Life at Tbilisi in Georgia
The Caucasus International University Faculty of Medicine resides in Tbilisi, Georgia—the capital and largest city of the country. Situated in southern Turkey and to the east of Azerbaijan, Tbilisi offers a relatively low cost of living, enabling individuals to maintain a satisfactory lifestyle.
Georgia experiences mild climatic conditions during the summer and rainy seasons. However, particular areas witness extreme winter weather, with the city sometimes encountering below-degree temperatures. Hence, it can be a matter of concern for students accustomed to tropical climates, such as those from India.
Caucasus International University, Georgia
Caucasus International University (CIU) was established in 1995. Earlier, it was founded as a medical institute named “Clinisist." After many highs and lows, this for-profit private university received institutional accreditation and a license in 2005. With time, it added a new building corresponding to the modern infrastructure. Also, CIU managed to include auditoriums, a library, a student café, a gymnasium, and a courtyard in the university infrastructure to meet European standards.
The Caucasus International University in Tbilisi has accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Higher Education Institutions. The university understands that student life impacts their personal and professional values. Thus, numerous sports and cultural events are conducted every year for the students. Also, it aims to assist every student at the university in getting every possible opportunity to bring out the best in them. In addition, CIU utilises practical learning tools for educational purposes.
The Caucasus International University ranking is among the Most Popular University in Georgia. The CIU Georgia Country Ranking is 20th in Georgia, while the Caucasus International University World Ranking is 9394th
Quick Facts
| Established | 1995 |
| University Type | Private |
| Intakes | September |
| Basic Eligibility | 50% PCB in 12th Standard, NEET Qualified |
| IELTS or TOEFL | Not Required |
| NMC Criteria | Yes |
| MBBS Course Duration | 6 years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Degree Awarded | MD Equivalent to MBBS |
|
Recognition and Accreditations |
WHO, National Medical Commission (NMC), FAIMER-IMED, Georgian Ministry of Health, Georgian Ministry of Education , National Center for Education Quality Enhancement |
| Ranking | Country Rank - 16 World Rank - 9203 |
| Tuition Fees | $5,500 USD/year |
Teaching Faculty
About 100–199 professors or teaching faculty are engaged at the Caucasus International University Faculty of Medicine. Currently, the university has 5 faculties, including the Faculty of Business, Law, Social Sciences, Viticulture, and Enology, as well as the Faculty of Medicine.
Studying at Caucasus International University
The Caucasus International University is a private university operational in Tbilisi, Georgia. An Indian student looking for an incredible medical university in Georgia must weigh the options very well before picking the CIU:
- The CIU Georgia is a privately owned young educational institution with as little as 27 years of teaching experience.
- The cost of MBBS at Caucasus International University is less than 4.5 lacs annually.
- The CIU University of Georgia is an affordable option for students seeking an MBBS in Georgia.
- Tuition fees for MBBS at CIU seem reasonable and low-cost, but one must always look for admission to a public university when Studying MBBS abroad.
- To begin with, for admission to CIU Tbilisi, international students must undergo an entrance exam.
- Students might face specific issues with Indian food at the university but can still prepare it themselves or arrange it from nearby food outlets.
Affiliations and Medical Programs at Caucasus International University
The medical programs at Caucasus International University (CIU) offer bachelor's degrees, one-step master's degrees, and doctoral degree programs in dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy.
Regarding international affiliations, the CIU, for instance, has partner universities from countries like the Czech Republic, Ukraine, the Republic of Turkey, Romania, Poland, Spain, and the USA.
Cost of studying MBBS at Caucasus International University
Caucasus International University Fees for MBBS fall in the medium range. The details are as follows:
| Cost | Year-1 | Year-2 | Year-3 | Year-4 | Year-5 | Year-6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee In USD | 5500 | 5500 | 5500 | 5500 | 5500 | 5500 |
Hostel/ Accommodation
The Caucasus International University hostel is well-equipped. The university provides accommodation on a ‘first come, first served basis. International Students will certainly get all sorts of basic amenities in the apartments, like a wash area, washroom, bedding, kitchen, heating, etc.
Also, the majority of international students prefer staying in rented apartments. Similarly, depending on the type of accommodation, students may be required to spend 200–400 USD. Nonetheless, one can settle in rooms allotted on a sharing basis or stay in a rented apartment nearby.
In Tbilisi, living costs vary depending on available resources and amenities. The estimated cost of living for an individual in Tbilisi, Georgia, would be around USD 100–150 per month, excluding food.
Indian Food at Caucasus International University Faculty of Medicine
The university has its own CIU Tbilisi cafeteria, accommodating its largest student dining hall. For now, the CIU meal plan does not include Indian food specifically. However, students studying at CIU Georgia Medicine can cook themselves. In addition, the University provides a shared kitchen on every floor along with other essential items like a Cooking top, Refrigerator, Microwave oven, etc. Students need to pay for these facilities at the university.
Students can choose options that provide Indian food, like private Indian Mess and Indian restaurants. Besides this, joining Indian Mess will cost approximately 150 USD a month. Most international students prefer to cook for themselves for hygiene and cost-effectiveness. Indian cuisines available in the local market would undoubtedly be high-priced. However, the plan to consume available food would add to the monthly expenditure.
Admission Deadline for Caucasus International University
Students must keep up with the application dates to avoid missing out on applying to the university. You must begin with the application process and submit the documents before the deadline. The right time to apply for Caucasus International University admission for 2022–2023 is before July 15th.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Caucasus International University
Caucasus International University admission requirements include a score of 50% in PCB and English as a subject in Class XII. The applicant must be a minimum of 17 years old. Also, you must have qualified for the NEET of the year you're applying. Furthermore, the university may interview to assess the applicant's ability to speak and understand basic English.
Indian Students at Caucasus International University
More than 100 Caucasus International University Faculty of Medicine students are from India. The cost-effective MBBS tuition fees at CIU might seem pleasing to international students. However, one must consider the pros and cons of getting a medical degree from a privately-owned university. Above that, the university is just two and a half decades old.
Departure to Caucasus International University Tbilisi Georgia
In Georgia, visa approval takes around one month, longer than in any other neighboring country. The academic session for the MD programs in the CIU Georgia Tbilisi begins at the end of October or November of every year. The students depart from India 10-15 Days before the classes start so they can comfortably settle in the Georgian environment.
PG Option after MBBS in Caucasus International University Tbilisi Georgia
Students after completing MD Program in Georgia may explore multiple options for their Medical PG like India after clearing NEXT, USA after Clearing USMLE, UK after clearing PLAB Exam or Medical PG in Germany. Those who are looking for Medical PG from Georgia need to do one-year of Internship in Georgia after their 6 year of MD Program. Before that they have to clear Georgian Medical PG licensing Exam. Very few of the international students opt for it being program in Georgian and no acceptance in their native country.
Medical PG in India or NExT
During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get the paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!
| Total Applicants NEET PG 2022 | Specialty | Govt Med College | Pvt Med College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | Success Ratio | Seats | ||
| 2.06 Lacs | ||||
| MD (Non Clinical) | 15K | 8.6% | 10K | |
| MS ( Clinical) | 8K | 4.6% | 5K | |
| Total | 23K | 11.4% | 15K | |
Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.
The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam
Medical PG in USA (USMLE)
We are well aware of the difficulty of getting PG in India. With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum much easily. US Healthcare system is considered as one of the best health care systems because of numerous reasons like High rewards, excellent infrastructure, Merit-based assessment, Open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries trying to replicate the US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates USMLE exam are divided into 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during your residency (Medical PG). The USMLE is an online exam and can be taken at the PROMETRIC centers present across India.
MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.
Medical PG IN UK (PLAB)
Due to the close proximity of Georgia to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice medicine in the UK.
In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.
The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).
After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.
By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK is going to change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.
Medical PG in Germany
PG in Germany after MBBS in India is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 that would qualify you to apply for the visa.
Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.
This may sound simple here but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany after your MBBS in India,
Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India
The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 550+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 83000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge ranges from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.
Dreams shatter when any silly mistake in choice filling or wrong selection of college leads to getting a poorly ranked college. Imagine getting paid seats or no seats at all due to a lack of genuine guidance!
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