Akaki Tsereteli State University

Akaki Tsereteli State University hosts a broad spectrum of academic programs, encompassing 43 bachelor’s, 56 master’s, and 33 doctoral programs.

Overview

Despite being established as early as 1930, Akaki Tsereteli State University (ATSU) saw the inception of its Faculty of Medicine in 1995. Positioned in Kutaisi, Akaki Tsereteli State University is a privately owned institution committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities, fostering personal growth among students, and nurturing professionals and leaders. Alongside the Faculty of Medicine, the university offers a diverse range of disciplines, including Humanities, Natural Sciences, Technology Engineering, Maritime Transport, Pedagogy, and Law.

Akaki Tsereteli State University hosts a broad spectrum of academic programs, encompassing 43 bachelor’s, 56 master’s, and 33 doctoral programs. Notably, the Faculty of Medicine holds accreditation from esteemed organizations such as the WHO, WFME, and IMED. Moreover, the university maintains affiliations with prominent bodies like the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), the Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

In terms of rankings, Akaki Tsereteli State University is positioned as follows:

– World Ranking: 7734th
– Country Ranking (Georgia): 11th

The MD program, including over a year of clinical rotations, spans six years. With a budget ranging from 28 to 30 lacs, pursuing a medical program at Akaki Tsereteli State University is a viable option. The university boasts a faculty comprising 12 professors, 12 associate professors, 13 assistant professors, and two emeritus professors, along with experts and consultants from various international organizations.

Advantages of studying at Akaki Tsereteli State University:

– English-taught MD programs in adherence to NMC norms
– Over 25 years of experience, providing students with substantial clinical exposure and education meeting global standards
– Affordable MBBS costs, amounting to less than six lacs per year
– Availability of Indian cuisine for students’ convenience
– Moderate climatic conditions in Kutaisi, ideal for Indian students
– Participation in the Erasmus+ program, enhancing employability and soft skills

Regarding the cost of studying at Akaki Tsereteli State University, the fees for the MBBS program are as follows:

Year 1 to Year 6:
Tuition Fee (USD): 3600 per year

Accommodation options at Akaki Tsereteli State University include dormitories with modern amenities, shared rooms, or nearby rented apartments. The average monthly living cost for an individual ranges from US$370 to US$415, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Understanding the admission deadline is crucial when applying to the university, with fresh sessions generally commencing in the last week of September. Applicants are advised to initiate the application process in July, preferably by August, as seats are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility criteria for admission include a minimum of 50% marks in PCB and English in Class XII, along with a minimum age of 17 and qualification in NEET 2023. Additionally, the university may conduct interviews to assess applicants’ proficiency in Basic English.

Visa approval for Indian students in Georgia typically takes around one month, with the academic session for MD programs starting in October or November. To settle comfortably in the Georgian environment, students usually depart from India 10-15 days before classes commence.

After completing the MD program, students have various options for their medical PG, including NEXT in India, USMLE in the USA, PLAB Exam in the UK, or medical PG in Germany. Those opting for a medical PG from Georgia must undergo a one-year internship in Georgia after completing the six-year MD program and clear the Georgian Medical PG licensing exam. However, this option is less favored due to the program being conducted in Georgian and limited acceptance in students’ native countries.

Due to Georgia’s proximity to the UK, many students contemplate pursuing their Medical Postgraduate (PG) studies in the UK. Until 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) serves as the evaluation tool for assessing the skills and knowledge of International Medical Graduates (IMGs). It also determines their suitability for medical practice training in the UK.

In essence, an IMG’s eligibility to practice in the UK hinges on their performance in the PLAB. The PLAB test comprises two stages. PLAB 1 involves an examination with 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that evaluate recall abilities. Conversely, PLAB 2 is a practical Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) designed to assess clinical skills.

The General Medical Council (GMC) evaluates linguistic proficiency by considering scores in specific tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a Band Score of 7.0 or higher, or the Occupational English Test (OET) with a grade of B in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.