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

RD
Rajat Diwakar • 7 Mins read • 17 Sep 25
USMLE after MBBS in GeorgiaUSMLE after MBBS in Georgia

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

  • Step 1 (Basic Sciences): This can be taken after completing at least two years of medical school. 
  • Step 2 (Clinical Skills): This step is crucial for demonstrating clinical and communication skills and is now often fulfilled through the ECFMG Pathways. 
  • Step 3 (Patient Management): This is the final exam, assessing the ability to practice medicine independently.
  • ECFMG certification.

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

Tbilisi State Medical University

$8000

WDOMS listed, high USMLE pass rate

Batumi Shota Rustaveli University

$5000

Affordable, English medium MBBS

Georgian American University

$6,000

US style curriculum, good Step 1 preparation

Caucasus International University

$6,000

Dedicated USMLE coaching support

New Vision University

$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.