Ilia State University (ISU) is a public research university located in Tbilisi, Georgia. It was founded in 2006 as a result of the merger of six different academic institutions and has since become one of the leading educational and research institutions in the country.
Medical programs
The university’s Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine offers a 6-year Medical Doctor (MD) program, which is equivalent to an MBBS.
- Duration: The program includes five years of academic study and a mandatory one-year clinical internship.
- Instruction: Classes are taught entirely in English for international students.
- Curriculum: The program is designed to meet the standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
- Clinical experience: Students gain clinical experience through affiliations with various hospitals and diagnostic centers in Georgia.
Recognition and reputation
- International recognition: Ilia State University is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Rankings: The university is highly regarded in Georgia and has appeared in global rankings. For 2026, it was ranked in the 1201–1500 range in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Accreditations: It is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and is a member of the European University Association (EUA).
Admission requirements for Indian students
- Age: Must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
- Academics: Completion of 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for reserved categories).
- NEET: A qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory for Indian applicants.
- Entrance exam: The university conducts an entrance exam in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, followed by an interview.
Fees and accommodation
- Tuition fees: Annual tuition fees are approximately $6,200 USD.
- Accommodation: The university does not provide on-campus hostel facilities. However, the International Students Office assists international students in finding off-campus accommodation in Tbilisi, with estimated monthly costs of $200–400 USD.
- Indian food: An Indian mess facility is available for students.
- Cost of living: The overall cost of living in Tbilisi is relatively low compared to many other countries.
Campus and facilities
- Modern campus: The university has a modern campus in Tbilisi with up-to-date classrooms, labs, and research centers.
- Library: The library offers an extensive collection of both print and electronic resources.
- Student life: Students can participate in various sports and extracurricular activities through clubs and associations.
- Research: Ilia State University encourages research and offers opportunities for student involvement in various research projects.