Akaki Tsereteli State University MBBS 2026: Fees & Admission

Akaki Tsereteli State University — MBBS Overview

Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU), located in Kutaisi, Georgia, is a recognized institution for Indian students seeking quality medical education abroad. Established in 1930, it is one of the oldest and most reputable universities in Georgia, offering an NMC-approved MBBS program taught entirely in English. This makes it a preferred choice for Indian aspirants who wish to pursue medical studies without language barriers. The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), ensuring its global recognition and eligibility for Indian students to appear for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) upon completion of their degree.

Indian students consider ATSU due to its affordable fee structure, structured six-year MBBS program, and admission based on NEET qualification. The university follows an annual September intake, aligning well with the academic calendar post-NEET results. With a focus on practical training and clinical exposure, ATSU provides a solid foundation in medical sciences. The FMGE pass rate for graduates from Akaki Tsereteli State University stands at 28.29%, which is above the historic average of 20–30%, indicating strong academic preparation.

The medium of instruction is English across all semesters, ensuring seamless learning for international students. The curriculum is designed to meet international standards while remaining compatible with Indian medical licensing requirements. As NExT implementation is deferred and FMGE continues through 2026, students from ATSU remain on a clear pathway to practice in India after clearing the FMGE.

MBBS Course Highlights at ATSU

• Course Duration: The MBBS program at Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) spans 6 years, aligning with NMC's FMGL 2021 guidelines. This includes 54 months of academic study followed by a 12-month compulsory rotating internship, which can be completed in India upon graduation.
• Medium of Instruction: The entire MBBS curriculum is taught in English, ensuring Indian students face no language barriers during lectures, practicals, or clinical rotations.
• Clinical Exposure: Students gain hands-on clinical training from the third year onward, with rotations conducted in affiliated hospitals offering diverse patient exposure. The university emphasizes practical learning in major specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics & gynecology.
• NMC Recognition: ATSU is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), enabling Indian graduates to appear for the FMGE.
• FMGE Performance: The university has demonstrated a strong academic record, with an FMGE pass rate of 28.29% based on historical data — above the long-term average for Indian students graduating from foreign medical institutions.
• Annual Fees: The approximate annual tuition fee is ₹3.8 lakh, making it an affordable option for Indian students seeking quality medical education abroad.
• Intake Period: Admissions for Indian students commence in September each year, with a streamlined visa and admission process tailored for international applicants.
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must qualify NEET UG with marks meeting the NMC-prescribed cutoff — 213 for General/EWS and 177 for OBC/SC/ST categories — to be eligible for enrollment.

ATSU’s structured curriculum, combined with early clinical immersion and NMC-compliant training, prepares Indian students effectively for medical licensure and practice in India.

Admission Process for Indian Students at ATSU

1. Qualify NEET UG 2026: All Indian students must clear the NEET UG 2026 exam based on category-wise qualifying percentiles. As per official results declared on 16 July 2026, the cutoff for General/EWS candidates is 213 marks (50th percentile), while OBC/SC/ST candidates must score at least 177 marks (40th percentile). The re-conducted NEET 2026 saw 19,99,895 candidates appear, with 11,21,185 qualifying overall.

2. Prepare Required Documents: Gather academic and personal documents for application. These include NEET UG scorecard, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates (with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English), birth certificate, passport-sized photographs, passport copy, medical fitness certificate, and a valid passport. All documents must be attested as per university and Georgian embassy requirements.

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit the application form via the university’s designated admission portal or through authorized education consultants like iAMBBS. Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU), established in 1930 and located in Kutaisor, accepts applications for its NMC-approved MBBS program with a September intake. The university is listed in WDOMS and recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), making Indian graduates eligible to appear for FMGE.

4. Receive Invitation Letter & Apply for Visa: Upon document verification and admission confirmation, students receive an admission or invitation letter from ATSU. This letter is essential for the student visa process. Apply for a Georgian student visa at the nearest embassy or consulate with the invitation letter, academic documents, medical reports, and financial proof. The visa processing time typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks.

Prospective students should verify all details directly with the university or trusted platforms like iAMBBS (contact: +91 84475 37002), ensuring compliance with NMC and WDOMS standards before finalizing admission.

MBBS Fee Structure for Indian Students (2026)

The total MBBS fee at Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) for Indian students is spread over six years, with annual tuition charges approximately ₹3.8 lakh. This figure aligns with recent data from iAMBBS and other education portals tracking NMC-approved universities abroad. In addition to tuition, students should budget for hostel accommodation and living expenses in Kutaisi, which typically range between ₹1.2 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh per year depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

The overall course cost thus falls within the broader range of ₹50–60 lakh for the complete program, as cited across multiple admission guides for 2026. These estimates include academic fees and basic living costs but exclude additional personal expenses, travel, or medical insurance.

It is essential to verify the exact fee structure directly with the university or authorized representatives before admission, as minor variations may occur due to currency conversion or policy updates. All fees are subject to confirmation at the time of admission.

Akaki Tsereteli State University is NMC-approved and listed in WDOMS, ensuring Indian graduates can appear for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination). With an FMGE pass rate of 28.29% attributed to its graduates in recent analyses, ATSU remains one of the recognized options for Indian students seeking quality medical education abroad under regulatory compliance.

MBBS Curriculum & Syllabus Overview

The MBBS curriculum at Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) follows a structured six-year program designed in alignment with global medical education standards and recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The course is divided into three key phases: pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical. The first two years focus on pre-clinical studies, covering foundational subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Medical Biology, delivered through a combination of theoretical classes and laboratory sessions. The third and fourth years constitute the para-clinical phase, where students engage with subjects like Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine, building a bridge between basic sciences and clinical application.

The final two years are dedicated to clinical training, offering hands-on experience in major disciplines including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Orthopedics. Clinical rotations are conducted in affiliated teaching hospitals in Kutaisi, providing students with exposure to real-patient care and practical medical procedures under supervision. The medium of instruction is English throughout the program, ensuring ease of comprehension for Indian students. The syllabus is periodically updated to reflect current medical practices and global healthcare needs. As ATSU is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), graduates remain eligible to appear for screening tests like FMGE. The university’s emphasis on practical learning and clinical exposure supports strong preparation for post-graduation licensing exams.

FMGE/NExT Pass Rate for ATSU Graduates

Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) graduates have shown varied performance on the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), a critical benchmark for Indian students seeking to practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS abroad. According to available data, ATSU's FMGE pass rate stands at 28.29%, which is notably higher than the June 2026 national pass rate of approximately 12.4%. This indicates that the university’s curriculum and training offer a relatively stronger foundation for Indian students preparing for the FMGE compared to the broader trend.

It is important to note that the June 2026 FMGE session saw a sharp decline in pass rates across the board—down from 23.9% in January 2026—reflecting increased exam difficulty or stricter evaluation standards. Despite this, ATSU’s performance remains above average, suggesting its academic structure aligns reasonably well with FMGE requirements.

As of now, the proposed National Exit Test (NExT) has been deferred, and FMGE continues to be the qualifying pathway for Indian medical graduates from abroad through 2026. Students must verify that ATSU remains listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) before admission. While past FMGE results are encouraging, individual outcomes depend on dedicated preparation and compliance with NMC guidelines.

Hostel, Food & Living Costs for Indian Students

Living in Kutaisi as an Indian medical student at Akaki Tsereteli State University is affordable and comfortable. The university provides on-campus hostel facilities for international students, including Indians, with separate accommodations for males and females. Hostels are equipped with basic amenities such as furnished rooms, 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and common lounges. Most rooms are shared (double or triple occupancy), fostering a collaborative living environment.

An Indian mess is available within the campus or through affiliated private mess services, offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options tailored to Indian tastes. Meals typically include roti, rice, dal, sabzi, and curd, ensuring students maintain a familiar and nutritious diet. Self-cooking facilities are also provided in some hostels for students who prefer preparing their own food.

Monthly living expenses for Indian students in Kutaisorange between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, covering food (mess or groceries), local transport, mobile recharges, and personal expenses. Eating out at local Georgian restaurants is inexpensive, with meals costing around ₹300–₹500. Public transport is efficient and low-cost, with monthly passes under ₹1,000. Overall, the cost of living in Kutaisi is significantly lower than in India’s metro cities, making it a budget-friendly destination for long-term medical studies.

Key Considerations for Indian Students Choosing ATSU

• NMC Approval & FMGE Pathway: Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) is NMC-approved and listed in WDOMS, making Indian graduates eligible to appear for FMGE. The university reported an FMGE pass rate of 28.29%, which is above the historic average of 20–30%, indicating strong academic preparation.

• Affordable Tuition: The annual MBBS fee is approximately ₹3.8 lakh, with total course cost estimated between ₹50–60 lakh for six years. This makes ATSU a cost-effective option compared to private Indian colleges or other international destinations.

• NEET Requirement: Indian students must qualify NEET UG with the category-wise cutoff (General/EWS: 213; OBC/SC/ST: 177) to be eligible for admission. NEET 2026 results were declared on 16 July 2026 following the re-conducted exam on 21 June.

• Language & Adaptation: The medium of instruction is English, but Georgian language training is provided as per NMC guidelines. Students may face initial challenges with local language and cultural adaptation in Kutaisi.

• Climate & Living Conditions: Kutaisi has a moderate climate with cold winters and warm summers. Accommodation is available on and off-campus, with reasonable living costs compared to metro cities in India.

• Travel & Connectivity: Kutaisi is well-connected via air from India, usually with layovers in Tbilisi or Istanbul. Visa processing for Indian students is generally smooth through university support.

• Course Duration & Intake: The MBBS program spans six years, including internship, with a single annual intake in September. Students must verify admission timelines and documentation requirements directly with the university or authorized representatives.

• No NExT Transition Yet: NExT implementation is deferred; FMGE remains the licensing route through 2026.