Can I Practice in the UK After MBBS in Georgia? PLAB & UKMLA Pathways

For practicing in the UK, the graduates need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC). This requires clearing the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) exam and also providing proficiency in the English language through the IELTS exam or the OET exam. It is also significant to ensure that the Georgian Medical University of the candidates is listed within the World Directory of Medical Schools. 

This article offers an in-depth step-by-step guide to assist graduates in knowing the processes to practice in the UK after an MBBS in Georgia. Moreover, it offers a step-by-step guide for the PLAB exam or the new UKMLA exam, GMC registration for foreign graduates, visa requirements, and job prospects in the NHS.

Is an MBBS in Georgia Valid in the UK?

An MBBS in Georgia is recognized by the UK after the university is listed with the General Medical Council (GMC). 

The steps to practice in the UK are.

• Students must have graduated from an accredited Georgian medical university.
• Students have cleared the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam.
• Students have to apply for GMC registration to practice as a licensed doctor.

What is the Pathway to Practice in the UK?

The pathways for practicing in the UK are provided in a table below.

Can I practice in the UK after an MBBS in Georgia?

A direct validity for practicing in the UK after completing an MBBS degree from Georgia is not present; however, it might result in medical practice in the UK if the students clear the PLAB exam and get the registration with the GMC. The procedures to practice in UK, holding an MBBS in Georgia, will include: 

• Step 1: MBBS completion in Georgia- To practice in the UK, students should choose a Georgian university that also holds a world accreditation, as the worldwide recognized accreditors are the WHO and the National Medical Commission. 
• Step 2: The PLAB Exam- Students must complete graduation from MBBS in Georgia before taking the PLAB exam (2 parts), which in turn enables them to evaluate their clinical level in addition to their proficiency in the English language.
• Step 3: Registration with GMC- After passing the PLAB exams, students can apply to the GMC for registration to practice medicine within the UK.
• Step 4: Application for foundation training- Once registered with the GMC, students may apply to programmes in the UK of foundation training.

What is the Step-by-Step Guide for the PLAB exam?

PLAB exam provides an opportunity to the students to get a chance to practise medicine in the UK, and this exam includes Part 1 and Part 2. PLAB 1 is a written test that has a total of 180 multiple-choice questions, and a single best answer is required for each set of questions. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a structured clinical examination or practical objective examination, also called the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). Now, look below to know the steps that will give you a guide for taking the PLAB exam.

• The PLAB exam is conducted by the GMC UK to determine whether, for the exam, the applicants have the correct understanding and skill set for practising medicine in the UK. 
• At first, applicants have to set up their “Online GMC Account”, then insert details of their medical qualifications as well as their English language.
• The verification of the details will then be done by the authorities, and they will check if the Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) of students meets the needs of the exam.
• The PMQ of candidates should be within allopathic medicine and is awarded by an institution that is in the list of World Directory of Medical Schools and that is accepted by the GMC presently.
• The IELTS Academic examination is the only one that can be used to register to undergo the PLAB 1 examination and the rest do not qualify as they are IELTS Indicator and IELTS Online examinations. The final average adding up to 7.5 should be reflected in the IELTS with minimum 7.0 in each section. 
• For the OET exams in terms of PLAB 1 exam, the accepted ones are OET On Paper, OET at Home and OET on Computer. 
• Once the above needs are satisfied, a candidate can complete the establishment of a GMC account, and continue by booking a slot to the PLAB exam.
• Candidates can book Part 1, and after clearing Part 1, they can book Part 2 through logging into their online GMC account.
• On having 4 unsuccessful attempts, in case they feel they want to retake the exam they can request an extra attempt (attempt 5). 
• The fifth attempt is the last attempt and it is the last amount of an attempt. Once again, when an applicant fails in the fifth attempt, the applicant will be unable to take the exam in the future. 
• To register for part 2 of the PLAB, the applicants must have successfully passed part 1 of the PLAB. 
• Upon successfully completing both sections of the PLAB exam, a candidate may seek registration with the GMC upon being licensed to practise, and once the registration is correctly granted they are free to practice in the UK.

What is the Step-by-Step Guide for the new UKMLA exam?

The United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) exam or MLA engages in testing the main knowledge, behaviours, and skills of doctors who want to practise in the UK. The step-by-step guide for the new UKMLA exam is.

• The MLA includes two components that are Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) as well as Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).
• The medical students of UK who have graduated in the academic year of 2024-25 need to pass the MLA for their degree, whereas students who complete MBBS in Georgia cannot register for UKMLA directly; instead, they are required to take PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams, which are currently aligned with the UKMLA content map.

What is the GMC (General Medical Council) registration process for foreign graduates?

It is a rule by law that all practising doctors within the UK should be registered with the GMC, UK. The foreign nationals who want to work as a doctor in the UK but have not pursued their medical degree in the UK have to prove their capability by qualifying for the PLAB exam. The registration process for the foreign graduates in GMC is.

• An online application must be completed by candidates for registration through the GMC Online.
• An email will be sent to the candidates for providing evidence.
• Candidates must collect all their documents and scan them into a single PDF file.
• Candidates should email the scanned documents within 28 days after receiving the above email.
• The documents will be assessed by the GMC within 5 days.
• The application will be marked as complete if all the evidence provided is sufficient, or else another email will be received for providing further evidence within 14 days.
• Candidates must attend an ID check if they have not already completed it during their visit to the UK for the PLAB 2 exam.
• Candidates will be granted registration after all the requested evidence has been presented at the ID check.
• Overall, PMQ, Proof of Clinical knowledge and skills, evidence of internship or equivalent experience, English proficiency, certificate of good standing, activities for the past 5 years, and identity check in the UK are the steps for GMC registration for foreign graduates.

Read More: MBBS in UK

Possibility of going directly to UK for the Indian students after completion of MBBS from Georgia

The Indian students, after completing their MBBS from Georgia can engage in pursuing further medical studies within the UK. However, they have to clear the PLAB exam for being eligible to practice medicine over there. This depicts that the students cannot go directly to the UK if they do not first clear the licensing exam.

Can I come back to India after MBBS in Georgia?

Yes, students can come back to India after studying MBBS in Georgia; however, the steps for practicing in India are provided below.

• Step 1: Choose a university in Georgia that is approved by NMC (National Medical Commission) before getting enrolled.
• Step 2: Complete your MBBS degree as well as internship by meeting all the needs of the program, such as 1 year of internship that needs to be completed in Georgia.
• Step 3: When you return to India, you have to pass the forthcoming NExT (National Exit Test) that will replace the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination).
• Step 4: After you pass the exam, you need to apply for registration with NMC for obtaining a license to practice in India.

What to do after completing MBBS from Georgia?

After completion of MBBS from Georgia, students can focus on clinical practice in Georgia, or come back to their home country for licensing along with practice, or look for postgraduate education to specialize further. For practicing in India, students have to pass the NExT and for international practice, students have to pass the particular licensing exams of the country, like USMLE for USA and PLAB for the UK.

Are FMGE and NExT the same?

No, FMGE and NExT are not the same, although NExT is considered to replace FMGE. FMGE is regarded as the existing screening exam for foreign medical graduates; however, the NExT will be a unified, new exam for all the medical graduates including Indian and foreign for both getting a license as well as qualifying for the postgraduate studies.

Can I give USMLE after MBBS in Georgia?

The graduates after completing MBBS from Georgia can take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) in order their medical university has been recognized by ECFMG as well as listed in WDOMS. The step-by-step guide for eligibility for the USMLE after MBBS in Georgia is listed below.

• Verify the recognition of the University.
• Submit your credentials to ECFMG for verification.
• Pass the 3 steps of USMLE that include Basic Sciences, Clinical Knowledge, and Postgraduate level.
• Obtain US clinical experience (USCE).
• Apply for the Residency (NRMP Match).
• Get the State Medical Licensure.

Is a medical degree from Georgia valid in the USA?

Yes, a medical degree from Georgia has validity in the USA; however, it needs graduates for meeting all the licensing requirements of the US. This includes completion of a degree from a recognized Georgian university, passing USMLE, and getting a residency program along with a state medical license for practicing in the US.

Which countries accept Georgian medical degrees?

Countries such as the UK, USA, India as well as other European nations accept Georgian medical degrees; however, the graduates must pass the particular licensing exams of the country. This includes PLAB for the UK, USMLE for US, and NExT/FMGE for India. The graduates can study postgraduate education or can practice in other nations with the help of fulfilling their unique licensing requirements, along with language needs.

What are the Visa requirements for Practice in the UK?

If you want to work as a doctor in the UK, you will generally require a Tier 2 (General) visa that is presently called the Health and Care Worker Visa. The requirements for visa in the UK are detailed in the steps below.

What are the Job prospects in the NHS?

To work in the UK, individuals can create a stable career in the NHS. The initial job roles are junior doctors with a salary of £32,000–£37,000 (₹38,31,597-₹44,30,284) yearly; however, with experience and specialty training, the salary can increase to £50,000–£70,000+ (₹59,86,871-₹83,81,619). The salary range can vary based on skills and experience, and the salary range for job roles in the NHS is  provided below.

Conclusion

From the overall evaluation, candidates can get a detailed understanding and information related to the steps to practice in the UK after completion of MBBS in Georgia, in terms of GMC registration, PLAB exam, and demonstrating English proficiency through IELTS or OET.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: How can individuals become a doctor in the UK after completing MBBS in Georgia?

Ans: Individuals need to pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, complete GMC registration, complete an ID check, get a Health and Care Worker (Skilled Worker) visa and then secure employment in the NHS.

Ques: What are the exam requirements in PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 for Georgian medical graduates?

Ans: PLAB 1 engages in testing the clinical knowledge of applicants with 180 MCQs, however, PLAB 2 is an OSCE exam that assesses the clinical skills, practical application of medical understanding and patient communication.

Ques: What is the GMC registration process for international medical graduates from Georgia?

Ans: Graduates need to verify qualifications, pass the PLAB exam, provide the English proficiency, proof of internship, have a good standing certificate, complete the online application in GMC and attend an ID check for the registration approval.

Ques: What are the Visa requirements for doctors from Georgia to work in the NHS?

Ans: Doctors need a Skilled Worker visa that is sponsored by a licensed UK employer, and have a GMC registration proof, English proficiency, financial maintenance as well as a valid NHS offer.

Ques: What are the opportunities for jobs for Georgian doctors in NHS hospitals?

Ans: After completing PLAB and registration in GMC, Georgian doctors can get jobs related to junior doctors, GP trainees, or specialty trainees with opportunities for career growth in different hospital specialties of the NHS.

Ques: What are the disadvantages of doing MBBS in Georgia?

Ans: The disadvantages of doing MBBS in Georgia are a language barrier with the local population, less clinical exposure because of a lower patient population, passing the FMGE or NExT exam for Indian students, absence of an Indian embassy in the country.

Ques: Do Georgians need a visa for the UK?

Ans: Yes, the Georgian citizens require a visa for entering the UK. They are visa-exempt and need to apply for the required visa category, including a visitor or student visa, before traveling.

Ques: How to get a license after MBBS in Georgia?

Ans: After MBBS in Georgia, for getting a medical license, students need to pass the NPDQE (National Post-Diploma Qualification Exam) that is a Georgian licensing exam and also complete a residency program.

Ques: Is MBBS in Georgia better than India?

Ans: The choice of studying MBBS in the country depends on the priorities of the students, however doing MBBS in Georgia is a feasible alternative for the Indian students, specially because of international outlook and affordability.

Read More: Differences Between Studying MBBS in Georgia & MBBS in India 2025

Ques: Is a Georgian medical degree valid in Europe?

Ans: Yes, a Georgian medical degree is normally valid in Europe, but students have to clear the licensing exams of the particular country and fulfill all its needs. 

Ques: Is a Georgian medical degree valid in Canada?

Ans: A Georgian medical degree has no direct validity to practice medicine in Canada, however, it can be recognized after passing the required licensing exams as well as completing other requirements. 

Ques: Can Georgian doctors work in Germany?

Ans: To work in Germany, the Georgian doctors have to first get German medical licensure, that requires the demonstration of German language proficiency (at least B2 with C1 recommended) and also having their medical degree evaluated for the equivalence to the German standards.

About the Author

I am Srijita Saha, and I am an academic writer at Select Your University. I have 3 years of experience in the field of academic writing and have expertise in developing SEO content. I prioritize creating well-researched as well as insightful articles that engage users about universities, institutes, and educational programs.