The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Georgia

Hey there!👋🏻 If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either considering studying in Tbilisi or you’re already here, trying to navigate your way through Tbilisi.

Well, you’re in the right place.

As a dentistry student myself 🦷, I have some insights and stories to share about life in Tbilisi—the good, the challenging, and everything in between.

I spent most of my academic life geeking out over blueprints and CAD drawings as an architecture student. I cruised through my bachelor’s in Malaysia and even further for my master’s in Cyprus.

But just as I was about to dust off my drafting pencil for a Ph.D., dentistry came knocking at my door.

Yes, you heard that right – DENTISTRY. 😬

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “How does one go from sketching skyscrapers to poking around in people’s mouths?” Well, long story short, I swapped my hard hat for a white coat, and here we are.

Enter Georgia, with its promise of affordable tuition fees and a quirky charm that I couldn’t resist.

My plan was simple: apply, study for a semester, and then transfer to European universities. But fate had other plans. Four years later, I’m still here, armed with a dental mirror and a pocketful of stories to share with you.

So, if you’re thinking about studying in Tbilisi (especially dentistry), stick around. I’ve got tales to tell and tips to share. 💬🦷

How did I end up in Tbilisi?

Well, it all started with a trip to Georgia 🇬🇪 armed with a stack of translated and notarized documents from my home country, Iran.

read my story

The first thing you need to do is to translate all your documents into the Georgian language and get them notarized. There are tons of notary places in Tbilisi that offer translation services too, and it doesn’t take long for them to do it.

Pro tip: If you’re thinking of applying online and avoiding the travel hassle, be prepared to pay a fee for translation, notarization, and submitting your documents. But hey, if you’re like me and prefer the DIY route, you can save a few and get it done yourself.

Planning a Medical Career in Europe After Studying in Georgia?

Let me burst your bubble (gently!). While it’s doable, it’s not a walk in the park.

If you’re planning to stay in Georgia, awesome! Nail that Georgian licensing exam and build your career here. 🧾🩺

But if Europe is your calling, buckle up. Since Georgia isn’t part of the EU (yet!), getting your degree recognized there is a bit of a rollercoaster.

And trust me, I’m on that rollercoaster too! Being a non-European who graduated from a non-European country? Double the loops. But don’t worry, I’m determined to crack this code.

Language tests, equivalency checks, and then the final boss: the foreign licensing exam. It’s a long, winding road, but I’m documenting every twist and turn.

Think of me as YOUR personal guide to navigating this medical maze. I’ll spill the tea on the process, from the highs to the lows. So stay tuned, and let’s conquer this adventure together! (Just give me a year to finish my medical journey first!) 🎓

Enrolling at a Georgian university

First things first, let’s talk about online registration. 💻

You can easily kickstart your enrollment journey by filling out an application form available for download on your preferred university’s website. Once you’ve completed the form, simply send it along with the required documents electronically to the email address they have on their website.

Now, onto the details of document submission. Whether you’re a high school graduate or a transfer student, Georgian universities require a few essential documents from you.

Required Documents

1. A copy of your passport, proof of your educational background (such as a high school diploma or university transcripts), a recent photograph, and of course, the filled-out application form. All these documents have to be translated into Georgian and notarized. Additionally, don’t forget to include a receipt confirming payment of fees, which you can easily find on their website.
2. If you’re a minor under the age of 18, additional documents like a birth certificate and parental consent letter are necessary. Make sure all your documents are scanned and converted into PDF format for easy submission.

The English Language Test

Ah, but what about English proficiency, you ask? 🤓

Good questions! Georgian universities require a MINIMUM level of English proficiency for admission to their programs.

If you have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, you’re in luck! You can skip the English language examination. Otherwise, don’t worry – they offer an English language examination at its University English Language Center.

Let me start by reassuring you: the English exam or interview is a BREEZE!

Chances are, you might find yourself speaking better English than your examiner – at least, that was the case for me! 🙋🏻‍♀️

But here’s the thing: even though the exam might be easy, there are still students in my class (yes, even in their fourth year of dentistry) who struggle with English.

Let’s face it, in many study-abroad situations, teachers might not have perfect English fluency (especially in Georgia). This can make learning a bit more challenging.

But here’s the good news: you have the power to take control of your English development! 💪🏻🧠

Clear communication is essential for all students abroad, whether you’re a future dentist or someone pursuing any other field. You’ll be interacting with patients, colleagues, and instructors, and clear English benefits everyone.

So, if you feel you can improve your English, go for it!

Fees and Financial Considerations

There are two ways to apply: Online and in person. 🖥️👣

1. Online Application: The online application fee is a minimum 250$. This covers the translation and notarization of documents, as well as submission fees at the National Centre for Education Quality Enhancement. Remember, this fee is non-refundable, so ensure you’re committed before applying.
2. In-Person Application: If you choose to apply in person, you’ll need to handle the translation and notarization of documents yourself. These fees will vary depending on the service provider you use. There is no additional application fee charged by the university when submitting documents in person (at least that was the case for me).
3. Tuition Fees: Tuition fees vary depending on the university you choose. If you need help finding information about specific universities, feel free to email me – I’m happy to assist you!

Important Note for Medical Students

While studying in Tbilisi offers a great education and affordable tuition fees, It’s important to consider your long-term career goals if you dream of practicing medicine in the European Union. 🌍👩🏻‍⚕️

Here’s the truth: getting your Georgian medical degree recognized and licensed for work in the EU can be a challenging and lengthy process. This is because Georgia is not currently part of the European Union.

So, if you have the chance to study Medicine/Dentistry at a university in an EU country, and have the financial means to do so, I would strongly recommend it.

The process of getting your degree recognized and obtaining a license to practice in the EU will likely be much smoother.

Ultimately, the decision is yours.

But I wanted to be upfront and transparent about the potential hurdles you might face if you choose to pursue a medical degree in Georgia with the aim of working in the EU.

Quick Heads up

1. Language Requirements: EU countries will require you to be fluent in their language to practice medicine. This applies to licensing exams, communication with patients, and overall professional interaction. Make sure to research the specific language requirements of the country you’d like to work in.
2. Equivalency Checks: Your Georgian degree will need to be evaluated and deemed equivalent to a medical degree from an EU country. This process can take time and may involve additional coursework or examinations.
3. Residency permits: You need to obtain a residency permit to work as a doctor in the EU.

👉🏻I already wrote a detailed guide on how to How to Get a Student Residency in Georgia; check it out. 🔍📄

Remember, I’m on this journey with you! 🫶🏻If you have any questions about studying dentistry in Tbilisi, feel free to reach out. I’ll do my best to share my experiences and any information I can find.

I hope this was helpful for you.

Happy enrolling and best of luck on your academic journey! 🎓🍀