Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) in Tbilisi, Georgia, is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad. Recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), World Health Organization (WHO), FAIMER, and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), a degree from GRUNI carries global validity and opens doors to medical practice across multiple countries, including India after clearing the FMGE/NExT examination.
Established in 1992, GRUNI combines affordable tuition fees, English-medium instruction, European-standard education, and strong clinical training – making it a top choice among over 1,000 international students from 20+ countries who enrol each year.
Parameter | Details |
Official Name | Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) |
Established | 1992 (originally as ‘Alma Mater’; renamed 1995) |
Location | Irina Enukidze 3, Tbilisi 0159, Georgia |
Type | Private University |
Medium of Instruction | English |
MBBS Duration | 6 Years (5 Years Academic + 1 Year Clinical Internship) |
Annual Tuition Fee | USD 5,000 – 5,500 per year |
Hostel Fee | USD 2,500 per year |
Recognition | NMC (India), WHO, FAIMER, WDOMS |
4ICU National Ranking | 22nd in Georgia |
UNESCO Recognition | Among top 5 universities in Georgia |
Partner Hospitals | PINEO Multi-Speciality Hospital (350 beds, 1,000+ patients/day) |
International Partners | 24 international partner universities |
Official Website | grigolrobakidzeuniversity.org |
Grigol Robakidze University was founded in 1992 in Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia. Initially named ‘Alma Mater,’ the institution was renamed in 1995 by a resolution of the Academic Council in honour of the celebrated Georgian poet, philosopher, and thinker Grigol Robakidze, whose ideals of free thought and the synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophies deeply align with the university’s academic mission.
In 1995, GRUNI became one of only five higher education institutions in Georgia to be included in the global inventory of higher education institutions maintained by UNESCO. Today, it stands among the top five universities in the country based on student employment data compiled by the UNESCO International Institute of Education Management.
The university’s mission is to cultivate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and practical competence – preparing graduates who are globally competitive in high-demand fields including Medicine, Law, Business, and the Social Sciences.
For Indian students, one of the most critical factors when choosing an MBBS university abroad is whether it is recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Grigol Robakidze University is fully NMC-approved, ensuring that its graduates are eligible to appear for the FMGE/NExT examination and practise medicine in India upon passing it.
Recognising Body | Significance for Indian Students |
National Medical Commission (NMC), India | Graduates eligible to sit for FMGE/NExT and practice medicine in India |
World Health Organization (WHO) | Global recognition of the medical degree |
FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of Int’l Medical Education) | Listed in FAIMER International Medical Education Directory |
World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) | Degree globally valid; accepted in most countries |
UNESCO International Institute | Among top 5 universities in Georgia by employment outcomes |
Georgia’s Ministry of Education | Nationally licensed and regulated institution |
The MBBS programme at Grigol Robakidze University follows a 6-year curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical exposure. The medium of instruction is English throughout the programme, making it highly accessible to Indian and other international students.
Year | Focus Area |
Year 1 | Basic Sciences – Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry |
Year 2 | Pre-Clinical Sciences – Histology, Pathology, Microbiology |
Year 3 | Para-Clinical Sciences – Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine |
Year 4 | Clinical Sciences – General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology |
Year 5 | Advanced Clinical Rotations – Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics |
Year 6 (Internship) | Mandatory Clinical Internship in affiliated hospitals |
GRUNI adopts modern pedagogical approaches that go beyond traditional lecture-based teaching:
One of the strongest reasons Indian students choose GRUNI is its highly affordable and transparent fee structure. There are no capitation fees, no donation charges, and no hidden costs – making financial planning straightforward for students and their families.
Year | Tuition Fee (USD) | Approx. in INR (1 USD ≈ ₹86) |
Year 1 | USD 5,000 – 5,500 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹4,73,000 |
Year 2 | USD 5,000 – 5,500 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹4,73,000 |
Year 3 | USD 5,000 – 5,500 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹4,73,000 |
Year 4 | USD 5,000 – 5,500 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹4,73,000 |
Year 5 | USD 5,000 – 5,500 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹4,73,000 |
Year 6 (Internship) | USD 5,000 – 5,500 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹4,73,000 |
Total Tuition (6 Years) | USD 30,000 – 33,000 | ₹25,80,000 – ₹28,38,000 |
Expense | Approximate Annual Cost |
Hostel / Accommodation | USD 2,500/year (~₹2,15,000) |
Food & Living Expenses | USD 1,200 – 1,800/year (~₹1,03,000 – ₹1,55,000) |
Medical Insurance | USD 200 – 300/year |
Books & Study Material | USD 100 – 200/year |
Local Transport | USD 150 – 250/year |
One-Time Admission / Registration Fee | Approx. USD 500 – 1,000 (one-time) |
Note: Exchange rates and fee amounts are approximate and subject to annual revision. Confirm the latest fee schedule directly with the university or through The MBBS Abroad counsellors.
Indian students must fulfil the following requirements before applying for MBBS at Grigol Robakidze University:
Criterion | Requirement |
Age | Minimum 17 years on or before 31st December of the admission year. No upper age limit. |
10+2 Qualification | Must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) |
PCB Marks – General/EWS | Minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
PCB Marks – OBC/SC/ST | Minimum 40% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
NEET Qualification | Mandatory – must have a valid NEET UG scorecard |
NEET Cutoff (General/EWS) | 144–686 marks (50th percentile) |
NEET Cutoff (OBC/SC/ST) | 113–143 marks (40th percentile) |
English Proficiency | IELTS / TOEFL or evidence of English-medium prior education |
Medical Fitness | Must be medically fit (certificate required at the time of visa) |
The admission process at Grigol Robakidze University is straightforward. Indian students can follow these steps:
Grigol Robakidze University offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students:
Additionally, Indian students may explore external scholarship options including the K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad and the J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship. Contact The MBBS Abroad counsellors for the latest scholarship availability at GRUNI.
For Indian students, the ability to return to India and practice as a doctor depends on clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) – or the upcoming NExT exam. GRUNI consistently ranks among the top Georgian medical universities for FMGE pass rates.
According to data from India’s National Board of Examinations (NBE), the overall FMGE pass rate for graduates from Georgia ranges between 30% and 45%. Grigol Robakidze University outperforms the country average, placing it alongside Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) as one of Georgia’s top FMGE-performing institutions.
Clinical training is the backbone of a quality MBBS education, and GRUNI takes this very seriously through its partnership with PINEO Multi-Speciality Hospital:
Feature | Details |
Hospital Name | PINEO Multi-Speciality Hospital, Tbilisi |
Bed Capacity | 350 beds |
Daily Patient Load | 1,000+ patients per day |
Type | Modern private multi-speciality hospital |
Additional Affiliations | 30+ affiliated hospitals and clinics across Georgia |
Clinical Subjects Covered | Medicine, Surgery, Obs & Gynae, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics |
GRUNI provides well-equipped hostel facilities designed to create a comfortable and focused living environment for international students. Indian students can expect:
Life at GRUNI extends well beyond the classroom. The university fosters a vibrant and culturally diverse campus experience:
Ranking / Recognition Body | Position / Status |
4ICU University Ranking | 22nd in Georgia |
UNESCO Institute of Education Management | Among top 5 universities in Georgia (by student employment) |
NMC (National Medical Commission, India) | Approved / Listed |
WHO (World Health Organization) | Recognised |
FAIMER | Listed in IMED (International Medical Education Directory) |
WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools) | Listed |
United Nations Website | Featured in 2025 for alignment with UN SDGs |
Here is a comprehensive comparison of what makes GRUNI stand out among MBBS destinations for Indian students:
Advantage | Why It Matters |
NMC & WHO Recognised | Degree valid in India; graduates eligible for FMGE/NExT |
Affordable Tuition (~$5,000/yr) | Total MBBS cost significantly lower than Indian private colleges |
No Capitation / Donation Fees | Completely merit-based; no hidden charges |
English-Medium Instruction | No language barrier; curriculum familiar to Indian students |
Strong FMGE Pass Rate | One of the best among Georgian medical universities |
European Education Standards | Georgia is a signatory to the Bologna Process |
Safe & Student-Friendly City | Tbilisi ranked among the safest cities for international students |
Clinical Exposure | 350-bed PINEO Hospital with 1,000+ patients/day + 30 affiliated hospitals |
Small Batch Sizes | Personalised attention and better student-faculty interaction |
Erasmus+ Exchange | Opportunity to study in Europe during the programme |
24 International Partners | Global exposure and research collaboration opportunities |
Vibrant Indian Community | Established Indian student support network in Tbilisi |
Georgia has rapidly emerged as one of the top destinations in Europe for affordable, high-quality MBBS education. Here is why:
After completing MBBS at GRUNI, graduates have multiple career options:
Practice in India
Pursue Postgraduate Specialisation
Practice Internationally
Yes, Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) is fully recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. It is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognised by the WHO and FAIMER. This means Indian graduates from GRUNI are eligible to appear for the FMGE or NExT examination to practise medicine in India.
The annual tuition fee at GRUNI is approximately USD 5,000 to USD 5,500 per year. Over the 6-year MBBS programme, the total tuition cost comes to approximately USD 30,000 to USD 33,000 (₹25.8 to ₹28.4 lakhs). Additional costs include hostel (~USD 2,500/year), food, and personal expenses. Importantly, there are no donation or capitation fees.
Yes. As per NMC regulations, Indian students must have a valid NEET UG qualification to enrol in an MBBS programme at any foreign medical university and return to practise in India. General/EWS category students need a minimum of 50th percentile, while OBC/SC/ST students need the 40th percentile.
The medium of instruction for the MBBS programme at GRUNI is English throughout all 6 years. This eliminates language barriers for Indian students and ensures seamless preparation for international medical licensing exams like FMGE, USMLE, or PLAB.
Grigol Robakidze University consistently ranks among the top Georgian medical universities for FMGE performance. While the national average for Georgia-based graduates ranges between 30% and 45%, GRUNI graduates typically outperform this average due to the university’s structured curriculum, strong clinical training, and English-medium education that closely aligns with the NMC syllabus.
Yes. GRUNI provides fully furnished hostel accommodation at an approximate cost of USD 2,500 per year. The hostel includes nutritious meals, high-speed Wi-Fi, hot water, laundry facilities, 24-hour security, study spaces, and recreational areas.
Key documents include: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates, NEET scorecard, valid passport, passport photographs, birth certificate, medical fitness certificate, English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL or English-medium certificate), and bank statements. A complete checklist is available through The MBBS Abroad counselors.
Yes, GRUNI offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to eligible students. Applicants with strong academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply early and enquire about current scholarship availability with The MBBS Abroad.
Yes, for Indian students, English proficiency certification (IELTS or TOEFL) is typically required. However, students who have completed their Class 10 and 12 in English-medium schools may provide relevant documentation as proof. It is advisable to confirm current requirements with the university or through The MBBS Abroad.
You can apply through The MBBS Abroad (thembbsabroad.com) by filling out our free counselling form. Our team will guide you through the entire process – from eligibility assessment, document preparation, application submission, visa support, and pre-departure guidance – completely free of cost for students.