Tbilisi City Guide for Medical Students from Abroad
Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations for medical students abroad, offering high-quality, affordable education for many. Every year, thousands choose Georgia to study medicine or dentistry in English, attracted by the accessible path to an accredited degree and the welcoming atmosphere.
The capital, Tbilisi, is a primary destination for international students, as the city hosts more than 10 of the top medical schools in the country. The city is vibrant and fun, with a rich cultural scene and a large international community.
In short, Tbilisi offers everything a medical student needs - top schools, cosy study spots, traditional and international restaurants, and affordable public transport. Whether you’re starting your studies or awaiting admission, this guide will help you get acquainted with your new home.
The key takeaways of this blog include:
- Tbilisi is a top choice for international medical students. It offers high-quality education in a welcoming environment.
- Studying medicine in Tbilisi is affordable. Accommodation, public transport, and grocery shopping are affordable even on a tight budget.
- Public transport in Tbilisi makes commuting to school easy. Metro, bus, taxi, and scooter rentals are the most popular options.
- Medical students in Tbilisi train in modern healthcare facilities and learn from top industry practitioners.
Table of Contents
- 1 Tbilisi Neighborhoods Students Rent In
- 2 Settling in Tbilisi
- 3 Public Transport in Tbilisi: Fares and Options
- 4 Navigating Tbilisi: Commuting for Medical Students
- 5 Student Training Hospitals in Tbilisi
- 6 Healthcare in Georgia
- 7 Study Spots in Tbilisi
- 8 Managing Your Student Food Budget
- 9 In a Nutshell
- 10 Why This Matters to You
- 11 FAQ - Tbilisi City Guide
Tbilisi Neighborhoods Students Rent In
Before you arrive in Georgia, it’s essential to think about your student accommodation. While some medical universities in Tbilisi offer dorms or hostel rooms to international students, many students prefer to rent an entire private apartment instead.
The cost of living in Georgia is generally affordable, though some areas, particularly in the capital, can be more expensive. But don’t worry; your Medlink Students advisor will help you choose the right accommodation based on price and location. Here are a few popular Tbilisi neighbourhoods among students:
Vake
Vake is a top choice for many students due to its central location west of Kura River, which is within walking distance from Old Town and has excellent public transport links. The area offers both high-end and affordable apartments, along with many study-friendly spaces. Vake is lively, with plenty of restaurants and bars, and it is close to several medical universities and a large hospital.
Saburtalo
Saburtalo, located just north of Vake, is a larger, budget-friendly neighbourhood with a distinctly residential feel. While it has fewer parks and bars, students can still enjoy coffee shop study sessions here or explore the international food scene. Many expats prefer Saburtalo for the lower rent, though it's further from downtown. With public transportation you can get to Old Tbilisi in about 30 minutes.
Avlabari
East of Kura River, just across from Old Town, is Avlabari. On a student budget, you can find an apartment here that’s only a 20-minute walk away from downtown. While not as affordable as Saburtalo, Avlabari’s central location is a major advantage. With a metro station nearby, commuting to university is easy, though there are fewer cafes and restaurants compared to other areas.
Chugureti
Chugureti is also on the east side, adjacent to Avlabari. This area has both affordable and luxury housing options and a vibrant nightlife scene. Chugureti attracts many students as it is home to several medical universities, has excellent public transport connections, аs well as lots of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. Here, you’ll also find Dezerter Bazaar - a food market with some of the best Georgian dishes in town.
Settling in Tbilisi
Settling in your new home is one of the most exciting aspects of moving to study medicine abroad. At the same time, there are many things you’ll need to sort out before the start of the school year. Medlink Students offers comprehensive support for a smooth transition to your studies in Tbilisi. This includes assistance with visa application, as well as planning your journey to Georgia and temporary accommodation where applicable.
Upon arrival, we provide airport pick-up, and we introduce you to the Medlink Students on-ground support team, who will assist you throughout your stay. We will also help you find the most suitable accommodation for your needs and take care of setting up bills, bank accounts, internet, and a local SIM card. Additionally, we offer guidance on finding essential services, such as restaurants, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. To help you network and make friends, we also organise social events before your course begins.
Public Transport in Tbilisi: Fares and Options
Tbilisi offers various transportation options, from buses and taxis to the metro and bike/scooter rentals. The capital is very well-connected, with a public transport system that reaches all corners of the city. Public transport fares are affordable, with prices ranging from 3 GEL for a single trip to 250 GEL for a full year of unlimited travel. You can check which bus to take from the official website, though Google Maps also works great.
Make sure to purchase a ticket beforehand to avoid fines - you can do so from any metro station (and most bus stations) and use debit/credit cards. Direct payments to drivers are not permitted. Public transport can also be paid for using a Metromoney card - a contactless prepaid card that works across all transport services. In addition, Metromoney cardholders enjoy an automatic discount: after the first trip, any additional journeys within 90 minutes are free.
For those looking to explore beyond public transport, Tbilisi offers alternative options like marshrutkas (shared minivans) and taxi services, such as Yandex Go, Bolt, and Taxi Maxim. You can also rent bikes or scooters for a small fee. The metro is the quickest way to get around, with two main lines: Line 1(Gldani-Varketili) runs from North to South, while Line 2(Saburtalo) spans from West to East.
If you’re considering studying medicine or dentistry in Tbilisi, you’ll want to get familiar with the city and the university campuses it hosts. Medlink Students works closely with over 100 accredited universities across Europe, including the best ones in Georgia’s capital, to help you choose the right fit and secure your admission letter.
Once you’ve got your spot, it’s time to start thinking about your new day-to-day life. So here are some helpful tips on how to get around Tbilisi and where to rent strategically, depending on your university of choice:
European University in Tbilisi, Georgia, is about 45 minutes away from downtown by Metro Line 1. Within walking distance from the campus, there are a few restaurants, convenience stores, a pharmacy, and a shopping centre.
City bus line 292 connects the campus and student dorms in about 30 minutes, but you can walk the distance in under an hour. Alternatively, five different buses (348, 370, 381, 431, 475) can get you to the station nearest to European University.
Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) has its campus near downtown Tbilisi, just a 10-minute walk away from a beautiful view of the Kura River, where you can relax between lectures. The best way to reach TMA is to hop on the Metro Line 1 and exit at 300 Aragveli station. You can also get to campus via bus - more than 10 lines serve the adjacent bus stations.
While TMA does not offer dormitories, many international students opt for the university-affiliated hostel, which is 20 minutes away on foot, or rent in Avlabari - a popular student neighbourhood.
Caucasus International University’s campus neighbours the Tbilisi Sea - a man-made water reservoir surrounded by scenic views, away from the city noise. Close to the campus is also Sanzona Park, many restaurants, and Metro Line 1, which can take you to Old Tbilisi in under 30 minutes. This university doesn’t offer dormitories, but public transport connects the campus to popular neighbourhoods like Vake and Saburtalo.
Grigol Robakidze University School of Medicine is in a quiet part of Tbilisi, about an hour north of downtown. The nearest bus station, Mukhatgverdi Lane, is just a 4-minute walk from campus and serves 8 different bus lines. The area also offers several convenient supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and hospitals. To minimise commute times, you can rent in nearby residential buildings or Saburtalo.
University of Georgia (UoG) has a central location in a busy part of town between Vake and Saburtalo. The campus is a 5-minute walk away from George Saakadze Square, where more than 10 bus lines stop. There’s also a metro station 10 minutes away (Technical University station, Line 2). The university offers hostel room dormitories on campus at a good price, and renting in Vake or Saburtalo is ideal for those who want an entire apartment nearby.
David Tvildiani Medical University is a brief walk away from Dighomi Park, perfect for coffee breaks between classes. To the city centre you can get in about 40 minutes by bus (line 320 or 306). While there are no student dorms, you can rent an entire apartment to yourself in Saburalo for minimal commute times.
East European University is located in the northern part of Tbilisi, in a calm area with public parks and residential buildings nearby. Renting an apartment within walking distance or in Saburtalo is best for keeping your bills low. The campus is well-connected by two city bus lines (362, 421) and Metro Line 1 (Sarajishvili M/S). Within a 10-minute walk, there are a few restaurants, coffee shops, pharmacies, and a mini-market.
Georgian American University is located near Vake, right next to the Tbilisi Sports Palace. On one side of the campus is Kura River, and on the other - a busy area full of restaurants, shops, and even a gym. There are many cosy study areas on campus and a nearby park with beautiful scenery. Metro Line 2 (Technical University station) is 10 minutes away from the main building or you can reach by bus with one of 12 lines serving the area.
The Georgian National University (SEU) campus is a 5-minute subway ride away from Liberty Square in Old Town. On and around campus, you’ll find a gym, many study spots and restaurants, and the university’s own hospital. Transportation-wise, multiple bus lines stop nearby, and the 300 Aragveli metro station is 4 minutes away. Although there are no dormitories for students just yet (construction is ongoing), affordable neighbourhoods like Chugureti and Avlabari are great options within a reasonable distance.
Alte University International School of Medicine is located in Saburtalo, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city. The campus entrance is directly in front of a bus station (Bus 363), and the nearest metro stop, Delisi Station (Metro Line 2), is just a 10-minute walk away. Alte University also provides student housing, offering a convenient and affordable accommodation option for international students. Students who prefer private rentals often choose to live in the Saburtalo district since it’s not only close to campus but also has a variety of modern apartments, cafes, and shopping centres.
- Ilia State University is situated in Vake, so you can rent within walking distance from the lecture halls. Between classes you can hang out at Mziuri Park, one of the countless coffee shops and restaurants around, or hop on the metro to Old Town. Frankly, you can skip travelling altogether, as the campus is within walking distance of everything you need for a comfortable student life.
- Tbilisi State Medical University’s campus is in Saburtalo, right next to Central Republican Hospital. The closest bus station is called Republican Hospital, which serves 12 bus lines, and the Delisi metro station (Line 2) is 15 minutes away. Near campus are a couple of convenient coffee shops and restaurants, plus Vaso Godziashvili's Park, a great spot for relaxing after lectures.
If you’re wondering which of these universities is the right choice for you, our Student Success Programme is designed to guide aspiring medics just like you. We’ve helped thousands of students find their dream university to study medicine or dentistry abroad, and Tbilisi remains one of the most popular choices. From the moment you begin contemplating university options up until graduation and the start of your career in medicine, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Student Training Hospitals in Tbilisi
What hospitals and clinics each student trains in depends on the university and medical degree of their choice. All medical universities in Tbilisi are affiliated with several healthcare establishments. In some cases, the university has its own hospitals to serve the public and educate students.
Speak to your Medlink Students academic advisor to get more information about your university of interest and get guidance on selecting the right option for you. Some of the top Tbilisi hospitals international students get practical training in include:
Tbilisi State Medical University Hospital (TSMU Hospital)
Tbilisi State Medical University offers its students a unique advantage: 5 university clinics for the practical education of future medics. The main hospital you’ll train in as a TSMU student is TSMU First University Clinic, which is a 30-minute bus ride (line 531) away from campus. In addition, TSMU students can also participate in medical activities at two university-owned dental clinics and one pediatric clinic.
M. Iashvili Children's Central Hospital
M. Iashvili Children's Central Hospital is just a 5-minute walk from David Tvildiani Medical University’s campus. The hospital trains medical students from several universities and is Georgia's only pediatric multi-speciality referral clinic. Getting to it from the campuses of most other medical universities in Tbilisi takes about 30-40 minutes via bus.
American Hospital Tbilisi
Georgian National University (SEU) has an exclusive partnership with American Hospital Tbilisi (AHT), where students can complete their courses, master practical skills, and attend intensive skill training sessions led by renowned healthcare professionals. Getting to AHT from the SEU campus is very easy, as bus line 528 connects the two in under 15 minutes.
Healthcare in Georgia
The healthcare system in Georgia is hybrid, and many locals choose to get private health insurance. While the government funds some of its citizens’ medical care (100% coverage only for a limited range of services), the rest comes out of patients’ pockets. As a foreign national in Georgia, you are responsible for financing your own healthcare expenses.
Healthcare costs in Georgia are certainly lower than in the US; however, the end price can quickly increase without an insurance plan. Buying private health insurance will save you a lot in the long run, especially if you are a medical student on a budget.
Medlink Students’ on-ground support will help you obtain the right insurance plan, handle the paperwork, and point you to English-speaking clinics.
Emergency Services in Georgia
Georgia’s Emergency Response Centre number is 112. You can call this number from anywhere in the country, free of charge, even if your phone has no SIM card. Whether you need an ambulance, fire and rescue services, or the help of the police - the 112 Emergency Response Centre will receive and refer your phone call as necessary.
If you need mental health help, your university likely offers a psychologist on staff. You can also ask your Medlink Students academic advisor for support and contacts of English-speaking mental health specialists in Tbilisi.
Study Spots in Tbilisi
Life in medical school improves significantly once you've found your ideal study spot. Of course, there’s no universal answer to this search since every student will have a different preference.
If you thrive in a productive environment, then your university’s facilities are a good place to start. All medical universities in Tbilisi offer designated study areas, but you don’t have to limit yourself to your own campus. Many schools have open-access study areas, so you can explore other campuses or public libraries for a change of scenery.
For those who need some background noise to focus, coffee shops are a popular option. You’ll typically find a few study-friendly cafés near your campus, but for a wider selection, head to Vake or Old Town, where international students flock to a variety of cafés ideal for studying.
Tbilisi’s pleasant weather makes outdoor studying viable for most of the year, so why not go beyond the beaten path? Public parks across the city provide relaxing settings, with plenty of benches for those who prefer not to sit on the ground. Kikvidze Park is beautiful in the summer and is an excellent choice for study sessions out in nature.
Managing Your Student Food Budget
Georgian cuisine is truly delicious, and your first order of business when you come to Tbilisi food-wise should be to explore the local dishes. Old Tbilisi, Rustaveli, and Vake are the best areas to visit when you search for traditional cuisine since these neighbourhoods host some of the most popular restaurants. But don’t forget to trust the locals and stop at that tiny bakery with a huge line - chances are it’s cheap and tasty!
Thanks to the ever-increasing number of international students and residents, Tbilisi also has a dynamic international food scene. Whether you love Indian, Asian, Italian, or classic American flavours, this city has it all. And if you don’t want to leave home, delivery apps like Glovo and Wolt can bring your meal to your doorstep.
Smart Grocery Shopping
Eating out is always tempting, especially in a destination like Georgia; however, that’s not the best option for your bank balance. Every student has a budget, and to manage it effectively you’ll need to prepare some meals at home and know how to shop smart. Here are a few affordable grocery stores in Tbilisi to get your essentials from:
- Nikora is a local budget grocery chain that specialises in high-quality meat products. Its selection is predominantly Georgian staples, but there are also a few foreign foods at a good price. Additionally, customers can earn discounts by using the loyalty point system.
- Carrefour is a global hypermarket chain, hence the wider range of products and affordable prices. Here, you’ll find a larger selection in comparison to Nikora and you can order online. The chain has plenty of stores in student-dense living areas.
- Goodwill is a Georgian hypermarket chain with budget-friendly pricing. It’s a student favourite because of the big selection of imported goods. So, if you crave the flavours from home, this is the place to go.
In a Nutshell
Tbilisi is one of the most popular destinations for international medical students who are seeking an accredited degree abroad. The city is home to several leading Georgian medical universities, numerous study-friendly spaces, and a wide range of international cuisine options, providing a perfect balance of academic rigour and social opportunities.
Georgia offers high-quality, affordable education paired with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art hospitals, where students can train alongside some of the country's best medical professionals. Student life in Tbilisi is both accessible and enjoyable thanks to the budget-friendly living costs, accommodation and groceries. Additionally, the efficient public transportation system that connects every corner of the capital ensures that you will have an easy and comfortable way to navigate throughout the city.
Why This Matters to You
Moving to a new city for your studies can be overwhelming, but it also presents new opportunities for personal and professional growth. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your destination - from the quality of education to the cost of living.
Tbilisi combines a student-friendly environment with an exciting new culture, making it ideal for embarking on your educational journey. By understanding the practical details, like where to live, how to get around, and where to find budget-friendly groceries, you can focus on what matters most: succeeding in your medical programme.
Knowing how to navigate Tbilisi is key to enjoying your experience studying medicine in Georgia’s capital. Medlink Students’ on-ground support team will help you every step of the way, ensuring you’ve got everything you need in your new home.
FAQ - Tbilisi City Guide
What makes Tbilisi a popular destination for international medical students?
Many international students choose Tbilisi to study medicine abroad for its high-quality, affordable education, modern healthcare facilities for hands-on training, and the welcoming local culture.
Is living in Tbilisi affordable for medical students?
Living in Tbilisi is quite affordable compared to many European cities. Accommodation, groceries, transportation, and dining out are all very reasonably priced, allowing students to live comfortably on a budget.
What types of student accommodation are available in Tbilisi?
Students can choose from university dormitories, hostels, or private apartments. Many prefer renting entire apartments in budget-friendly neighbourhoods like Vake, Saburtalo, Avlabari, and Chugureti.
What transportation options are there in Tbilisi?
You can navigate Tbilisi using the metro, city buses, taxis, or bike/scooter rentals. The public transport system is very affordable, and students can receive additional discounts with a Metromoney card.
What is the best way to get around in Tbilisi?
Using the metro is the fastest way to commute in Tbilisi, especially if you need to travel a longer distance. The city bus system covers more routes and can take you to just about any corner of the capital.
What healthcare options are available to international students in Tbilisi?
International students can access emergency services and private healthcare services at hospitals and clinics in Tbilisi. Medlink Students can assist with selecting the right insurance plan and connecting with English-speaking medical professionals.
Where are the best study spots in Tbilisi?
There are countless study-friendly spaces in Tbilisi, including university and public libraries, cafes, and parks. Particularly popular amongst students are areas like Vake and Old Town, where you’ll find plenty of cosy coffee shops perfect for study sessions.
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