The Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) Faculty of Medicine is a major state-run institution in Kutaisi, Georgia. It is recognized for its historical standing, adherence to European educational standards, and its program's NMC recognition for Indian students.
Official Designation: Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) Faculty of Medicine.
Founding Year: The parent university has historical roots dating back to 1930, providing a long tradition of state-supported education.
Institutional Status: Operates as a State University under the Ministry of Education and Science, Georgia, ensuring high standards and stability.
Degree Awarded: Graduates receive the Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Medical Doctor (MD/MBBS) degree.
NMC Compliance: Fully NMC Approved. The degree is accepted as equivalent to MBBS for Indian licensing, subject to clearing the NExT exam.
Program Duration: The course is a mandatory 6 Years, comprising both academic and clinical training, aligning with European and NMC requirements.
Instruction Language: The program for the international cohort is conducted exclusively in English Medium.
Curriculum Basis: Follows a credit-module system, adhering strictly to European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) standards.
Global Recognition: Recognized by WHO WDOMS, ECFMG, and WFME.
Annual Intake: Maintains an approved intake capacity for international students, with specific state approvals.
Entry Requirement: Mandatory NEET UG qualification for Indian citizens (minimum 50% in 10+2 PCB).
Academic Philosophy: Known for its integration of basic sciences with robust clinical practice and applied medical training.
Location: Situated in Kutaisi, the legislative capital and second-largest city of Georgia.
Faculty Profile: Features highly qualified academic and clinical faculty with strong research credentials.
Security Status: The university premises are monitored for student safety.
Program Structure: The curriculum shifts systematically from foundational theoretical study to intensive clinical application and rotations in the later years.
ATSU operates from an established, integrated urban campus in Kutaisi, centralizing academic and administrative functions.
Campus Layout: The university complex is established within the urban landscape of Kutaisi, featuring several dedicated academic buildings and administrative blocks.
Academic Blocks: Houses modern academic blocks with spacious Lecture Halls equipped with contemporary A/V teaching aids (digital projection).
Simulation Centers: Equipped with highly functional Clinical Skills Centers and Simulation Labs for mandatory procedural training.
Anatomy Facilities: Features dedicated Anatomy Labs and dissection halls, maintaining high standards for practical study.
Departmental Labs: Extensive laboratories are provided for foundational sciences (e.g., Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology).
Central Library: Maintains a large, specialized Medical Library with a comprehensive collection of print and digital resources.
Digital Access: Provides institutional access to essential digital medical databases and e-journals.
Reading Halls: Provides numerous spacious reading halls with ample seating capacity for focused study.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi access is provided across academic buildings and libraries.
Student Support Center: Dedicated departments handle international student affairs, visa management, and academic mentorship.
Internal Canteens: Multiple student canteens and cafeterias are available.
Sports Facilities: The campus includes internal sports facilities (gym, courts).
Security: The academic areas are monitored by 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance.
Heating & Utilities: Centralized utility management ensures effective heating and ventilation in all blocks.
Proximity: The campus maintains close proximity or dedicated transport links to affiliated clinical bases.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical exposure is conducted through mandatory rotations utilizing major regional and city hospitals in Kutaisi and the Imereti region.
Total Bed Strength: Students rotate across a collective clinical network utilizing 700+ teaching beds across integrated and affiliated regional bases.
Primary Teaching Hospital: The university utilizes several major Regional and City Hospitals in Kutaisi as its primary teaching bases.
Extensive Affiliation Network: Clinical rotations are mandatory at specialized state clinics and hospitals.
Patient Load: Exposure is guaranteed to a high volume of diverse pathology due to its role as a major regional referral center.
Training Method: Core method involves intensive bedside teaching and supervised patient interaction from the clinical years onwards.
Surgical Exposure: Significant surgical exposure is provided in affiliated hospital Operating Theatres.
Diagnostic Tools: Direct exposure and practical training using advanced imaging technologies.
Core Rotations: Structured, compulsory rotations in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, OBGYN, Pediatrics, and Traumatology.
Emergency/Trauma: Dedicated postings in high-traffic Emergency and Trauma Departments are compulsory.
Language Application: Practical application of Georgian/Russian language skills is required during patient interaction.
State University Affordability
The financial structure is competitive within the Georgian medical education market, with fees typically paid in USD.
Annual Tuition Fee: Approx. $5,000 – $7,000 USD per year.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. $30,000 – $42,000 USD (total academic fee).
Payment Mode: Fees are payable annually in USD or the GEL (Georgian Lari) equivalent.
Tuition Stability: State university fees are generally stable, subject to minor annual revisions by the government.
Hostel Fees (Annual): Approx. $800 – $1,500 USD per year (residential rent).
Mandatory Medical Insurance: Approx. $200 – $350 USD per year.
Mandatory Visa/Residency Permit Fee: Approx. $100 – $200 USD per year.
Initial Registration Fee: A small, non-refundable one-time enrollment fee is collected in the first year.
Caution Deposit (Refundable): A refundable caution deposit is collected once (amount varies).
No Capitation Fee: Absolutely no non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged.
Kutaisi is the legislative capital and second-largest city of Georgia, known for its rich history and beautiful natural setting.
General Atmosphere: Kutaisi is a historic city offering a relaxed, traditional European ambiance with significant architectural and cultural sites.
Safety Profile: The city is generally regarded as very safe for international students, with a low crime rate.
Student Life: Student life is manageable and academic-focused, centered around the university campus and the city's historical sites.
Climate: Experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters compared to Central Asia.
Transportation: Local public transport is reliable and affordable, primarily relying on buses and marshrutkas (minibuses).
Famous Food: Georgian cuisine is internationally famous, featuring Khachapuri (cheese bread), Khinkali (dumplings), and Churchkhela (sweet).
Indian Food Accessibility: Availability of specialized Indian restaurants or grocery stores is limited but increasing due to international student inflow.
Language in Daily Life: Georgian is the official language, and Russian is widely understood by the older generation.
Accommodation Areas: Students reside in university hostels or nearby affordable private apartments.
Cost of Living: The average monthly cost of living is highly economical compared to Tbilisi (the capital).
Residential living is structured, secured, and features both subsidized university accommodation and external options.
Hostel Policy: On-campus residency is available and usually required for the first year.
Accommodation Type: Rooms are located in secure, university-managed dormitory blocks.
Room Configuration: Primarily 2-seater or 3-seater shared occupancy.
Security: Hostels maintain robust 24/7 security staff presence and CCTV surveillance.
Heating System: Equipped with effective centralized heating systems (crucial for the cold climate).
Kitchen Facilities: Common kitchen areas are provided on each floor or wing.
Mess System (Self-Catering): The predominant model is self-cooking.
Dietary Control: This allows Indian students complete adherence to specific dietary requirements.
Study Halls: Dedicated, quiet Study Halls/Reading Rooms are provided within the hostel blocks.
Laundry: Common laundry facilities are available.
Admission Selection: Based on NEET UG merit, academic screening, and successful completion of the university's admission procedures.
No Service Bond: No mandatory service bond or financial penalty is imposed by the university or the Georgian government.
Internship Requirement: Students must complete the 6-year duration, including the mandatory 1-year internship, to be eligible for the NExT exam in India.
NExT Eligibility: Graduates must successfully complete the required duration and pass the NExT to secure a license to practice in India.
Visa Requirements: Requires annual student visa and residency permit renewal coordinated through the university.
Language Requirement: Mandatory language training (Georgian/Russian) is required for clinical posting eligibility.
Academic Calendar: The session typically commences in September/October.
Part-Time Work: Generally restricted on international student visas.
Age Requirement: Students must be 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year.
Postgraduate Options: Residency options are available locally and internationally.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus