Pakistani students pursuing MBBS abroad face a critical decision: choosing between affordable destinations that offer quality medical education without the extreme costs of Western countries.
Two popular options, Georgia and Turkey, both promise internationally recognized degrees at reasonable prices, but their cost structures differ significantly.
Georgian universities typically charge lower base tuition with straightforward pricing, while Turkish institutions offer variable costs depending on public versus private status and scholarship availability.
Understanding which country provides better value requires examining total program costs, living expenses, and hidden fees that impact the six-year investment.
Total Program Costs: The Bottom Line
Georgia’s Straightforward Pricing
Georgian medical universities maintain transparent, consistent pricing structures. The complete six-year MBBS program costs between $45,000 to $60,000 at recognized institutions. This total includes tuition for all six years, with minimal annual increases. Top universities like Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgian National University SEU, and David Tvildiani Medical University charge $5,000-8,000 annually for tuition.
The predictability of Georgian pricing helps families budget accurately from the start. Universities rarely implement sudden fee increases, and the quoted price typically covers the entire program duration. This transparency eliminates financial surprises that can derail medical education plans.
Turkey’s Variable Cost Structure
Turkey presents a more complex pricing landscape. Public universities charge $2,000-8,000 annually for Turkish-medium programs and slightly higher for English-medium instruction. However, private medical universities in Turkey range from $12,000-44,000 per year, creating significant cost variations.
First-year costs at Turkish public universities, including tuition, visa fees, and initial setup, can total approximately €1,458 (PKR 465,000). Private institutions charge PKR 3.5-4.5 million for the first year alone. Over six years, public university students might spend $42,000-78,000 total, while private university costs can exceed $250,000.
The Türkiye Burslari Scholarship program offers full funding covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and monthly stipends of approximately $200. However, competition remains intense with thousands of applicants for limited spots.
Breaking Down Living Expenses
Georgia’s Lower Cost of Living
Georgia offers exceptionally affordable living conditions for international students. Monthly expenses typically range from $300-450, covering:
- Accommodation: $150-250 for shared apartments or university dormitories
- Food: $100-150 monthly (restaurants and groceries both affordable)
- Transportation: $15-30 for public transport passes
- Utilities: $30-50 included in most accommodations
- Personal expenses: $50-100
Annual living costs, therefore, amount to approximately $3,600-5,400, significantly lower than most European destinations. Tbilisi, the capital, maintains reasonable prices even in central areas. Smaller cities like Batumi or Kutaisi cost even less while offering quality medical education.
Turkey’s Moderate Living Costs
Turkish living expenses remain reasonable but slightly higher than Georgia. Students typically spend $400-600 monthly on:
- Accommodation: $100-300 depending on city and housing type
- Food: $150-250 (halal food widely available)
- Transportation: $30-50 for student-discounted passes
- Health insurance: $100-200 annually (mandatory)
- Personal expenses: $100-150
Annual living costs range from $5,000-7,000. Istanbul costs more than Ankara or smaller cities. However, Turkey’s larger Pakistani community and cultural familiarity provide comfort that Georgia may lack.
Recognition and Return on Investment
Both countries offer WHO-recognized medical degrees accepted by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), though with important distinctions.
Georgia’s Recognition Status
Georgian medical universities hold recognition from:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
- Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC)
- General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK
Pakistani graduates must pass the PMC’s National Entrance Board (NEB) screening test before practicing in Pakistan. Georgian medical programs prepare students for this requirement through comprehensive curricula aligned with international standards.
Turkey’s Recognition Advantages
Turkish medical degrees hold similar international recognition with additional benefits:
- WHO directory listing
- ECFMG certification for US medical licensing exams
- PMC recognition (NEB test required)
- GMC recognition with additional assessments
Turkey’s longer medical education history and larger number of teaching hospitals provide extensive clinical exposure. However, the recognition process remains comparable for both countries regarding Pakistani practice requirements.
Admission Requirements and Accessibility
Georgia’s Simpler Entry Process
Georgian universities maintain straightforward admission criteria:
- High school certificates (HSSC or A-Levels) with 50-60% in science subjects
- No entrance exam required for most universities
- Basic English proficiency (some universities conduct their own tests)
- Quick processing times (2-4 weeks for admission)
This accessibility makes Georgia attractive for students who performed moderately in secondary education but possess a dedication to medical studies. The absence of competitive entrance exams reduces stress and preparation costs.
Turkey’s More Rigorous Requirements
Turkish medical schools implement stricter admission standards:
- High school certificates with strong science performance (60%+ typically)
- YÖS exam for public universities or SAT scores (1200-1400) for private institutions
- TOEFL (79-90 iBT) or IELTS (6.5-7.0) for English-medium programs
- Longer processing times (6-10 weeks)
These requirements favor academically stronger students but create barriers for those with moderate academic records. However, meeting these standards often indicates better preparation for medical school rigor.
Language of Instruction Considerations
Georgia’s English-Medium Standard
Almost all Georgian medical universities offer English-medium MBBS programs as standard. This eliminates language barriers and allows students to begin medical studies immediately without preparatory years. Clinical rotations occur in English-speaking environments, though learning basic Georgian helps with patient communication.
Turkey’s Language Complexity
Turkish public universities primarily teach in Turkish, requiring a one-year language preparatory program before starting medical courses. This adds time and cost to the degree. Private universities offering English-medium programs charge premium tuition fees, reducing the public university cost advantage.
Students in Turkish-medium programs face steep learning curves but ultimately gain valuable Turkish language skills beneficial for clinical practice. English-medium students in Turkey may struggle during clinical rotations with Turkish-speaking patients.
Scholarship Opportunities
Georgia’s Limited Scholarship Options
Georgian universities offer few government-funded scholarships for international students. Most financial aid comes through:
- University merit scholarships (10-25% tuition reduction)
- Country-specific bilateral agreements (limited for Pakistan)
- Private sponsorships or family funding
Students primarily rely on the naturally low tuition fees rather than scholarships to make education affordable.
Turkey’s Comprehensive Scholarship Programs
Turkey provides extensive scholarship opportunities:
Türkiye Burslari Scholarship: Full funding including tuition, accommodation, health insurance, Turkish language course, monthly stipend ($200), and airfare. Applications open January-February.
University Scholarships: Private universities offer 25-75% tuition reductions based on entrance exam performance and academic records.
These scholarships can make Turkish medical education cheaper than in Georgia for high-achieving students who secure funding. However, without scholarships, Turkey often costs more.
Cultural and Lifestyle Factors
Georgia’s Secular Environment
Georgia offers a secular, European-influenced society with growing international student communities. Pakistani students find:
- Safe, welcoming environment
- Halal food availability in major cities
- Small but supportive Pakistani student community
- Lower cultural familiarity compared to Turkey
The adjustment period requires more effort, but most students adapt within the first semester.
Turkey’s Cultural Familiarity
Turkey provides strong cultural connections for Pakistani students:
- Large, established Pakistani communities in major cities
- Widespread halal food availability
- Similar Islamic cultural context
- Easier family visits due to better flight connectivity
This familiarity reduces homesickness and cultural shock, though it may limit exposure to diverse international environments.
Making the Financial Decision
Choose Georgia if:
- Budget remains fixed with limited flexibility
- Straightforward, predictable costs are priorities
- Entrance exam preparation poses challenges
- Immediate English-medium instruction is essential
- Total program cost matters more than the living environment
Choose Turkey if:
- Strong academic record qualifies for scholarships
- Language learning or Turkish proficiency would benefit a career
- Cultural familiarity and the larger Pakistani community provide comfort
- Access to extensive clinical facilities is priorities
Cost Comparison Summary
Georgia Total 6-Year Investment:
- Tuition: $45,000-60,000
- Living expenses: $21,600-32,400
- Total: $66,600-92,400
Turkey Total 6-Year Investment (Public Universities):
- Tuition: $12,000-48,000
- Living expenses: $30,000-42,000
- Language preparation: $1,000-2,000
- Total: $43,000-92,000
Turkey Total 6-Year Investment (Private Universities without Scholarship):
- Tuition: $72,000-264,000
- Living expenses: $30,000-42,000
- Total: $102,000-306,000
For most Pakistani families operating on fixed budgets, Georgia provides the most predictable and affordable path to an MBBS degree. Turkey becomes competitive only when students secure substantial scholarships or gain admission to public universities with Turkish-medium programs.
Professional education consultants help evaluate individual financial situations, academic profiles, and career goals to determine the optimal choice. They provide application support, scholarship guidance, and visa assistance for both destinations.
Get Expert Guidance for Your MBBS Abroad Decision
Choosing between Georgia and Turkey requires analyzing your academic profile, financial capacity, and career goals. Our education consultants specialize in medical school placements for Pakistani students, providing personalized recommendations based on your circumstances.
We offer comprehensive services, including:
- Financial planning and cost analysis
- University selection matching your budget
- Application and documentation support
- Scholarship application assistance
- Visa processing coordination
Contact Wizmo Consultants for expert MBBS abroad counseling.
Call: +92 300-8788013
Visit: wizmoconsultants.com
Email: contact@wizmoconsultants.com
Schedule your free consultation today and make an informed decision about your medical education investment.
Related Resources:
- Study in Georgia for Pakistani Students
- Is Georgia Good for MBBS?
- Cost of Studying and Living in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia is generally cheaper with total six-year costs of $66,600-92,400 compared to Turkey’s public universities at $43,000-92,000 (requiring Turkish language study) or private universities at $102,000-306,000. Georgia offers predictable, transparent pricing, while Turkey’s costs vary significantly based on university type and scholarship availability.
Yes, both countries’ medical degrees hold PMC recognition. Graduates from both Georgia and Turkey must pass the National Entrance Board (NEB) screening test before practicing medicine in Pakistan. Both countries’ universities appear in WHO’s directory of recognized medical schools.
Georgian universities offer English-medium MBBS programs requiring no Georgian language knowledge for studies. Turkish public universities primarily teach in Turkish, requiring a one-year preparatory program. Turkish private universities offer English-medium programs at significantly higher costs.
Turkey offers substantially better scholarship options through the Türkiye Burslari program, providing full funding, plus university merit scholarships, reducing tuition by 25-75%. Georgia has limited scholarship opportunities, relying instead on naturally low tuition fees to remain affordable.
Georgia’s living expenses range from $300-450 monthly ($3,600-5,400 annually), while Turkey costs $400-600 monthly ($5,000-7,000 annually). Georgia provides lower accommodation and food costs, though Turkey offers greater cultural familiarity and larger Pakistani communities.