be handled fully online through Medschool Experts. A personal visit to Tbilisi is not required for the admission process. Studies begin each autumn (September); early application is recommended, as the number of places in the English-language international programme is limited and places are regularly filled early.

What Does the Programme Cost?

Tuition fees at New Vision University are currently around 7,000 EUR per academic year. Add living costs in Tbilisi of approximately 550 EUR per month on average. The table below shows a realistic total cost calculation for the standard six-year study period.

One-off costs such as the enrolment fee, visa, travel to and from home, and study materials are not included in this estimate. Actual total expenditure may vary depending on personal lifestyle. Scholarship options or payment plan models should be enquired about directly with the university or through Medschool Experts.

How Is the Programme Structured?

The MD programme at New Vision University is divided into two main phases: three years of pre-clinical training (Basic Sciences) and three years of clinical training in teaching and partner hospitals in Tbilisi. The structure follows international standards of medical education and integrates clinical thinking from early on, starting in the second year of study.

The programme concludes with a comprehensive Final Examination; upon successful completion, the degree Doctor of Medicine (MD) is awarded. Clinical rotations in the fifth and sixth year take place in partner hospitals in Tbilisi, enabling direct patient contact under the supervision of experienced doctors.

Where Can You Work with This Degree?

The MD degree from New Vision University opens career paths in various countries, depending on the respective national licensing procedures. The WFME listing in the WDOMS is an important prerequisite for recognition in many countries.

Those who wish to work as a doctor in Germany after graduation undergo an equivalence review under § 3 BÄO. If the review does not establish full equivalence, a knowledge examination follows – only after passing this is the Approbation granted. We recommend a thorough consultation for German applicants before they choose Georgia.

Dentistry, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine: The Legal Situation

Dentistry: New Vision University does not offer a dentistry programme. For dental degrees from Georgia, the same third-country regulations apply in Germany as for medicine: no automatic EU recognition, individual review by the relevant state dental chamber.

Pharmacy: Pharmacy degrees from third countries such as Georgia are subject to state recognition review under the Pharmacy Act in Germany. Automatic recognition under EU Directive 2005/36/EC is not possible; applicants must demonstrate the equivalence of their degree.

Psychology: A psychology degree from Georgia does not automatically lead to Approbation as a psychotherapist in Germany. Access to psychotherapy training is governed by the Psychotherapy Act (PsychThG) and requires separate recognition of the university degree by the relevant state authority.

Veterinary medicine: Veterinary degrees from Georgia are reviewed in Germany by the relevant state veterinary chambers. As a third-country degree, no automatic recognition applies; an equivalence review is required in every case.

Career Paths After Graduation

With an MD degree from New Vision University, various career paths are available depending on the target country. In non-EU countries that accept the WFME listing as a basis for recognition, direct entry into clinical practice after meeting national licensing requirements is possible. In the USA and Canada, ECFMG certification after passing the USMLE enables access to residency programmes.

Those aiming for specialist training should research the respective national specialist training rules of their target country early on. For a comprehensive overview of global career planning, see our article: Career paths with an EU medical degree worldwide.

Mid-Programme Transfer and Changing to Germany

A transfer during studies – for example to Germany or an EU country – is generally possible, but comes with uncertainties. Academic credits from Georgia may be recognised to varying degrees at German universities; a guaranteed entry into a higher semester is not possible. German universities decide on credit recognition individually.

A lateral entry from another programme is possible at NVU; requirements are assessed on an individual basis. Applicants from Germany who have previously started a different programme and now want to study medicine can use the NC-free admission as an entry option, but must keep the recognition steps for later practice in Germany carefully in mind.

Life in Tbilisi: City, Getting Around, and Costs

Tbilisi offers medical students a combination of historical character, modern infrastructure, and significantly lower living costs than Western European university cities. The old town (Dzveli Tbilisi), with its distinctive houses, numerous cafés, and a lively restaurant scene, is a popular meeting point for international students. The cityscape combines Caucasian architecture, Soviet-era buildings, and contemporary structures.

Public transport in Tbilisi is well-developed and affordable. Travelling between campus and the city centre is straightforward by metro or bus. International supermarkets, English-speaking medical care, and a growing start-up scene make Tbilisi an attractive study location for students from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Who This Location Suits

New Vision University Tbilisi is particularly well-suited for international students – especially from non-EU countries such as Iran, South Asia, the Middle East, and African countries – who want to practise in their home country or in countries outside the EU. The NC-free, English-language programme and the comparatively affordable study costs are the decisive advantages of this location.

German applicants should keep the recognition steps required for later Approbation in Germany carefully in mind. An equivalence review and generally a knowledge examination are required – this path is viable, but demanding. We recommend a personal consultation before making the decision. Request a consultation now.