Caucasus University (CU), Tbilisi, Georgia

Caucasus University, located in the heart of Tbilisi, is one of Georgia's largest and most established higher education institutions. Founded in 2004 (with roots tracing back to the Caucasus School of Business established in 1998), it operates across ten schools and offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes in medicine, law, business, and technology. The Medical Doctor programme — equivalent to MBBS in India — is the primary draw for international students, combining a globally recognised credential with one of the most complete campus ecosystems in Georgia.
The six-year MD programme (360 ECTS credits, with a maximum of 75 credits per year) is structured to build clinical reasoning progressively. Years one and two focus on basic medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and histology, largely delivered through lectures and simulation laboratories. Years three through five integrate pre-clinical and clinical learning, with students rotating through CU's affiliated teaching hospitals across Tbilisi. The sixth year is a mandatory internship, conducted under supervision in a hospital setting, which satisfies the practical requirements for both Indian NExT and international licensing examinations.
The university's infrastructure is genuinely impressive by any international standard. The main campus in Tbilisi features state-of-the-art anatomy and simulation laboratories, a swimming pool, sports field, a well-stocked library, and smart classrooms equipped with modern audiovisual technology. A second campus in Batumi further extends its reach. CU reports an employment rate of over 90% for graduates, underscoring the practical value of its degree.
International accreditation is comprehensive. CU is recognised by the NMC of India, listed in the WDOMS, accredited by the WHO, ECFMG, and WFME, and approved by Georgia's Ministry of Education and Science. This means graduates are eligible for NExT in India, USMLE in the United States, PLAB in the United Kingdom, and postgraduate opportunities in Germany, Canada, and Australia.
The Indian student community at CU is among the largest in Georgian medical universities, with an estimated 400 or more Indian students across all six years. This creates a built-in support network, access to Indian food, cultural celebrations, and peer coaching for examination preparation. Annual tuition of USD 6,000 and a manageable cost of living make CU one of the most popular choices for Indian families seeking a balance of quality, recognition, and value.