Q1. Will the NMC and the WHO recognise PSTMA in 2026?
+A. Yes, PSTMA will qualify under the criteria as laid by NMC, FAIMER, WDOMS (WHO), and ECFMG. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm via wdoms.org to avoid any changes.

Georgia | WHO, NMC India, ECFMG, GMC UK, WFME, FAIMER, NCEQE, Georgia | 100% English; no Georgian required; IELTS/TOEFL not mandatory medium
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Most guides about Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy open with a fee table and a recognition list. This one starts with the detail that actually explains why the institution is the way it is. The founder, Dr Petre Shotadze, was not a businessman who saw an opportunity in private medical education. He was a practising Georgian physician and paediatric surgeon who had spent his entire career from graduation at Tbilisi State Medical University in 1970 through to his directorship of Pediatric Surgery, building the academic and clinical skills that he then embedded in the institution he founded in 1992. When he died in 1999, the university was renamed in his honour. That is not a common thing. Institutions are named after people who built them from the outside. PSTMA was named after someone who built it from within, as a working surgeon and educator.
The practical consequences of that founding philosophy are visible in how the academy runs today. PSTMA is deliberately small, with around 1,048 students across all years and 110 academic staff, giving a student-to-faculty ratio that larger Georgian institutions cannot match. The motto 'Medicine Starts Here' reflects a pedagogical commitment to foundation-building rather than fast-tracking students through theory so they can reach the clinical years. Cadaveric dissection runs throughout Years 1 and 2, which is not standard practice at every Georgian medical institution. The 360 ECTS credit structure, including 20 ECTS of electives across semesters, gives students enough flexibility to build a profile that is genuinely their own rather than purely standardised.
The recognition profile is solid and up to date. WHO listing in the World Directory of Medical Schools, NMC India approval, ECFMG eligibility for USMLE, GMC UK for PLAB, WFME alignment, FAIMER listing, and national accreditation through NCEQE Georgia, which is a comprehensive set of credentials that covers every major licensing pathway an Indian student is likely to pursue. What competitors consistently fail to mention is that NCEQE accreditation is the domestic Georgian certification standard that matters for the degree's legal standing in the country itself, not just for international licensing purposes. An institution with NCEQE accreditation has been independently evaluated by Georgian national quality assessors, rather than merely listed by international bodies.
The FMGE pass rate at PSTMA needs to be framed honestly, because most guides either hide it or oversell it. The 2024 figure is 32.14%. That is above the national average of 18.61% among all foreign MBBS graduates taking the FMGE, indicating that PSTMA graduates outperform the typical cohort. But it is below the levels recorded by top-performing Georgian institutions such as GAU (80.33%) and BAU (63.29%) in the same year. The honest reading of that number is that PSTMA produces graduates who are better prepared than average but not at the very top of the Georgian pack. For a student who plans to supplement the degree with targeted FMGE/NExT preparation from Year 4 onwards, the clinical exposure and foundation training at PSTMA provide a solid base. For a student who expects the degree alone to carry them through the licensing examination, the number is a realistic caution.
The cost case for PSTMA is among the strongest in Georgia. Annual tuition ranges from USD 5,500 to USD 7,000, depending on the academic year, placing it at the lower end of the range for Georgian private medical schools. Hostel accommodation is in shared rooms near the campus at approximately USD 2,000β3,000 per year, with living expenses in Tbilisi running USD 250β300 per month when managed well. The total 6-year cost ranges from INR 36 to 42 lakh all-inclusive, which is lower than that of any comparable Indian private medical college and competitive with other Georgia options at a similar fee level. There is no donation, no capitation fee, and no mid-course tuition hike, which is a commitment that several other Georgian institutions have not consistently maintained.
Tbilisi itself is a stronger city for medical students than most guides acknowledge. It is consistently ranked among the safest capitals in Europe, with a Numbeo crime safety index above 70. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold but manageable winters. Public transport is functional and cheap. Indian food is accessible both on campus and at restaurants within walking distance of student areas. The flight back to Delhi requires one stop, typically via Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a total journey time of 7β9 hours and ticket prices that are reasonable compared to European destinations. Parents visiting for the first time consistently find Tbilisi less intimidating than they expected, which matters more than most guides admit when a family is making a six-year commitment.
Since 1992, over 1,500 PSTMA graduates have gone on to work in hospitals, research centres, and universities across Georgia, India, and internationally. Some have returned as faculty members. That graduate density of 1,500 doctors across 33 years of output from a relatively small institution means the alum network is proportionally well-connected for its size. It also means there are enough PSTMA graduates in Indian hospitals and clinics for prospective students to find and speak with them before making an admission decision. That kind of ground-level verification is the most valuable research a student can do, and it is something the institution's graduate history makes genuinely possible.
No hidden charges, no donation. The full picture of costs at Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (PSTMA), Tbilisi, Georgia.
Tuition Fee
USD 5,500β7,000/yr (INR 4.7β5.95 lakh); no donation
USD 5,500β7,000/yr INR 4.7β5.95 lakh approx. No mid-year hike, fixed per year
Hostel Fee
USD 2,000β3,000/yr; shared rooms; Wi-Fi; hostel kitchens available
USD 2,000β3,000/yr INR 1.7β2.55 lakh approx. Shared room options, Basic amenitie
Food & Meals
USD 150β200/month Campus canteen available, Nearby Indian restaurants, Self-cook hostel kitchens
per month
Insurance
USD 150β200/yr INR 12,700β17,000 approx. Georgia student scheme Year 1 slightly higher
Year 1
Donation
No Donation
No Hidden Fees
Total Estimated Cost
INR 36β42 lakh Total 6-Year All-Inclusive
6-Year
25β35%
Average FMGE first-attempt pass rates for students from many overseas medical universities. Students from structured programs consistently score higher.
Students returning to India need to clear the FMGE/NExT exam. Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (PSTMA), Tbilisi, Georgia integrates exam-oriented coaching into the regular curriculum so students are prepared from day one.
A structured program that takes you from foundational sciences to clinical mastery.
β’ Medical Latin, Cell Biology, History of Medicine, and basic clinical ethics
β’ Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Biophysics; cadaveric dissection begins in Year 1
β’ Pharmacology, Pathological Anatomy, and research methodology were introduced this year
β’ Physiology, Microbiology, Virology; cadaveric anatomy continues through Year 2
β’ Propedeutics of Internal Medicine; simulation labs; patient history-taking starts
β’ Advanced Pathology, Pathophysiology, Immunology; first hospital exposure begins
β’ Neurology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, ENT, Ophthalmology; FMGE prep begins
β’ Rotations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology
β’ Independent patient management under senior specialists in affiliated hospitals
β’ Advanced Surgery, Traumatology, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology rotations
β’ Dedicated FMGE, NExT, USMLE, PLAB coaching; free exam prep provided
β’ Full rotations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, OBG, Emergency, Trauma
Furnished hostel rooms with Wi-Fi, laundry, 24/7 security, and Indian mess on or near campus.
Indian restaurants and mess facilities serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian home-style food daily.
Strong Indian community with cultural events, festival celebrations, and peer support groups.
Students get hands-on clinical training in government and private hospitals affiliated with the university.
Practical information for students planning to study at Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (PSTMA), Tbilisi, Georgia.
Prepare for all seasons. Thermal wear for winters, light clothing for summers. University provides heating in hostels.
Student visa processed with university invitation letter. Direct and connecting flights from major Indian cities.
Health insurance included in fees. Medical facility on campus plus city hospitals easily accessible.
Local SIM cards available. WhatsApp and video calls keep you connected with family back home.
Average monthly expenses of $150β$250 covering food, transport, and personal needs.
University library, online databases, and study groups. Seniors mentor juniors through academic challenges.
Our team guides you through every step β from application to arriving on campus.
Share your NEET score, budget, and preferred city (Tbilisi or Batumi). AMW's Georgia specialist can profile the right university within 24 hours, with an honest comparison of clinical quality, FMGE track record, total cost, and city lifestyle.
AMW sends you a complete Georgia-specific checklist. We verify your originals, flag any issues, and advise on notarisation requirements before submission.
AMW submits your application directly to the selected partner university. We handle all documentation, communication, and translation on your behalf.
University offer letters are typically issued within 7β14 working days. AMW receives and forwards the letter and walks you through the acceptance terms.
Initial fee deposit secures your seat for the SeptemberβOctober 2026 intake. AMW advises on safe payment methods and provides a full receipt and confirmation.
AMW conducts a detailed orientation on Tbilisi/Batumi city logistics, hostel setup, what to pack, currency, SIM cards, and what to expect on arrival at the university.
AMW advises on flight routing (Tbilisi or Batumi airport), typical fare windows, and luggage allowances. Your expected arrival is confirmed with our Georgia ground team.
AMW's local Georgia representative meets you at Tbilisi International Airport or Batumi Airport. No student arrives alone or unsupported.
AMW's Georgia team handles hostel check-in, university registration, and campus orientation during your first week.
AMW files your student residence permit at the Georgia PSDA within your first two weeks. We handle the full process through to permit collection.
Admission Helpline β Contact our counsellors for step-by-step assistance.
βThe faculty here is incredibly supportive. The clinical training during hospital rotations has given me real confidence in patient care.β
βAffordable fees without compromising on quality. The campus facilities and hostel life made my transition abroad very smooth.β
βEnglish medium instruction and WHO-recognized curriculum were the deciding factors for me. No regrets so far β excellent experience overall.β
βThe university helped with everything from visa to accommodation. Hospital exposure from year three has been invaluable for my FMGE prep.β
βJust cleared my licensing exam on the first attempt. The structured coaching and mock exams during final year were a game-changer.β
βSafe campus, good food options, and a strong Indian student community. The teaching methodology is very practical and hands-on.β
A. Yes, PSTMA will qualify under the criteria as laid by NMC, FAIMER, WDOMS (WHO), and ECFMG. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm via wdoms.org to avoid any changes.
A. No. It is for State Universities. PSTMA is a private university and has been admitting Indian and international students since 2026.
A. Tuition fee - USD 5500-7000 /year. Hostel fee - USD 2000-3000 /year. Living expenses - USD 250-300 /month. Will add the cost for visa renewal, insurance, etc. Etc., 36-42 lakhs for the total six years. No hidden donation fee.
A. 2024 PSTMA FMGE pass rate - 32.14% (national average: 18.61%, GAU: 80.33%, and BAU: 63.2
A. It was founded by Dr Petre Shotadze (pediatric surgeon) in Georgia in 1992 and was named after him posthumously in 1999. Emphasis on practical studies like cadaveric anatomy
A. First supervised hospital exposure begins from Year 3, with full clinical rotations running through Years 4 and 5 across Tbilisi city hospitals. What most guides skip: cadaveric dissection in the anatomy labs runs through Years 1 and 2, meaning students have hands-on technical exposure from their first semester, earlier than purely lecture-based programmes provide.
A. NEET UG is mandatory for Indians due to NMC. Not requiring IELTS/TOEFL. English is tested through PSTMA in admission. No other entrance test except NEET.
A. No on-campus hostel. Student Services organises off-campus accommodation in shared apartments with all basic facilities, Wi-Fi, and kitchens. Must confirm accommodation beforehand; no hostel facility available.
A. MD has a 360 ECTS, and each year has a 20 ECTS of electives (4ECTS each semester) which consists of Clinical skills, Professional development and skill transfer.
A. GAU has a pass percentage of 80.33% FMGE in 2024 and would be perfect for the Indian license. DTMU; the syllabus will resemble the USMLE system and a good US-based residency program, and the affordability of an MBBS with PSTMA.



Our expert counsellors will guide you through the complete admission process β from documents to airport pickup.