Studying Medicine in Georgia? Q&A - MBBS Degree Recognition in the UK, US and EU

Considering studying medicine in Georgia, but wondering where and how your degree will be recognised?

This is a question we get often, and there's some great news. You've picked a destination that not only offers globally recognised MBBS degrees but is also quickly becoming one of the top destinations for medical education in Europe.

In this short guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the recognition of Georgian medical degrees in the UK, the US and throughout the EU, along with the steps to becoming a successful doctor via this route.

The key takeaways from this blog include:

• Accredited Georgian universities offer internationally recognised, English-taught medical programmes that meet global education standards.
• Georgian medical degrees are recognised across Europe, the UK, and the US.
• There are currently over 30,000 international students studying medicine in Georgia.
• Thousands of Georgian medical graduates are successfully practising in the UK, the US, throughout Europe, and in other destinations across the world.
• There are over 160 graduates who have successfully registered with the GMC and have become doctors in the UK

Why Are More and More Students Choosing Georgia for Medicine?

A quickly growing number of Western students each year decide to study medicine abroad with studying in Georgia quickly becoming a top choice. Currently, there are over 30,000 international students who have started their medical education in Georgia, and it’s easy to see why.

The country’s accredited universities have all you could ask for:

• High-quality, English-taught medical programmes with internationally recognised degrees.
• Top-tier universities that meet all international education standards, including GMC requirements.
• Comprehensive clinical training in modern hospitals and clinics.
• A welcoming and exciting environment for students from around the world.
• Affordable tuition fees and living costs.

Now, let’s explore the level of international recognition Georgian degrees hold across the world:

Are Georgian Medical Degrees Recognised in the EU?

Within the European Union, medical degrees from accredited EU universities are automatically recognised under EU law (Directive 2005/36/EC).

Even though Georgia is currently only an EU member candidate, medical degrees from Georgian universities are widely recognised and accepted throughout the continent. This is thanks to the fact that most Georgian medical universities meet all international educational standards, including:

• Being listed in global directories like the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and FAIMER.
• Following the Bologna Process and using the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
• Having national accreditation and the recognition of international medical education bodies.

This means that earning your medical degree in Georgia gives you the foundation necessary to kickstart your medical career anywhere in Europe.

At Medlink Students, we have carefully selected the top medical universities in Georgia to ensure you receive a high-quality education that meets international standards. However, it is important to note that, like most international medical graduates, you will be required to pass a licensing exam or fulfil national registration requirements in the country where you intend to practise as a doctor.

Are Georgian Medical Degrees Recognised in the UK?

Yes, absolutely. 

Currently, there are over 160 Georgian medical graduates working in the UK, the majority of whom are from the past 10 years. This means that there is a steady rise in Georgian graduates registering with the GMC and that their qualifications are recognised and valued.

If you would like to learn more about the path to becoming a doctor after graduating from Georgia, you can read our blog on the GMC Registration Steps for Non-EU Medical Graduates.

Are Georgian Medical Degrees Recognised in the US?

Yes, Georgian medical degrees are recognised in the United States, and there are even several medical schools that have additional resources to help you become a doctor in the US. For example, both the Tbilisi Medical Academy and the European University in Tbilisi grant ECFMG registration eligibility and have USMLE preparation courses.

Here are the steps all international medical graduates (including from Georgia) need to take to become doctors in the US:

1. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - a mandatory 3-step exam that evaluates your ability to practise medicine according to US standards.
2. Obtain ECFMG certification after passing the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2.
3. Complete a Residency Programme in the US.

While the process is on the longer side, many Georgian medical graduates have successfully gone through it and are now practising as licensed physicians in the US. Rest assured, with the right steps, your Georgian medical degree can open doors to a rewarding medical career in the US.For more medical school recommendations to help you become a doctor in the US, you can read our blog - The Top Medical Schools in Europe for Americans.

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