Quick Recap
- Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) in Tbilisi, Georgia, offers a globally recognized 6-year MBBS-equivalent MD program.
- It is NMC, WHO, ECFMG, and WFME approved, with instruction fully in English and modern infrastructure.
- The total cost is ₹50–60 lakh, making it more affordable than Indian private medical colleges.
- Graduates can practice in India, USA, UK, Gulf countries after clearing respective licensing exams.
- GRUNI offers strong ROI over 10–20 years, especially for students who perform well in FMGE.
Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI), Tbilisi, Georgia, was founded in 1992 as a private university. It offers a globally recognised 6-year MD program (equivalent to MBBS in India), structured on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), comprising approximately 360 credits over 12 semesters. The program is taught entirely in English, making it comfortable for Indian students.
The MD program at GRUNI is an integrated curriculum spanning both pre-clinical and clinical phases. Students also have the flexibility to accelerate their studies by taking additional credits and potentially completing the course in 5 years, although 6 years is the norm.
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GRUNI holds significant global recognitions.
- It follows the course structure approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
- It is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- Certified by ECFMG and WFME, enabling eligibility for USMLE and other global licensing exams
The university has built a reputation over three decades and hosts a growing international students. It is equipped with modern infrastructure such as simulation labs, a 20,000+ volume library, and interactive classrooms. Faculty members are English-proficient and maintain a favourable student-teacher ratio.
But above all what students and parents want to know is the return they will get after investment. The Return on Investment becomes key point in deciding to choose a medical college. In this blog I will be dissecting and analysing ROI in MBBS at Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI).
ROI Analysis of MBBS at GRUNI
Total Cost of Education
What makes Grigol Robakidze University (Georgia) famous among Indian students is its affordability compared to Indian private medical colleges or Western universities.
Tuition Fees:
- $5,500/year
- Total tuition over 6 years: $33,000
Hostel Fees:
- $2,500/year
- Total hostel cost: $15,000
Living Expenses:
- $250–300/month for food and personal expenses (~₹15,000–20,000)
- Total personal living expenses over 6 years: ~$18,000–25,000
Total 6-Year Cost:
- Tuition + Hostel: $48,000
- Including personal expenses: $60,000–70,000
Notably, GRUNI does not charge any capitation or donation fees, and merit-based scholarships may be available.
Career Outcomes and Licensing
Graduates of GRUNI are eligible to take the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) in India. NEET-UG qualification is mandatory for Indian students intending to return to practice in India.
FMGE Pass Rates:
- 2024: 20.66%
- 2023: 17.45%
- 2022: 30.79%
- 2021: 20.7%
The pass rate aligns with the global average for foreign graduates. GRUNI offers academic support oriented toward licensing exams.
Internship: Indian students must complete a 12-month internship in India post-FMGE/NExT unless their clinical training abroad meets NMC standards.
Postgraduate Opportunities: Graduates can:
- Take NEET-PG or NExT for MD/MS in India
- Pursue USMLE for U.S. residency
- Appear for PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), or other licensure exams
Practice Locations:
- India: Government/private hospitals, clinics, or public health
- Gulf countries: MOH/DHA licensed roles with higher pay
- Western countries: After required exams and training
Average Salary Expectations
In India:
- Initial: ₹6–7 lakh/year
- With PG: ₹15–30 lakh/year
- Senior consultant: ₹30+ lakh/year
Abroad:
- USA: $200,000–300,000/year (~₹1.6–2.4 crore)
- UK: £50,000–100,000/year (~₹50 lakh–1 crore)
- Gulf: $3,000–5,000/month (~₹2.5–4 lakh/month)
Apply directly at Official Website: grigolrobakidzeuniversity.org
MBBS at GRUNI: ROI Analysis Over 10–20 Years
Initial Investment
| Component | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (6 years) | ₹45–50 lakh |
| Hostel & Living Expenses | ₹6–10 lakh |
| Total Investment | ₹50–60 lakh |
ROI Analysis (India-Based Practice)
| Career Phase | Annual Income (Est.) | Cumulative Income | Net Return (after ₹60L investment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1–3 (Post-MBBS) | ₹6–8 lakh | ₹18–24 lakh | (–₹36–42L still to recover) |
| Year 4–7 (PG or Experience) | ₹9–12 lakh | ₹36–48 lakh (total) | (–₹12–24L left to recover) |
| Year 8–10 (Specialist/Consultant) | ₹15–20 lakh | ₹1.0–1.2 crore | ₹40–60 lakh surplus |
| 10-Year Summary | — | ₹1.0–1.2 crore | ~2× ROI |
20-Year ROI (India-Based Practice)
| Period | Average Annual Income | Cumulative Income | Total ROI vs. ₹60L Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1–10 | ₹10–12 lakh | ₹1.0–1.2 crore | ~2× ROI |
| Year 11–20 | ₹20–30 lakh | ₹2.0–3.0 crore | ~4–6× ROI |
| 20-Year Summary | — | ₹3.0–4.0 crore | High ROI, strong wealth creation |
ROI If Practicing Abroad (e.g. US, UK)
| Parameter | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary Abroad (US) | ₹1.5–2.0 crore/year |
| Time to Breakeven | Less than 1 year |
| 20-Year Earnings Abroad | ₹10–15 crore (or higher) |
| ROI Abroad | 20× or more of investment |
Is MBBS at GRUNI Worth It?
| Criteria | GRUNI |
|---|---|
| Affordability vs. Indian Pvt MBBS | Lower total cost (₹50–60L vs. ₹1 Cr) |
| Indian Practice ROI (20 years) | Strong ROI (~4–6X), steady income growth |
| Abroad Practice ROI | Very High ROI, breakeven in 1–2 years |
| Long-term Financial Viability | Education pays off comfortably over career |
| Risk Factors | Delayed income, FMGE dependency |
Comparison with Other Georgian Medical Universities
All NMC-listed Georgian universities, including GRUNI, offer 6-year English-medium MBBS programs. Examples:
- Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU)
- David Tvildiani Medical University
- New Vision University
- Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
- Caucasus International University
Fees:
- Range: $5,000–$8,000/year
- GRUNI is low-range ($5,500/year) and most affordable university
FMGE Pass Rates:
- Varies by university
- GRUNI ~20–30%
- New Vision: >50%
- David Tvildiani: ~75%
Conclusion on ROI: Regardless of the university, the key factor influencing ROI is student performance, especially success in licensing exams. GRUNI provides a globally recognised MBBS program at a moderate cost, making it a financially viable path for Indian students aiming for a career in medicine either in India or abroad.
Grigol Robakidze University represents a cost-effective, NMC-approved choice for Indian medical aspirants. With a total investment of ₹50-55 lakh, global recognitions, and broad post-graduate prospects, the MBBS program at GRUNI can yield solid returns over a 10 to 20-year medical career. The long-term benefits, both financial and professional, make it a viable and strategic option for Indian students seeking quality medical education abroad.
