Life At Tbilisi State Medical University (TMSU)

I would like to share with you my student experience at the Tbilisi State Medical University. I came all the way from India to get my medical degree at TSMU in order to achieve my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. In my previous article, I briefly mentioned the cultural differences and all the other things that I encountered when I arrived in Tbilisi for the first time.

Tbilisi State Medical University is situated in Tbilisi which is the capital of Georgia. It is one of the most prominent universities in the Caucasus region. Despite its location, a little far from the heart of the city, it is well connected with frequent trains, buses, minivans and taxis. The university has a Latin motto: "Per Traditiones Ad Futurum" which means "With Traditions To The Future". It stands true as the university was built in the early 19th century and stands without losing its pride till date in the whole Caucasus region.

The university offers various courses with the main one being the "Diploma in Medicine", followed by various other courses such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Emergency Medicine, etc. 10% of students are foreign, most of them are from India (including me) and also from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Triniad and Tobago, etc. The university is also recognized by some of the world's renowned organizations such as UNESCO, WHO, EMSA, EUA, etc. Students can enrol as a part of students exchange program and admission procedures are on the university´s website.

The annual fee for the university is not that expensive. It comes to about $3000- $3500 at present which can be paid as two semesters from the second year onwards. The university follows the European Union syllabus which makes it easier for the foreign students. The overall duration in case of the MD (Diploma In Medicine) course is 6 years which is divided into 2 years of basics, 1 year of preclinical practice and 3 years of clinical courses.

In each class, there are around 10-14 students. The infrastructure of the classes may not be the best in the world but it is definitely a good one to study in. The classes are furnished and equipped with heating facilities to withstand the freezing conditions during winter. The teachers of the international sector are qualified in English despite the fact that the local students do their degrees in their own mother tongue, Georgian. The university has a library which has a collection of medical and medical related books in English and other foreign languages. There are reading halls which give the students a peaceful place to study. There is also an additional computer room with an internet connection for any additional references.

The university has its links with many clinics around the city which enables the students to get some clinical knowledge during their study time. The university also holds an annual cultural meeting for the foreign students which enables the students from different cultures to put forward their knowledge. There are also many conferences where many professors from the entire world visit the university and deliver lectures to the students and thus giving them a wide exposure to their field. EMSA, which also acts as the TSMU Students Self Government Union, conducts many seminars and conferences where students are given a chance to participate and share their thoughts on their field of interest with others. To conclude, TSMU is a good place to study. Enjoy it and make your dreams come true!