Studying MBBS in Georgia has long been a popular destination for Indian students looking for high-quality medical education at a reasonable cost. Georgian universities offer a 6-year MD (Doctor of Medicine) program, which is considered equivalent to the MBBS degree in India. However, since the enforcement of the 2021 NMC Guidelines – FMGL (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, aspiring Indian students need to be more cautious and well-informed before making their decision.
Challenges After 2021 NMC Guidelines – FMGL Regulations
Despite its continuing appeal, studying MBBS in Georgia has encountered several obstacles due to recent changes in Indian regulations. The 2021 FMGL Regulations introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) have had significant implications on the recognition and structure of foreign medical degrees, particularly those from Georgia.
Major Concerns explained in points
- Course Duration and Internship Gap : it is now NMC requires a minimum of 54 months of academic study followed by 12 months of internship, totaling 66 months. Some Georgian universities have historically offered only 5-year MD programs with a 1-year internship, which may not meet these new guidelines — especially if the internship is not clearly defined, integrated, or officially certified.
- Internship Validity in India: According to NMC’s 2023 clarification, students graduating from foreign institutions must complete an additional 1-year internship in India after clearing the FMGE or NExT. Therefore, even if the Georgian MD program includes a final-year internship, it will not be considered valid for licensure in India.
- Issues with Clinical Rotations : Clinical training in some Georgian universities is conducted through affiliated or partner hospitals, rather than within university-owned or NMC-approved teaching hospitals. This could violate NMC’s requirement for consistent, institution-based clinical education.
- Language Barrier for Practicing in Georgia: To obtain a medical license and practice in Georgia, students must clear the National Post Diploma Qualification Exam (NPDQE) and demonstrate proficiency in the Georgian language. This poses a considerable challenge for many international students.
- Low FMGE Pass Rates: Graduates from Georgian universities have historically shown lower FMGE pass rates compared to peers from countries like Russia, the Philippines, or Uzbekistan. This raises concerns about the clinical training quality and exam readiness.
Is this MD in Georgia Equivalent to the MB BCh / MBBS in the UK?
Yes — they are broadly equivalent in academic level and purpose. Both are first professional medical degrees that allow graduates to pursue licensure and practice as general physicians after completing the necessary internships and exams.
For your understanding, Detailed Comparison: MD in Georgia vs. MB BCh in the UK
| Feature | MD in Georgia | MB BCh / MBBS / MB ChB in UK |
| Type | First professional medical degree | First professional medical degree |
| Duration | 6 years | 5 years + 1-year Foundation Programme (FY1) |
| Structure | Pre-clinical (2–3 yrs) + Clinical + 1-year internship | Integrated pre-clinical + clinical + FY1 |
| Awarded Title | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MB BCh) |
| Level (EQF) | Level 7 (Master’s equivalent under Bologna Process) | Level 7 (Master’s equivalent in the UK) |
| Eligibility to Practice | Local licensing exam required (FMGE, NPDQE) | Completion of FY1 + GMC registration |
| Global Recognition | Yes – WHO, NMC, ECFMG, WFME, etc. | Yes – globally recognized |
Is these degrees same for Career Purposes?
- Functionally Yes: Both degrees qualify you to practice as a general doctor and pursue postgraduate training.
- Legally No: Each country has its own licensure requirements.
- A Georgian MD holder must clear PLAB (UK) and may require a GMC-approved internship.
- A UK MBBS holder must pass NPDQE and fulfil other local conditions to practice in Georgia.
International Recognition
The MD degree from Georgia is:
- Recognized by WHO, WFME, NMC (India), ECFMG (USA)
- Eligible for licensing exams like FMGE (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK)
- Accepted globally, provided students clear the respective national licensure examinations
Can You Do a One-Year Internship in Georgia After Completing the MD?
If You Completed Your MD in Georgia:
- The 6-year MD program includes a one-year clinical internship, usually in the final year.
- After graduation, students:
- Receive their MD diploma (equivalent to MBBS in India)
- May apply for junior doctor roles or residency (requires licensing exam and language fluency)
- Cannot repeat or add an extra internship year unless part of postgrad or observership
If You Studied Outside Georgia:
- Georgia does not offer a full 1-year internship for foreign MD graduates
- The only options available are:
- University-linked observerships or clinical attachments (non-licensing, short-term)
- Postgraduate residency programs — entry requires:
- Passing the NPDQE
- Proficiency in the Georgian language
- Availability of limited, competitive seats
In short you should know that, pursuing an MD (MBBS equivalent) in Georgia offers Indian students a globally recognized medical education with a 6-year duration, including a 1-year clinical internship in the final year. However, students should be aware that Georgia does not offer an additional 1-year internship after graduation, and foreign medical graduates cannot apply for a standard internship within the country. To practice in Georgia, passing the NPDQE and demonstrating proficiency in the Georgian language is mandatory. Academically, the MD degree from Georgia is equivalent to the MB BCh in the UK, both being Level 7 professional medical qualifications. Georgian MD graduates are eligible to work in the UK after clearing PLAB or undergoing a GMC-recognized internship. Despite equivalent academic value, each country has distinct licensing requirements. Therefore, when choosing a university in Georgia, ensure it offers a full 6-year MD program with an integrated internship, is NMC-compliant (in structure, duration, and hospital affiliation), and is recognized by bodies like WHO, NMC, WFME, ECFMG, and GMC (UK). Additionally, students should be prepared to complete a 12-month internship in India after passing FMGE or NExT, and must obtain written confirmation from the university regarding internship structure and certification.
