USMLE After MBBS in Georgia: Preparation, Eligibility, Fees & Success Tips

Dreaming of a medical career in the USA but worried about the cost of medical school there? Choosing MBBS in Georgia could be your smartest move. Over the past few years, MBBS in Georgia has become a popular choice for Indian students because of its affordable tuition fees of around $4,000–$8,000 per year, globally recognized degrees, and English medium MBBS programs.
Students who pursue MBBS in Georgia get quality education at a lower cost and gain eligibility to take international licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, and NExT. For many students, the goal is clear: to take the USMLE after MBBS in Georgia and start a successful medical career in the United States.
Before you pack your bags, it is important to know exactly how the USMLE works, whether Georgian MBBS graduates are eligible, the total cost of the journey, and which top universities in Georgia offer the best support for USMLE preparation.
This blog guide covers everything you need to know, from USMLE eligibility criteria, step-by-step breakdown of exams, tuition fees of top universities, and the USMLE success rate from Georgia, so a candidate can plan their journey with confidence.
USMLE Eligibility for Georgian Medical Graduates
To take the USMLE after MBBS in Georgia, students must meet these basic requirements
Requirement | Quick Information |
Recognized University | Must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and approved by ECFMG. |
Degree Completion |
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English Proficiency | OET Medicine required from 2026 onwards for ECFMG Pathways. |
Documents | Passport, transcripts, and proof of enrollment or degree. |
Steps By Step Guide For USMLE Eligible After MBBS in Georgia
Georgian MBBS graduates can take the USMLE if their medical university is ECFMG recognized and listed in WDOMS.
Step | What to Do | Key Note |
Verify University Recognition | Confirm your university is in WDOMS and approved by ECFMG. | Mandatory for USMLE eligibility. |
Apply for ECFMG Certification | Submit credentials to ECFMG for verification. | Needed before Step 1 and Step 2 registration. |
Pass USMLE Steps | Step 1 (Basic Sciences), Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge), Step 3 (Postgraduate level). | Step 2 CS is no longer required. |
Gain US Clinical Experience (USCE) | Observerships, electives, or externships. | Improves residency match chances. |
Apply for Residency (NRMP Match) | Enter Match after ECFMG certification. | Most states require 2+ years of ACGME training. |
Get State Medical Licensure | Apply to the state medical board after residency. | Complete within 7–10 years from first exam. |
USMLE: Fees
Understanding the USMLE process is crucial for MBBS in Georgia students planning to practice in the USA.
Step | Focus | Approximately Fee (USD) | When to Take |
Step 1 | Basic Sciences (MCQ) | $1,000–$1,050 | After 2nd or 3rd year of MBBS |
Step 2 CK | Clinical Knowledge | $1,000–$1,050 | Final year or after graduation |
OET Medicine | English Test | $450-500 | Before ECFMG Certification |
Step 3 | Clinical Skills and Management | $900-1000 | After ECFMG certification and 1 year internship |
Top MBBS Universities in Georgia for USMLE
Choosing the right university makes a big difference in USMLE success rate from Georgia.
University | Annual Fee (USD) | Why It’s Good for USMLE |
$8000 | WDOMS listed, high USMLE pass rate | |
$5000 | Affordable, English medium MBBS | |
$6,000 | US style curriculum, good Step 1 preparation | |
$6,000 | Dedicated USMLE coaching support | |
$7000 | Simulation labs and clinical exposure |
USMLE Pass Rate of Georgian MBBS Graduates
Here is how graduates from Georgia perform in comparison with global USMLE results.
Exam | Global Average Pass Rate | Georgia Average Pass Rate |
Step 1 | 75–80% | 70–75% |
Step 2 CK | 85–90% | 80–85% |
Step 3 | 95%+ | 90–92% |
Cost Benefit Analysis: USMLE After MBBS in Georgia
Pursuing the USMLE after MBBS in Georgia is one of the most popular pathways for Indian students who dream of practicing medicine in the USA. While it requires careful planning and a significant financial commitment, the long term career opportunities and earning potential in the United States can make it well worth the investment.
Cost Breakdown of MBBS in Georgia
Studying MBBS in Georgia is more affordable than in the USA or UK. Here is the detailed expense chart for a 6 year MBBS program
Category | Annual Cost (USD) | 6-Year Total (USD) | Notes |
Tuition Fees | 4,000 – 8,000 | 24,000 – 48,000 | Tbilisi State Medical University and top colleges are on the higher side. |
Accommodation | 2,500 – 4,000 | 15,000 – 24,000 | Hostels average $300–$350/month, private apartments are costlier. |
Food | 1,500 – 2,000 | 9,000 – 12,000 | Indian mess and self cooking options available. |
Transportation | 200 – 400 | 1,200 – 2,400 | Public transport is affordable |
Miscellaneous | 300 – 500 | 1,800 – 3,000 | Covers internet, phone, personal needs, health insurance. |
Total Estimate | 9,500 – 14,500 | 57,000 – 87,000 | Lower cost in smaller cities like Batumi compared to Tbilisi. |
Cost Breakdown of USMLE Journey
After completing MBBS in Georgia, students must invest in exams, clinical exposure, and travel for the USMLE process.
Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
USMLE Exam Fees | 1,900 – 2,000 | Step 1 + Step 2 CK fees combined (Step 3 is separate). |
ECFMG Certification | 500 – 1,000 | Mandatory for USMLE registration and residency match. |
Study Materials & Coaching | 1,500 – 4,000 | Includes UWorld, Kaplan, First Aid books, online courses. |
US Clinical Experience (USCE) | 3,000 – 5,000 | Electives, observerships, or externships in US hospitals. |
Travel & Accommodation | 2,000 – 4,000 | Flights, stay in the US for exams and USCE. |
Visa & Miscellaneous | 500 – 1,500 | Visa fees, SEVIS fee, documentation, health insurance. |
Total USMLE-Related Costs | 8,000 – 15,000 | Varies depending on prep course selection & US stay duration. |
Total Investment for USMLE After MBBS in Georgia
The total investment for USMLE after MBBS in Georgia is mentioned in the table below.
Phase | Cost Range (USD) | Details |
MBBS in Georgia (6 Years) | 57,000 – 87,000 | Tuition, hostel, living expenses |
USMLE + USCE + Travel | 8,000 – 15,000 | Exams, study material, clinical experience |
Total Investment | 65,000 – 102,000 | Full journey cost until residency application |
Drawbacks and Opportunity Costs of USMLE After MBBS in Georgia
While pursuing the USMLE after MBBS in Georgia offers high career rewards, students should also be aware of the financial, time, and professional risks involved. Understanding these challenges can help in planning a realistic pathway to a US medical career.
Drawback | Details |
High Upfront Investment | Total cost can exceed $100,000 |
Intensive Preparation | USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK require 1–2 years of focused study and sometimes extra coaching. |
Visa & Immigration Challenges | Securing a US visa for residency involves additional costs, documentation, and potential delays. |
Delayed Earnings | Time spent preparing and completing exams delays professional practice and early earnings. |
Risk of Not Matching | Even after passing all steps, some candidates may not secure a US residency spot, making ROI uncertain. |
Student Reviews and Success Stories: USMLE After MBBS in Georgia
Many Indian students who completed their MBBS in Georgia and later cleared the USMLE share inspiring success stories. They highlight that with proper planning and focus, it is absolutely possible to achieve a U.S. medical residency after studying in Georgia.
- Quality of Education: Students praise the English-medium programs and hands-on clinical rotations at universities like Tbilisi State Medical University and Batumi Shota Rustaveli University, saying these helped them build a strong foundation for Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
- USMLE Preparation Journey: Most graduates spend 1–2 years after MBBS fully focused on USMLE preparation, often using online coaching and practice question banks. They emphasize dedication and discipline as key to clearing all steps.
- Residency Success: Many students who cleared all USMLE steps and received ECFMG certification have matched into competitive U.S. residency programs. Their stories show that Georgian MBBS graduates can compete internationally if they plan their path early.
Key Testimonials and Success stories
Real life stories prove MBBS in Georgia can lead to USMLE success with dedication.
Graduate | University | Achievement |
Dr. Anjali Patel | Batumi Shota Rustaveli | Cleared Step 1 and Step 2, now doing residency in New York |
Dr. Priya Sharma | Tbilisi State Medical University | Cleared FMGE, preparing for USMLE |
Dr. Rahul Mehta | Georgian American University | Dedicated 1–2 years solely for USMLE prep |
USMLE After MBBS in Georgia: FAQs
Ques: Are MBBS graduates from Georgia eligible for USMLE?
Ans: Yes, if their medical university is ECFMG approved and listed in WDOMS. Most top universities in Georgia like Tbilisi State Medical University and GAU meet this requirement.
Ques: How much does the entire USMLE journey cost after MBBS in Georgia?
Ans: The total cost ranges from $8,000–$15,000, including Step 1, Step 2 CK, OET Medicine, Step 3, USCE, and travel expenses.
Ques: What is the USMLE Step 1 pass rate for Georgian MBBS students?
Ans: Georgian MBBS graduates have an average pass rate of 70–75%, slightly below the global average of 75–80%.
Ques: Which Georgian university has the best USMLE success record?
Ans: Tbilisi State Medical University is considered the best with a consistently high number of students clearing Step 1 and Step 2.
Ques: How long does it take to complete USMLE after MBBS in Georgia?
Ans: On average, students take 2–3 years after graduation to complete all USMLE steps, gain USCE, and apply for residency.