Teaching University Geomedi (TUG), established in 1998 in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a private medical university founded by Professor Marina Pirtskhalava. It is a popular option for international students, particularly from India, seeking an English-medium medical education.
Programs for international students
The university offers several medical programs in English, with the MD (Medical Doctor) program being particularly sought after by international students.
- Medical Doctor (MD): A 6-year program, which includes five years of academic study and a one-year clinical internship.
- Other programs: Dentistry, Healthcare Economics and Management, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
- Curriculum: The educational programs are based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ensuring compatibility with other international medical education systems.
Recognition and reputation
- International recognition: TUG is recognized by major international medical bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Accreditation: It is accredited by the Georgian National Educational Accreditation Centre (GNEAC) and has received accreditation from the German-based Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN).
- Rankings: While rankings vary, TUG is generally considered a reputable private medical university in Georgia. Some sources cite its ranking in the country as 36th, while others place it higher.
Admission requirements for Indian students
To be eligible for admission to the English-medium MD program, Indian students typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
- Academics: Completion of 10+2 with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories).
- NEET: A qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory.
- English proficiency: An English proficiency test is not explicitly required if the student’s previous education was in English.
Campus and facilities
- Location: The university is located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
- Hostels: The university offers hostel facilities for international students, with separate dormitories for boys and girls. Some sources indicate the hostels are on-campus, while others state the university does not have its own hostels.
- Amenities: Hostels are typically equipped with basic amenities like air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
- Indian mess: An Indian mess facility is available for international students.
- Clinical training: Students gain practical experience at the university’s clinics, such as Geomedi Rehabilitation Clinic and Simulation Medicine Clinic, and through affiliations with other hospitals in Tbilisi.
- Library: The university has a well-equipped library with both print and electronic resources.
Potential drawbacks
- Inconsistent information: Some of the information provided by different admission consultants regarding TUG, such as the availability of on-campus hostels, can be inconsistent.
- Lower FMGE pass rate: According to 2024 data, TUG had an FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) pass rate of approximately 29.64% among its Indian graduates, which is lower than some other popular foreign universities.